As a seasoned gamer who’s traveled through countless virtual worlds, I can say that stepping into PORTER’s SENSES Trunkshow at The Garbstore feels like entering a new level of retail experience. The intricate blend of Japanese craftsmanship with innovative sensory elements makes this pop-up a true treasure hunt for any bag enthusiast.
The Japanese accessory brand PORTER prides itself on high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, which forms the foundation of its success not only across Asia but also worldwide. By organizing interactive exhibitions as part of its SENSES Trunkshow series, PORTER enhances the shopping experience and recently expanded to Europe, debuting in London for their first event on the continent.
As a gamer, I’m strolling into The Garbstore in Notting Hill’s vibrant London, where PORTER has set up an extensive pop-up. Here, I can personally explore their latest collection. The SENSES installation invites me to feel and sniff the unique features of PORTER’s new line, highlighting their signature aGEL cushioning system by engaging my sense of touch and smell. The scent is released through SHOEIDO fragrances, filling the atmosphere with delicate aromas that waft through scented omamori charms.
Porter is set to bring you two unique bags, exclusively available at The Garbstore, along with some complimentary pins and carabiners. This partnership also features an assortment of items, from printed crewnecks and T-shirts to caps, as part of a limited collection.
I had a chat with PORTER about their recent journey to London, as well as delving into the rich history that underpins the craftsmanship of their premium bags.
Is there any reason or significance behind the fact that SENSES is being presented publicly for the very first time outside of Japan at this particular moment in time?
In the heart of spring 2022, amidst the ongoing pandemic, we found ourselves facing new challenges in delivering our beloved bags to you, our cherished customers. To maintain that personal connection established by our founder Kichizo Yoshida, we took a step back in time and revived his original approach – pop-ups across Japan.
What made you choose London?
In our view, London residents are open-minded and trendsetting, always eager to embrace novel ideas. Given this, we believe the innovative idea of SENSES could resonate well with them. Our aim is to extend this concept beyond London, reaching cities across Europe and the United States.
Is it possible for you to share some insights about your connection with Garbstore, since they are the exclusive retailer in the UK carrying the entire SENSES collection?
For quite some time now, Garbstore has been a trusted ally, assisting us in amplifying the PORTER brand from London. Our past collaborations have made our alliance exceptionally meaningful. We firmly believe that Garbstore is ideally suited to communicate the allure of the complete SENSES collection to our clientele.
What are the differences and similarities between Porter Yoshida & Co., which has been in business nearly a century, compared to its early years?
Since our company’s inception, we’ve always put “heart and soul” into every detail of our work. We take great pride in the fact that our bags are handcrafted in Japan by dedicated artisans who uphold the highest standards of quality within our nation. A significant shift since our establishment is now the chance to share our products with customers overseas, which represents one of the most notable transformations for our company.
How important is heritage for a brand like Porter Yoshida & Co.?
Our bag-makers, dedicated artisans, continuously strive for improvement in their craft, perfecting their skills over many years. These refined techniques, vital to our product quality, have been honed through extensive experience. Moreover, their commitment to preserving and passing these sewing techniques down to future generations is of utmost importance.
What is your favorite piece from the collection?
The Daypack embodies the key features we prioritized during the design of SENSES, including the Alpha GEL shoulder pads, the sling binder, and the mysterious-sounding “black holes.” (These are unique, patent-protected side pockets that expand from within, keeping the bag’s external shape consistent even when in use.) This versatile bag is suitable for various activities, catering equally well to business engagements as it does to leisure pursuits.
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2024-10-08 12:26