OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES (Backpacks)

I have always liked and used vintage clothes and older things, but what attracts me the most to them is the "character" they exude which develops over a long period of time getting used after it is first made. As products experience daily use, their shape, color, texture, etc. begins to change little by little, where it will without a doubt reflect the personality, lifestyle, and history of its user. With more use it will grow into an item that is distinctly unique to that individual. I am particularly drawn to that state of any product. People leave their own imprint on things in this way; guided by their individually unique personalities while living harmoniously with each other. I think this state of being is the most natural and comfortable.

Products from visvim that utilize traditionally prepared vegetable tanned leathers are characterized by an uneven finish that molds and develops a depth in color with more use in comparison to a typical chrome tanned leather of today. This is why it is able to create its own unique feeling. Instead of a product being in its most perfect condition when it first gets displayed in a store, and subsequently any changes that happen from that point onwards being thought of as an undesirable "deterioration", it is about how a product becomes more attractive with the time that passes and your attachment to it grows even more. This is the kind of product I hope to create.

The "OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES" project, borrows the personal belongings of those that have used their visvim products for years and exhibits them in their current state. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of these one-of-a-kind pieces that have been nurtured by their owners over a long period of time to reach their current form.

CORDURA

When I was a child backpacks used to be called "rucksacks" and were considered to be bags that were primarily used for short excursions or mountain climbing. They were more of a sport product, or to be more precise a utility item that would allow its user to carry heavy loads while keeping both hands free and mobile for other movements or needs. It was from the late 1970's and onwards where a culture emerged amongst the younger generation of Japanese that found enjoyment in using authentic clothing and bags made by American manufacturers of outdoor products as a form of casual fashion. The word "heavy duty" became popular to describe these long-lasting sturdy items, and I believe the term "backpack" became more established around the same time.

As I became a teenager, I was influenced by that culture and also admired it. However, I also started to wonder, "Why does everybody think this kind of practical, technical gear is cool?" I continued to ponder the answer to this question and reached a conclusion that it was probably because, "the purpose of the designs was clear." Outdoor pieces and Military pieces have specific purpose, and they are a direct reflection of the intentions of their makers. Other than its primary purpose there was little room left for unnecessary elements like trends and novelty, and perhaps it is this integrity and strength that attracts people to it.

This realization marked the beginning of my desire to create a functional backpack of high quality that was meant for everyday use. From here the "CORDURA" series of bags were born. The goal was to create a product that had "better function in the city," so we pursued a design that was comfortable to carry, had good storage capacity, ease of accessibility, and sufficient toughness as this bag would be for everyday regular use. We also wanted to ensure that this product would look nice aesthetically as it was meant for urban use after all. We found a factory that specialized in high quality leather goods and had their craftsmen sew together our products with a nylon material we brought them; this allowed us to create a backpack with superior f inishing that surpassed the level of most ordinary outdoor products.

It has now been 20 years or so since we first put out these bags, and we update the nylon material, the leathers used on the bottom, zip fasteners, and other small details little by little with each seasonal version. In order to focus even more on our goals, we continue to make products with the greatest effort day in and day out so the designs, materials, and construction can all maintain a harmony to them.

*"CORDURA" is a material that is manufactured and sold by the American company, INVISTA. The official name is "CORDURA®".

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Text：Kosuke Ide（OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES）