Keep it long, treasure it long.

Tote bag created by artisans

You probably have a favorite small bag that you like to carry when you want to look stylish. Because of its size, the bag fills up with the minimum amount of necessary luggage, and you may have trouble carrying more luggage when you are out and about. In such situations, it would be reassuring to have a sturdy sub-bag that can be taken out quickly and can hold a lot of things. However, the sub-bags often seen on the street are lightweight and compact, but their functional aspects are emphasized, and although they are lightweight, the fabric is flimsy and feels like an eco-bag, or the shape deforms greatly when heavy luggage is carried, causing stress on the handles, which can be inconvenient. It was difficult to find an ideal sub-bag that could be used stylishly.

ZUTTO asked Japanese leather bag brand Vasco to create a sub-bag for adults that can be used with relatively heavy luggage without stress and is suitable for both men and women.

Nylon and leather handles for a vintage look

Water-repellent cotton nylon 2-way tote bag is made of light and durable nylon cotton. This atmospheric fabric was made by a fabric manufacturer founded in Fukui Prefecture in 1914. Fukui Prefecture, where textiles have been produced since the Nara period (710-794) and was recognized both domestically and internationally as one of the leading textile production areas in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), is now a reliable production area where synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester are the main products. The nylon-cotton fabric used in this project is a textured material that combines the luster and strength of nylon with the softness and warmth of cotton.

The light and sturdy fabric is accented with leather handles and brass buckles, creating a tote bag with a presence and mood that is more than just a supporting role. The leather is hand-dyed by vasco artisans, giving it a vintage look and feel. The leather is dyed, cut, assembled, sewn, and finished at Vasco's workshop in Nakano, Tokyo, a truly made-in-Japan product that shows the meticulous handwork and attention to detail.

2-way to be used as a handbag or a shoulder bag

The shape of the bag is vertical, with an A4 file not popping out. The gusset is attached only at the bottom, so that the bag does not lose much of its shape depending on what you put in it. Not to be forgotten is the large inner pocket. At approximately 21 cm (H) x 20 cm (W), it is large enough to hold not only a smartphone or pass case, but also a compact tablet device, notebook, notepad, etc. Items that are frequently taken in and out will likely go more smoothly from the sub-bag than from the main bag. The pockets are set a little deeper so that there is no need to worry about spilling out when you are in a hurry.

The leather handle is set a little short, as it is difficult to hold if it is too long. But it can be adjusted in three different lengths so that you can carry it through your arms. The shoulder is made of shiny nylon tape, and is just the right length to allow you to hang it over your shoulder. Tote bags usually have two shoulders, but when you put the bag on your shoulder, you have to be careful that the two shoulders do not fall off, and you have to put them back on each time. We thought it would be less stressful to concentrate on just one shoulder while reducing the digging into the shoulder by making it thicker to some extent.

The two colors are chambray and glaze. The chambray is not pure white, but an easy-to-use color with a slight grayish tinge and brown leather handles. The glaze is a soft mix of dark gray and khaki, with a black belt to keep the overall tone low. You can choose the color to match the color of your own leather bag or leather shoes that you usually use. The leather part of the handle and the brass hardware will become more textured the more you use it. This sub-bag makes a great gift, and we hope you will be able to use it in a variety of situations by quickly opening it up and putting it to good use.