Original Kaihara Denim Tote Bag
Pre-Order Special
Pre-Order Special
A collaboration between Tuhirangi Blair (Lucky Dip) and Coffee Pen. 13.25oz Kaihara denim tote bag in dark indigo. Fixed carry handles at top with self-bound finish. One piece body construction with self pleating gusset. Internal floating pocket with woven Coffee Pen label attached. Exclusive Kaihara Denim label attached to internal facing. Off white contrast stitching in reference to 1970's Lee jeans.
About
We are proud to offer you our original bag for pre-order. Meticulously designed by our talented friend Tuhi Blair, our bags are made with care using specially-sourced Kaihara denim. Kaihara is a trusted supplier at home in Japan and around the world. Founded in 1893 in Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kaihara have kept their commitment to quality high-strength denim, innovating through times of war and peace. In-house processes began first with the heritage textile techniques of kasuri. Today traceable cottons are carefully selected for temperature-controlled spinning, dyeing, and weaving.
Kaihara prioritise natural cotton and indigo dyeing, and the environment is placed above raw efficiency. Kaihara take great care to go above and beyond environmental standards for air and water quality impacts. The finish of the denim also benefits from this more deliberate approach. Though not as productive as modern looms, Kaihara choose to weave with carefully-maintained legacy shuttle looms. These looms are capable of creating selvedge denim, with its distinctive and expressive look.
Selvedge means strength, too, living long and lasting well alongside other strong textiles like leather. Many of the brands we love have turned to the unique quality of this denim, from Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler to A.P.C. Now it is our turn.
For the construction of our bag we are glad to be in the warm hands of Marutau, a Māori and Pacific wāhine sewing collective based in Ōtāhuhu. Established last year in response to the instability of the pandemic, Marutau are an exceptionally skilled group of mums, nanas, and great-nanas, with over a century of garment manufacturing experience between them. With your pre-order you are gaining an impeccably made piece, as well as supporting Marutau and their sustainability.
About
We are proud to offer you our original bag for pre-order. Meticulously designed by our talented friend Tuhi Blair, our bags are made with care using specially-sourced Kaihara denim. Kaihara is a trusted supplier at home in Japan and around the world. Founded in 1893 in Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kaihara have kept their commitment to quality high-strength denim, innovating through times of war and peace. In-house processes began first with the heritage textile techniques of kasuri. Today traceable cottons are carefully selected for temperature-controlled spinning, dyeing, and weaving.
Kaihara prioritise natural cotton and indigo dyeing, and the environment is placed above raw efficiency. Kaihara take great care to go above and beyond environmental standards for air and water quality impacts. The finish of the denim also benefits from this more deliberate approach. Though not as productive as modern looms, Kaihara choose to weave with carefully-maintained legacy shuttle looms. These looms are capable of creating selvedge denim, with its distinctive and expressive look.
Selvedge means strength, too, living long and lasting well alongside other strong textiles like leather. Many of the brands we love have turned to the unique quality of this denim, from Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler to A.P.C. Now it is our turn.
For the construction of our bag we are glad to be in the warm hands of Marutau, a Māori and Pacific wāhine sewing collective based in Ōtāhuhu. Established last year in response to the instability of the pandemic, Marutau are an exceptionally skilled group of mums, nanas, and great-nanas, with over a century of garment manufacturing experience between them. With your pre-order you are gaining an impeccably made piece, as well as supporting Marutau and their sustainability.
Designed by
Tuhirangi Blair
Bio
Tuhirangi Blair is a Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based maker behind the brand Lucky Dip. A proud member of 1% for the Planet and the NEXUS Global Community, Blair’s work with repurposed materials is a study into the form and functionality of vintage garments. Alumni of Nepenthes New York and Workshop Denim, He recently collaborated with the Viaduct Harbour leading their Matariki celebrations helping to reintroduce tikanga Māori into the precinct.
