The latest from a popular collaboration that has produced numerous masterpieces includes a lineup of must-have items, including accessories perfect for daily use alongside the BE@RBRICK 100%. The sophisticated finish, featuring a matte black that blends into the urban landscape, utilizes a reflector material that catches light at night. We delve into its appeal by looking back at past collaborations through an interview with the PORTER representative.

Could you tell us about the background and product concept behind the PORTER × BE@RBRICK release?

We began discussing the concept for this collection with MEDICOM TOY about two years ago, and we are finally able to announce it now. This is a collaborative series exclusively available at MEDICOM TOY and PORTER flagship stores, designed as a casual collection with unisex use in mind. The key feature is the incorporation of industrial reflector material into each item, including the BE@RBRICK.

Why did you choose reflector material for this collection?

Previous BE@RBRICK collaborations featured RESCUE ORANGE, a key color for the PORTER brand, in some parts. For this collection, we deliberately avoided RESCUE ORANGE and opted for a black base with reflective print. Standard silver reflective material can appear too casual, so we chose a black reflective finish that closely matches the main body color. By unifying the collection in a matte black tone, we want it to be versatile for a wide range of occasions, from daily use to active pursuits.

Have similar reflective materials been used in past PORTER products?

We used a matte nylon twill material with the glossiness suppressed to the maximum extent possible as the base, incorporating black reflective material into each item. It's used on parts like the trimmings, the base of the D-rings, and the main zipper. These areas reflect light with a subtle shimmer, creating a unique presence in the dark. Additionally, a subtle detail is the BE@RBRICK logo embroidered in a tone-on-tone finish on all models.

Among the past collaborations, the Yoshida & Co. 77th Anniversary model (made by Karimoku, released November 2012) comes to mind as a particularly memorable item. We heard that its production was quite challenging; could you share your experience with that process?

Due to MEDICOM TOY's regulations, attaching anything to or having BE@RBRICK hold an object was not permitted. Therefore, we persistently communicated our brand concept, and on a 'one-time exception' basis, we were able to realize the production of a BE@RBRICK with a wooden bag made by Karimoku attached. It's a truly memorable item.

©︎ YOSHIDA
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2020 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

There are many other items, including the 80th Anniversary 1000% model (released 2016), the Chogokin BE@RBRICK PORTER Black × Orange (2016), the Christmas Special models released between 2014-17, and the model clad in Tanker fabric (2019). Could you share any behind-the-scenes stories about particularly challenging models to develop?

The most challenging item to develop was the mascot costume BE@RBRICK. We incorporated our standard series' original 3-layer bonded nylon material into the costume. Because it's a high-density nylon material with no stretch, conforming it to the BE@RBRICK's shape was difficult, and it took many trials and errors to complete. We adjusted patterns to account for the fabric's thickness and applied tension and gathers, for instance, in recreating the base of the legs where the orange fabric is sewn in a specific line. Also, the zippers required careful adjustment to ensure the pulls moved smoothly, which was a struggle.

©︎ YOSHIDA
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2020 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Could you share any memorable interactions from your collaborations with MEDICOM TOY? And what is your impression of MEDICOM TOY as a company?

One reason MEDICOM TOY is supported by artists, brands, and creators worldwide is the high quality of each individual product. From realistic and intricate figures to simple toys, I believe the 'dedication and playfulness' inherent in MEDICOM TOY is what earns it global acclaim.

PORTER engages in various collaborations beyond just with MEDICOM TOY. Within those, are there any aspects or principles that you absolutely cannot compromise on? Could you tell us about them?

Our manufacturing principle is not to use sewing or materials that compromise the strength required for a tool that carries things. We believe that by adding all sorts of design elements through collaborations, new products are born.

Looking ahead, do you have any aspirations for future PORTER × BE@RBRICK collaborations? For example, are there things you've tried in the past but couldn't achieve due to technical limitations?

We wanted to create a BE@RBRICK using cork material in the past, but we couldn't realize it. If we could create BE@RBRICKs by reusing fabric scraps and leather remnants that are inevitably produced during bag manufacturing, we could make interesting products with minimal material waste, while also being environmentally conscious.

With the new PORTER store opening on the first floor of Shibuya PARCO and its close proximity to 2G on the second floor, accessible by elevator, have you felt any synergy between them?

We display the mascot costume BE@RBRICK at the PX (PORTER EXCHANGE) on the first floor, and we regularly introduce our customers to 2G on the second floor.

Yoshida & Co. celebrated its 85th anniversary on March 10th this year. Unfortunately, some events may have been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. Could you tell us about your plans for this anniversary year?

Yoshida & Co., founded in 1935, celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. We are proud of our history of commitment to Made in Japan since our founding and will continue to create products that bring joy to people worldwide. We have various initiatives planned for the latter half of the year to commemorate this anniversary, so please look forward to them.

©︎ YOSHIDA
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2020 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Size | Approx. 70mm total height
Release Date | Scheduled for July 2020 release
Price | ¥1,800 (excluding tax)
Available at | MEDICOM TOY direct stores and PORTER direct stores (Omotesando, Marunouchi, Osaka), PORTER STAND (Shinagawa Station Store, Tokyo Station Store, Kyoto Store)!

※Limited quantity sale. Please forgive us in the event of stockouts.