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August 12, 2015
Daniel&Bob: Introducing the new “PIPPO” and the latest models, “CAMELIA” and “STIFFELIO”
Daniel&Bob | The New Collection
The Explosively Popular "PIPPO" Gets New Items, Plus the Birth of New Models "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO"
The Birth of New Models "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO" (1)
Daniel&Bob's popular model "PIPPO" has garnered attention for its smart silhouette and luxurious feel, which redefines the concept of a shoulder bag, and has been featured in numerous men's magazines. Its design, distinct from the casual bags flooding the market, has earned the support of discerning adults, primarily in their 30s, but also in their 40s and 50s. Now, "PIPPO VELOUR" arrives, a velour material that adds an extra touch of elegance. It proposes a sophisticated casual style for adults. Furthermore, this season sees the debut of new models, "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO," which retain the essence of "PIPPO" while taking a fresh approach. Since their release, they've been incredibly popular, even surpassing "PIPPO," and are now selling out rapidly! If you're not yet familiar with "CAMELIA," "STIFFELIO," or even "PIPPO," you might be missing out... So, we spoke with Hiroki Konishi, who is in charge of the dress section at SELLTS LIMITED, the company that handles Daniel&Bob, to learn more about their appeal.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Mizuho Takada
"PIPPO": The Bag for Adults to Carry Elegantly on Weekends
— "PIPPO" continues to be a hit. Which models are particularly popular?
While basic colors are our mainstays, "PIPPO" sells well across all colors. Unlike tote bags, it's compact and designed to be worn on the back. For instance, the nylon versions in orange and light blue are popular, as are the wine-colored ones in our classic "RODI" leather. Since it's meant to be a style statement rather than for business, many customers use it as an accent piece to complement their outfits.
Hiroki Konishi of SELLTS LIMITED
Our primary customers are in their 30s. While we do have customers in their 20s, they tend to prefer more casual options from outdoor brands, typically around the 10,000 yen price point. Conversely, "PIPPO," partly due to its price, is favored by adults in their 30s to 50s as a bag that can be carried elegantly on weekends.
At the time, small, horizontal shoulder bags were mainstream, so this vertical design was quite unusual. It was also unique in that it offered a sophisticated shoulder bag for adults. Originally, it was conceived as a three-way bag. For example, it could be worn over the shoulder towards the center, carried by hand using the front handle, and the strap could be attached to either the right or left side, allowing it to be worn diagonally comfortably by both left- and right-handed individuals – a debut designed for enjoyment in three distinct ways.
— This season, "PIPPO VELOUR," a suede version of "PIPPO," was introduced. Was this a new material?
The texture of the pile is different from the material used this time, but we actually did have suede last year as well. This is a bit of an inside story, but the reason the "PIPPO" model became so popular was its feature in a style shot in a certain magazine.
"PIPPO VELOUR" was chosen for its warm feel, paired with a textured tweed-like down vest, and featured in the magazine. This led to an overwhelming number of inquiries about "PIPPO," and it has since become a standard, widely recognized model. I believe the unique character of suede, which evokes a sense of season, elegance, and calmness, was the catalyst for "PIPPO's" success. With that background, we decided to try suede again this season. Although we've produced it for two consecutive seasons, suede isn't a perennial item, so we haven't decided if we'll make it next year.
Daniel&Bob | The New Collection
The Explosively Popular "PIPPO" Gets New Items, Plus the Birth of New Models "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO"
The Birth of New Models "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO" (2)
Is Daniel&Bob the Source of Bag Trends?
— New items that rival the popularity of "PIPPO" have emerged.
While they aren't exactly "derivatives of PIPPO," the vertical silhouette has been established, and the distinctive "face" with the snap hook has also become recognizable. With this in mind, "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO" were born from the desire to create a cohesive line. They feature an interesting, curved silhouette. The horizontal design is more conventional, so I believe these vertical models will be more approachable for those who might be hesitant about vertical bags.
They come in two sizes. The larger "CAMELIA" is recommended for those who work in casual attire, while the smaller "STIFFELIO" is designed for those who typically wear suits to work but want a casual option for their days off. The inspiration for creating these shoulder items also stems from the increasing number of people cycling. We hope that those who cycle regularly will incorporate these stylish city bags into their outfits, offering a distinct alternative to casual messenger bags.
— We hear they're selling out rapidly?
These are models that will continue to be produced, so they will be available in the Spring/Summer 2011 season. However, stock for the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection is dwindling. As it was our debut season, we couldn't accurately predict the response, and then it just took off... (laughs). We never anticipated such sustained demand.
Perhaps due to the price point, "STIFFELIO" was more popular at the exhibition and received a stronger response from customers. It seems that size and capacity aren't the primary concerns for shoulder bags. A wallet, a phone, and perhaps a little extra – that's all the storage needed. We designed the size with the idea of carrying only the essentials for a day out, for those who prefer to travel light.
— What are your future plans?
With this release, I feel we've achieved a good range in horizontal body bags and mini-shoulder bags. So, for the next step, we're looking to explore different avenues. For "CAMELIA" and "STIFFELIO," we plan to introduce variations in materials and colors. For Spring/Summer, we'll feature items made from cotton and linen, and for leather, we'll offer softer, more colorful options, as well as casual embossed crocodile styles. We aim to showcase these kinds of arrangements.
The fashion industry is said to be going through a difficult period due to the economic downturn. However, conversely, this recession has made people reconsider their purchasing decisions, moving beyond brand names to focus on the intrinsic value and background of products. It's precisely these individuals who are now paying attention to "Daniel&Bob." This is incredibly gratifying for a brand that has consistently prioritized meticulous product development, from material selection and processing to design. For the upcoming season, we aim to meet these expectations by continuing our careful craftsmanship and proposing fresh ideas.
— Thank you.
