FASHION /
MEN
January 23, 2015
HEAD PORTER | Second Collaboration with "Dr. Romanelli" Released
“ARMY vs NAVY” COLLECTION Part 2
Dr.Romanelli x Head Porter Collaboration Tote!
The story continues from last year's first collaboration.──The second collaboration between HEAD PORTER, celebrating its 15th anniversary, and Dr.Romanelli, also known as “DRx,” is here. A truly special tote bag, with no two alike, will be released in an ultra-limited run of just 24 pieces starting Friday, August 16th, at the shop “-atelier- Head Porter” in Jinnan, Shibuya.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Design Inspiration
The first collaboration in October last year saw Dr.Romanelli, also famous as a vintage collector of Army and Navy items over the past decade, team up with HEAD PORTER. An "ARMY vs NAVY collection" pop-up store was opened for a limited time.
A one-of-a-kind apparel collection was also sold, created by tailoring genuine Army and Navy items, based on bags and accessories from the Dr.Romanelli x Head Porter collection, as well as past items from HEAD PORTER's apparel line “HEAD PORTER PLUS.”
In fact, the design source for this second collection is the drape that was used in the window display during last year's pop-up store.
Deconstruction and True Reconstruction
“I want to make a bag with this drape at Head Porter.” This request sparked the second project. Romanelli, known as the “alchemist of clothing,” deconstructs the handmade patchwork drape and reuses it as bag fabric, giving birth to a new product.
A Precious Collection of 24 Pieces
This product was created based on the principles of usability, functionality, and a unique sense of newness. It utilizes the simple yet highly functional tote bag, a familiar item from Head Porter. This practical tote bag easily accommodates A4-sized items and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder.
The drape, crafted with Romanelli's exceptional sense of reconstruction and cutting technique, is deconstructed to fit the bag's dimensions. Naturally, the number of pieces that can be made from this drape is limited, with only 24 actually going on sale. Pay attention not only to the patchwork combinations and fabrics used on the exterior but also to the different interior colors.
The exterior features the “PORTER” name tag from Yoshida Kaban, the maker of all Head Porter products and a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, while the interior is stamped with a name tag created exclusively for this collection.
Dr.Romanelli
Also known as “DRx,” he is an alchemist of clothing based in Los Angeles. His unique, custom-made creations, born from his distinctive perspective, enhance creativity by harmonizing materials and sensibilities selected with an exceptional aesthetic eye. He works across a wide range of fields, from clothing to furniture and toys, and from iconic luxury brands to underground boutiques and cutting-edge labels.





