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April 7, 2015
MOYNAT | Hiroshi Fujiwara and the Moynat Designer Discuss a Bag Collection Bridging Japan and France
MOYNAT
Hiroshi Fujiwara and Ramesh Nair, Moynat's Designer, Discuss Their Franco-Japanese Bag Collection
The "Moynat Gardener Bag Collection" Bridges France and Japan
On March 25th, Moynat, the esteemed Parisian trunk maker founded in 1849, launched the "Moynat Gardener Bag Collection," a collaboration with fragment design, spearheaded by creator Hiroshi Fujiwara. The collection was unveiled at the "LE MOYNAT TRUNK SHOW" pop-up store at Isetan Shinjuku. We had the opportunity to speak with Moynat's designer, Ramesh Nair, and Hiroshi Fujiwara about this initiative.
Text by MORITO Iwanaga (OPENERS)
A Collaboration Between the World's Oldest Trunk Maker and Japan's Foremost Creator
Hiroshi Fujiwara and the Parisian trunk maker Moynat have unveiled a collaborative bag collection. Items designed by Fujiwara, including those under his own "fragment design" label, often sell out on their release day. This time was no exception; at Isetan Shinjuku, where the collection was available, numbered tickets were distributed on the March 25th launch date, indicating a frenzy that led to an immediate sell-out, despite it being a weekday. While hype often precedes such releases, the story behind their creation and the intent behind them are what truly pique our interest. We spoke with Ramesh Nair, Moynat's designer, and Hiroshi Fujiwara about this project.
—What sparked this collaboration?
Ramesh Nair (hereafter, Ramesh)The collaboration began about two years ago when Guillaume Davin, Moynat's CEO, who is a friend of Fujiwara-san, had a conversation with him about products and design during his visit to Paris. When we invited Fujiwara-san to our atelier in Paris, we started discussing what kind of products would resonate with the Japanese market. He then proposed creating a special model. We've always admired his design sensibilities, so naturally, we welcomed the idea.
—What are your impressions of each other's creative work?
Hiroshi Fujiwara (hereafter, Fujiwara)From Moynat, I sense both the solid reliability of a long-established trunk maker and a positive attitude towards embracing new challenges. These two aspects are crucial in creation.
RameshFujiwara-san holds significant influence and strong support, not just in Japan but globally, across all age groups. His sensibility as a director, his aesthetic judgment and discernment in collaborations with brands, and his philosophy are truly exceptional.
—What is the theme of the collection?
FujiwaraThis is a special project conceived with the concept of spring outdoors and summer leisure. It began with the idea of creating a bag that I myself would want to use.
RameshThe "Cabas Jardinier," a gardener's bag from our new casual line, perfectly aligned with Fujiwara-san's vision. It's a bag that reflects the freshness of spring, and we believe it will be well-received by people in Japan.
FujiwaraThis project is an initiative that spans France and Japan. We hope it reaches people who don't typically visit Moynat in France, and those in Japan who may not yet be familiar with the brand.
RameshThese products represent a new approach to our canvas line, utilizing screen printing for the first time on the surface, which also features initials. The overwhelming response at the trunk show at Isetan Shinjuku, with the bags selling out on launch day, has given us a strong sense of accomplishment.
Moynat has previously presented new creations with surprises during trunk shows at Isetan Shinjuku on several occasions.Pierre HerméandPharrell Williamscollaborations, among others, demonstrate the brand's flexible approach. With such ambitious initiatives, Moynat is a brand to watch.
LE MOYNAT TRUNK SHOW
Dates: Until April 7 (Tuesday)
Hours: 10:30–20:00
Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 4th Floor
West Park / Luxury Stage
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (Main Switchboard)