FASHION /
WOMEN
June 9, 2015
Introducing Querent: A Bag Brand Where Craftsmanship Shines Through Material, Design, and Functional Beauty
QUERENT
Available at Men's Bag Shop "GIACOMO VALENTINI / QUERENT Ginza"
QUERENT Debuts: A Bag Brand Where Materials, Design, and Craftsmanship Shine
QUERENT, a men's bag brand committed to Japanese craftsmanship from leather production to design, debuted this spring. It is sold at "GIACOMO VALENTINI / QUERENT Ginza," a unique shop that is the world's first combined store with "Orobianco," an Italian bag brand, featuring its designer and CEO, Giacomo Valentini.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Craftsmanship with a "Keren" Flair
The brand name "QUERENT" originates from the Kabuki term "keren," meaning bold and unconventional staging. The concept is to deliver true value by expressing the Japanese spirit of "meticulousness" in every detail of the product, using traditional techniques and carefully selected materials.
All QUERENT products use original leather, available exclusively at the "GIACOMO VALENTINI / QUERENT Ginza" store worldwide. The zipper pull features water buffalo horn, traditionally used in parts of Japanese sword hilts. By incorporating a contrasting material in each product, the brand achieves a hybrid of artisanal "handwork" and material innovation.
Water buffalo horn symbolizes the strong, authentic conviction of Japanese samurai, while also conveying a wish for the bag to be a cherished companion for years to come.
Bags Showcasing Artisanal Handwork
The "KINKARA" model, custom-made with leather mesh from Italy's Domodossola, is a fusion of Italian and Japanese materials crafted with masterful techniques. The leather, with its delicate sheen, is made using "Kintogawa," a traditional Japanese craft. As the artisans capable of creating authentic Kintogawa are no longer active, this bag is exceptionally rare.
The "TSURANE" model uses sturdy, thick cowhide for belts, crafted using the "Vacchetta method," a technique passed down in Italy for over a thousand years. This meticulously hand-rubbed and hand-dyed finish allows for appreciation of the natural leather's character, making it ideal for business professionals.
The "KAKIWARI" model, a two-way design featuring embossed Italian cowhide, boasts a delicate pattern that appears hand-carved, with a texture enhanced by hand-dyeing to create strong contrasts.
Bags Featuring Traditional Japanese Techniques
The "MATSUBAME" model, characterized by its slim construction and polished edges, evokes the powerful yet delicate colors found in pine tree motifs used in Kabuki and Noh theater backdrops. Its individual variations, resulting from meticulous hand-dyeing and polishing, are a key feature.
The "SHICHISAN" model uses Italian cowhide and is a modern interpretation of "Sakiori," a weaving technique from Japan's ancient Tohoku region. Leather strips are cut and woven with kite string as warp and leather strips as weft, then dyed in Japan to create a finely textured form and color palette.
The "TONBO" model is a testament to craftsmanship, using no machine stitching. It employs the "anchor knot," a robust binding technique used for ship's anchors, to intricately weave leather cords and the main body together.
GIACOMO VALENTINI / QUERENT Ginza
2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Ginza Velvia Hall 3F
Tel. 03-5159-3656
Business Hours | 11:00 - 21:00
www.querent.jp



