A 2-way item that delivers ease of use.

2-way, 3-way.

In other words, these terms refer to items that can be used in multiple ways, but

what exactly is so good about them?

For example, with bags, ingenuity is put into the shape, hardware,

and accessories so that they can be carried by hand, over the shoulder, or crossbody.

With tops, a design with a U-neck in front and a V-neck in back

allows the garment to be worn either way.

When you think about how makers go through trial and error, considering the user

and making things as versatile as possible for any situation,

it's strange, but it starts to feel like a kind of message—

"use it often,"

"I made this so it would be easy to use in any situation."

More ways to use something means more enjoyment.

More ways to use something means more chances to use it.

That, in turn, means growing more attached to the item,

and building up more memories with it.

Today we'd like to introduce some 2-way bags and shoes. 

 【　vasco／SUEDE×LEATHER CITY MAIL Bag SMALL　】

A gama-guchi (clasp-frame) bag with an atmosphere reminiscent of a vintage bag.

Modeled after bags used by postal workers in American cities during the 1960s and 70s,

this bag has the kind of substantial, wonderful presence

that makes you want it as the finishing touch to your outfit. 

※Top: Original Blues／ROLL NECK Cotton Sweater (to be released soon)

The bag features a handle that seems to be seamlessly continuous with the body,

and it's a 2-way design with a detachable shoulder strap as well.

That said, the bag is soft and has a texture that clings comfortably to your hand,

so it's easy to hold even when cradled like a clutch bag.

Being a gama-guchi type, the opening spreads wide when unlatched,

making it very easy to take things out and put them in. 

The founder of vasco originally worked as a vintage clothing buyer.

However, while vintage items are extremely appealing and highly popular,

both their supply and the possibility of restoring them are limited.

So that many people could enjoy the appeal of vintage items for a long time,

vasco is particular about sourcing materials and processing them

so that their products, though brand new, carry an antique-like texture.

【　Zatchels／Shoulder Bag　】

The satchel bag originally dates back to Roman times, and

is a general term for the type of English bag long used by students.

With a design that can be worn by both men and women, it has "well-defined features"—

the image of a smart, handsome bag. 

The brand Zatchels was originally a leather shoe and

leather bag factory located in Chester.

They had long been making bags called satchel bags, but

paying attention to the fashion appeal of the traditional satchel bag,

which has remained unchanged amid changing fashion trends,

they started the brand wanting to reconsider this bag—the origin of

many bags used in England—as a fashion item. 

This one comes with a shoulder strap, and when you remove it

you can use it as a clutch bag as well.

Since it's a slim, sleek bag with little bulk,

you can quickly tuck it under your arm when you need both hands free—

this ease of use is part of its appeal as a clutch bag.

A clutch for a mannish pants style,

or a shoulder bag for a British-student-style look with a pleated skirt and shirt—

finding the coordination that suits each style

sounds like a lot of fun. 

The flap that opens and closes the bag is the type with a metal fastener that slots in,

and when you open the flap, there's a zippered pocket on the front,

so you can use it to store a pass case, keys, or a smartphone.

【　REN／FUKURO 2way Rejibukuro S　】

Inspired by the plastic shopping bags you get at checkout,

the FUKURO 2way Rejibukuro is simply designed.

Once you put things in it, it transforms from a flat shape into

a plump, rounded, adorable form you'd never expect. 

Pass the long handle through the short handle to get a handbag-length strap.

Pass the short handle through the long handle to get a length you can use as a shoulder bag.

What makes this bag interesting is its handles.

It has two handles of different lengths, and

by passing each one through the other,

you can use it either as a one-shoulder bag or a one-handle bag.

Visually, it's a small change.

But in terms of usability, it makes a big difference.

Since you don't need an extra accessory to change how you carry it, it's convenient

that you can still switch to shoulder-bag style even if your load has increased and

you happen to have left a shoulder strap at home. 

At REN, we believe that "a bag is only completed when a person uses it,"

and with that philosophy in mind, we make bags that fit the body so naturally

that you forget you're even carrying one.

What creates that ease of carrying is a form carefully considered

through an understanding of the material's characteristics, along with a commitment to leather that is light, soft, and pleasant to the touch.

The FUKURO series featured here uses

the brand's original leather, "BARE."

To bring out the natural grain of the goatskin, it is simply tanned

with a minimal amount of dye and oil, resulting in leather with a striking natural sheen and beautiful drape.

Thin, light, and soft, bags made from BARE

don't assert their presence when carried;

instead, they can be worn almost like slipping on a piece of clothing. 

【　chausser／plus by chausser Lace-Up Shoes　】

A leather shoe with a neat, polished look.

The "2WAY" of chausser shoes refers to the two different looks you can enjoy

simply by changing the shoelaces.

The shoelaces included are a plain dark brown type

and a colorful type blending green, yellow, and brown. 

※Socks: rasox／Jacquard Wool Crew, women's

The plain type has a simplicity that suits a wide variety of outfits.

It even works well for business settings.

The colorful type, despite using multiple colors, has a calm overall tone,

so it pairs naturally even with glossy, classic leather shoes,

leaving a stylish impression.

As shown in the photo, it's also nice to enjoy coordinating with socks.

Simple or colorful—the impression changes completely,

letting you use them interchangeably as if you owned two pairs of leather shoes. 

The construction method used is Goodyear welt.

Since the sole can be replaced entirely, including full resoling,

you can enjoy wearing these shoes for a very long time.

Goodyear welt construction also places cork between the insole and outsole,

and as you wear the shoes over time, the cork molds to the shape of your foot,

so the fit improves the more you wear them.

The brand name chausser means "to wear (shoes)" in French.

True to its name, the brand makes shoes with the wearer in mind,

designed so that the shoe is truly completed only once it's worn.

Their goal is to create "shoes you can wear for 30 years" with proper care.

With that thought in mind, they aim to make shoes you'll always want to keep wearing. 

【　dansko／Ingrid Black Oiled　】

※Right sock: etiquette CLOTHIERS／Women's Socks BASIC LUX FLAT (Bordeaux)

dansko's clogs, made with oiled leather uppers,

have long been a popular staple item at ZUTTO.

These clogs feature a belt across the upper that also

serves as a design accent.

That belt can be brought around to the heel,

and by adjusting its length, it can also function as a back strap. 

Look closely, and you'll notice the belt has many holes.

That number is actually 12.

That's quite a lot for shoe belt holes,

but it allows for fine adjustments at short intervals, conveying

the maker's genuine desire to provide wearers

with a truly comfortable, well-fitted feel. 

Another key point is that this strap portion has elastic attached,

making it easy to put on and take off. 

The upper uses oiled leather that has been infused with oil.

As the name suggests, it's treated with fats and oils,

giving it excellent water resistance and flexibility.

It works well for everyday wear, and is even suitable for outdoor environments,

making it a shoe you can choose no matter where you're headed.