The Row, Polène, Stella McCartney, Longchamp—and otnek&ebanat. We look at 5 bags from a maker's perspective.

When choosing a bag, where do you compromise?

You like the texture but it's heavy. It's light but looks cheap. You like the design but you've seen it somewhere before. We've always felt this limited range of choices.

We created GOULT to fill that gap. The high-quality texture, lightness, and unique silhouette of Ultrasuede®. A bag you'll want to carry on workdays and holidays alike.

This time, we will introduce 4 bags that can be discussed in the same context of "quality and lightness" as GOULT. Each has a different answer.

01　The Row　Soft Margaux 15

A bag that embodies tranquility itself.

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The Row is a brand that should be described by subtraction. No logo. No assertion. But something changes the moment you hold it.

The Soft Margaux 15 is made of 100% suede, combining softness and structure. The bag itself has a quiet demeanor, as if it is silent. Its size is almost equivalent to GOULT, making it suitable for business settings.

The price of ¥772,000 is a pure accumulation of materials and craftsmanship. The ability to eliminate logos to this extent at this price point is a sign of confidence.

02　Polène　Cyme

A French bag that should be called a leather sculpture.

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Polène is a Parisian brand founded in 2017. Although relatively new, its design density is already mature.

The characteristic of Cyme is that its shape changes. It can transform into two styles, a basket style and a floral style, depending on how the magnets and leather cords are manipulated. This freedom of thought can only come from a deep understanding of leather product design. The finish of the Italian calf leather by artisans in Ubrique, Spain, offers new discoveries every time you touch it.

However, it weighs 900g. This is a trade-off for the richness of the material and form, but it's a number to keep in mind if you plan to carry it every day.

03　Stella McCartney　Rider Weekender Bag

Belief becomes material.

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Stella McCartney is a brand that has realized its brand philosophy of not using any animal products through the quality of its designs.

The Rider Weekender combines a sculptural silhouette inspired by horses with vegan leather made from recycled materials. Some may worry about the texture when they hear "alternative materials," but the finish by Italian artisans is surprisingly soft to the touch. It also offers practical large capacity that can accommodate A4 size items.

The material selection is based on ethics, and this is realized with the quality of a luxury brand. It is one of the brands I respect as a creator.

 

 

04　Longchamp　Le Pliage®  L (Bonus)

The reason for the classic status, with over 300 million units sold.

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Many of our customers who chose GOULT previously used Longchamp's Le Pliage. The reason for adding this bonus section is the feedback we received, "The shape is different, but I was looking for a light bag that wasn't too common."

Le Pliage was launched in 1993 and has sold over 300 million units to date, making it a monstrous classic. Its origami-inspired folding structure, overwhelming lightness of 311g, and accessible price of ¥27,500. With all these conditions met, it's natural that it has been loved for so long.

The Green Line uses recycled polyamide, adding to the integrity of the material. Manufacturing at their own French factory also shows the brand's pride.

GOULT and Le Pliage resonate in terms of "lightness." However, the material texture, unique silhouette, and the feeling of "not being seen everywhere" are what GOULT pursued. We hope that those who love Le Pliage will also give GOULT a try.

05　otnek&ebanat　GOULT　Large

Fukura Suzume and Ultrasuede®. Our answer.

The silhouette of GOULT has roots. It's a tuck design inspired by "Fukura Suzume," a way of tying a kimono obi. The plump roundness and gently spreading hemline. By finishing it in a single tone with no visible hardware, it has a unique silhouette that is recognizable as GOULT yet not too conspicuous.

The material is Ultrasuede®—a suede-like artificial leather developed by Toray. While having a softness and quality close to natural suede, it is excellent in water resistance and durability, and is light. It achieves a material feel that does not detract from business scenes, with a lightweight construction.

The function of transforming into a triangular mountain-shaped silhouette by folding the gusset is also a unique feature of GOULT. Compact when you have few items, spacious when you have many. One bag can change its look.

The tranquility of The Row, the form of Polène, the conviction of Stella McCartney, the lightness of Longchamp. Learning from each of these, we created GOULT with Japanese sewing techniques and Ultrasuede®.

* The photo on the right shows the XL size

Styling Tips

SPEC SUMMARY

*If you are viewing this on a smartphone and the table is cut off, you can view the entire table by rotating your screen horizontally.

*Information for brands other than GOULT is taken from each brand's official website, etc. There may be inaccurate information.

 

Conclusion

After comparing five bags, I have a renewed appreciation for something: the answer to the question of "how to achieve both lightness and quality" can be approached through materials, design, and belief.

The Row answers with silence. Polène with form. Stella McCartney with ethics. Longchamp with function and price. Each brand answers the question in its own way.

We answered with Ultrasuede®, the silhouette of a puffed sparrow, and the sewing techniques of Asakusa. That is GOULT.

If you are interested, please take a look at the GOULT product page.

 

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