Head Porter was established in July 1998, as an ongoing collaboration between Porter (Yoshida & Co., Ltd.) and Hiroshi Fujiwara (Fragment Design). Sharing production techniques and brand philosophy with the famed Yoshida & Co., Ltd; they create a unique and functional collection using original quality materials and craftsmanship. Every step is considered and executed with great attention to detail; keeping production runs small and all made in Japan. Head Porter aims to build on, Yoshida & Co., Ltd. founder, Kichizo Yoshida's ideology to create “a bag that fits to the owner as time passes and becomes a regular part of their lives”, with a discerning eye for forward-thinking design. 

Left: Empress Michiko with an early Yoshida bag, Right: The Elegant Bag

Kichizo Yoshida founded PORTER in 1935; the named derived from “porters” who handle patrons’ bags at hotels for a living. In 1953, Kichizo collaborated with Tadao Yoshida, then founder of YKK Corporation, to create a special zipper for the Elegant Bag. This bag was special in that it could expand by unzipping the sides, something that appealed to the Japanese market, where space was a valued commodity. It was this bag that allowed Yoshida to create a private label as a bag manufacturer, called PORTER, in 1962.

Left: 1963 Porter Spring Collection, Right: Cardboard tag designs over the years

In 1981, the then-Chief Director of Yoshida & Co., Ltd. [Katsu Yoshida, now president of Porter Classic] was selected to be a member of the coveted “New York Designers’ Collective”, where the “Gripper” range was showcased and sold at stores like Barneys New York and Max Field. Breaking the typical style of bag convention at the time, it was received well and caught the eye of the Japanese fashion industry.

Above: "Gripper" rucksack and shoulder bag from 1981.

One of these Japanese fashion labels that approached PORTER to collaborate, was Comme des Garçons. Current head designer Susumu Hasegawa, joined the PORTER design team in the 80s; his first project was working closely with Comme des Garçons to produce a line of custom bags for them. Around this time, the “TANKER” model was introduced, inspired by MA-1 flight jackets used in the U.S. Air Force, bags were made using the nylon material in olive drab with orange lining. Although it was not received well at its introduction, it is Porter’s most well-known bag line today.

Comme des Garçons x Porter Tanker limited series collaboration for Yoshida & Co., Ltd. 80th Anniversary

Each craftsman at Yoshida & Co., Ltd. dedicates their craft to a specific process or line within the PORTER and sub-label ranges, whilst maintaining their position of “Made in Japan”. Every bag is hand made, and carries the company philosophy of “heart and soul into every stitch”, allowing the quality control of each bag to preserve their high standards over time.

Collaboration between the designers, craftsman and other companies is a very fundamental concept for PORTER. They typically do not focus on marketing strategies in the form of advertisement, but tend to work with like-minded brands that, in turn, help bring them attention from an audience outside of Japan, such as Comme des Garçons, Marni, Stone Island, Undercover, Stüssy, Margaret Howell and BAPE and many more.

Head Porter was one of the brands stocked early on in SUPPLY, we are now excited to announce their return to our brand list.

Available in-store and online.

Photos: Porter/Head Porter