As part of a three way collaboration between an online retailer, Japanese luggage craftsmen and Swedish fabric experts, a new series of master-pieces are born. To mark their launch, we stop and search oki-ni’s James Nuttal and take a look inside his MS-PC x oki-ni backpack.
Designed by oki-ni and crafted by master-piece and Indigofera for the autumn/winter 12 season, these are the fruits of a unique collaboration project between three leading companies in their own fields coming together to create something truly special. The idea of pooling talents, blending styles, and producing something altogether new is one that has been central to oki-ni since its inception, and for this collaboration, three brands, both alike in craft and quality, from opposite sides of the world, meet in harmonious union. As the collections lands on oki-ni’s virtual shelves, we caught up with the e-tailer’s very own James Nuttal to talk about the creative coming together and take a sneak a peek inside his backback.
Who came up with the idea to do the collaborative collection? It’s actually something we’ve talked about for a couple of years. One of the great things about Master-piece’s production process, where individual craftsmen make each bag, is that it allows great flexibility – so as soon as the brand started to be successful for us, they were happy to offer the collaboration collection.
Why are oki-ni and Master-Piece such a good fit? Both companies have small core teams, which mean the personalities really come through in terms of the product, imagery or the brands we work with.
What was your first backpack? I lived in the US when I was young, around the time Michael Jordan was at his peak with the Chicago Bulls – I was big fan, so had to have the backpack with the big bull’s logo on the back.
Do you think a backpack is an essential part of a man’s wardrobe They’re just so practical. You can carry all your essentials (and non essentials) without using your hands. They also neatly avoid the potential handbag comparison, which can often be a fear for men and luggage.
The contents of James Nuttal’s MS-PC x oki-ni backpack: Neil Barret key ring, MMM sunglasses, Supreme comb, Leatherman knife, Beard trimmer, iPad, P.A.M. iPad case, CdG Man 2, Duffy Jewellery skull ring, MMM credit card wallet, Note book and pen, Green Soccer Journal, Nike Free Runs, iPhone.
Text: Steve Salter
Images: Courtesy of oki-ni
