Today we’re graced with warmth that belies the notion of November—a Saturday too mild for the season. Perfect for showcasing an item that answers the “what to wear?” dilemma on such unpredictable days.
FEDELI Cashmere Silk Sweater ￥99,000 税込
「なんだ、セーターだったら別に 珍しくはないよ」と思われる方も いらっしゃるかもしれません。
You might think, “Just another sweater?” But hold that thought.
You might think, “Just another sweater?” But hold that thought. This exquisite piece hails from FEDELI, the renowned Italian knitwear brand. Available in both ivory and black, it promises versatility and elegance in equal measure.
こちらは色違いの黒。 向こうが透けるほどの薄さ、 お判りいただけるでしょうか。
シルク混ならではの品の 良い光沢感も楽しめます。
Crafted from ultra-fine cashmere silk fibers, this sweater boasts the thinness of a tee. Its thinness is matched with the refined sheen unique to silk.
Our founder, Tetsuhiko Nakamura, himself with sensitive skin, praises it saying, “I can wear this directly against my skin like an undershirt.” It’s a testament to its exceptional comfort and delicate touch.
Perfect alone on those slightly warmer days, and great for layering when the temperature drops.This sweater is a standout support player during the unpredictable transitional seasons.
Please, make your winter comfortable this year, and your spring as well next year, with this sweater.
By registering as a member on our online store, you can accumulate points equivalent to 5% of your next purchase. Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up.
“Visiting the scene of creation” has always been one of the core principles held by our company, Ginza HIKO. My recent revisit to TecknoMonster’s factory was a journey that truly allowed us to experience the significance of this belief even more profoundly.
As we have previously mentioned in this blog, TecknoMonster is an Italian brand that has successfully pioneered the use of genuine carbon fiber in suitcase manufacturing, being the first of its kind in the world. The reason for emphasizing “genuine” is due to the fact that the market is flooded with products claiming to have a “carbon pattern” or a “carbon-like texture.” Carbon fiber is a familiar and appealing material for enthusiasts of cars, watches, motorsports, golf, and more. However, in the world of bags and suitcases, it is common to find products that use cheaper alternative materials with printed patterns imitating carbon fiber due to the difficulties in processing and the high cost of raw materials. Naturally, there is a stark difference in performance between products labeled as “carbon pattern” and those made with authentic carbon fiber.
In this blog, we will take you through the process of how Tecknomonster’s suitcases are made, with the accompaniment of photos and videos.
同社のスーツケースのボディは 「ドライカーボン」という強靭な 素材です。
Tecknomonster’s suitcase bodies are made using dry carbon.
こちらはプリプレグと呼ばれる、 熱で硬化する樹脂を浸した炭素繊維 です。
通常はマイナス18度前後に保たれた 特別な装置の中で保管されています。
The body of Tecknomonster’s suitcases is made using what is called prepreg, which is carbon fiber impregnated with a resin that hardens when heated. It is usually stored in a special device kept at around -18 degrees Celsius.
こちらがその装置です。
一度冷却装置から出すと、あとは 時間との勝負。数時間のうちに 加工してしまわなければなりません。
Here is that device. Once it is taken out of the cooling device, it’s a race against time. It must be processed within a few hours.
It is then vacuum-packed and placed in a device called an autoclave that applies high temperature and pressure. Vacuum-packing extracts excess resin and makes the mold and carbon adhere evenly, resulting in a lighter and more robust finish.
The autoclave. It’s from a manufacturer called Maroso. This autoclave is also used to make parts for Pagani, which handles supercars worth over 1 billion yen per unit.
There are many meters on the side. If you look closely, numbers from 1 to 20 are assigned. This means that up to 20 pieces can be processed at the same time, and it seems that each can be fine-tuned according to the size and thickness of the parts at the end of each meter.
Here are the baked suitcase parts. Further processing will be added to the surface from here.
Carbon fiber made by this manufacturing method is called dry carbon and has ten times the specific strength of iron. It is a lightweight material that is resistant to corrosion and heat, and is used for parts in aerospace, F1 cars, and supercars. This is completely different in structure and durability from wet carbon, which is made more easily and inexpensively.
And here are various leathers used for handles, trimmings, and interiors. I found leather for items that we, Ginza HIKO, have custom-ordered. It’s properly marked with “HIKO”.
レザーは手作業で裁断され、その 裁断面には下地や仕上げ用の 塗料が筆で塗られていきます。
The leather is cut by hand, and paint for the base and finishing is applied to the cut surface with a brush.
ハンドルはイタリアに伝わる 伝統的な技法で手縫いの クロスステッチが。
針を二本使って、一縫いごと 緩みなく絞り込まれていきます。
The handle has hand-sewn cross-stitches, a traditional technique in Italy. Using two needles, it is tightly sewn without slack for each stitch.
This is the equipment for cutting parts. Since even a slight error is not allowed, pillars are buried 4 meters underground so that the cutting does not shift due to vibrations during cutting.
What’s amazing about Tecknomonster’s suitcases is not just the material of the body. The above is a part of the wheel section. It uses a sturdy base made from a block of aviation-grade aluminum and tires made of elastomeric polyurethane, which is resistant to temperature changes and has elasticity. Inside the wheels, ceramic ball bearings are used, and their movement is so smooth that it’s like a figure skater spinning on ice.
At Tecknomonster, not only do they offer products made with dry carbon, but they also have a lineup of ultra-lightweight bags made with soft carbon. In the video above, they are making a prototype of a bag that we planned on our own.
There is a deep emotion in seeing what was in my head taking shape like this.
完成品についてのブログはこちらです。
You can read the blog about the finished product here. ↓
Special sewing needles made in a small workshop in Japan. They are indispensable for sewing together leather and carbon.
ソフトタイプのバッグについて こちらのブログで詳細を綴って おります。
↓
さて、こちらはわたくし中村が ヨーロッパ出張の際に使っている スーツケースです。
故障のリスクを最小限にする タフなボディ、20 kg 近い重量も 指一本で楽々と動かせるほどの 駆動力を誇る車輪、そして 空港でもホテルでも誰とも被らず 気分良く使える希少性が毎回の 旅を特別なものにしてくれています。
This is the suitcase that I, KYOKO, actually use when I am on a business trip to Europe.
With its tough body minimizing the risk of malfunction, wheels boasting enough driving power to easily move nearly 20 kg with just a finger, and the rarity that ensures a distinct and pleasant usage experience at airports and hotels, it makes each of my trips special.
It’s a very expensive suitcase, costing around one million yen, but I can confidently say that it’s well worth the price.
You can also create a one-of-a-kind suitcase, carry-on bag, or attache in your preferred color from a rich selection of leather samples. If you are interested, please visit our Ginza store or web shop.
By registering as a member on our online store, you can accumulate points equivalent to 5% of your next purchase. Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up.
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