``ARTIDE'' is a challenge to a new method of expression for us, a local leather goods manufacturer and an artist, who are located in two seemingly unrelated fields.
Surprise and impress through manufacturing in Higashikagawa
TIDE is the original brand of Urban Kogei Co., Ltd., a leather goods manufacturer located in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture, located in the southeastern part of the Setouchi Inland Sea.
Founded in 1953 as a local glove manufacturing company, we have continued to grow by making OEM women's bags while changing our core products to match the trends of the times.
However, in the 2000s, as the trend of globalization accelerated rapidly due to logistics innovation and IT revolution, the company was caught up in the waves of price competition caused by mass production in countries with low labor wages and stagnation in the fashion market. The bustle of the city has become a thing of the past.
In such a difficult situation, our underlying desire was to revitalize Higashikagawa and to compete with bags (leather products).
We think of this feeling as being like an ocean current in the Seto Inland Sea.
We live in an era where anxiety and invisible fear dominate our eyes.
Just like the ocean currents of the Seto Inland Sea, which come and go in all directions and change the tides, we want to change the flow of society.
“The TIDE is turning”
A brand called TIDE
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We want to create a “swell”.
There are two main mechanisms by which waves occur.
The other is the movement of seawater itself due to tidal currents.
That's why TIDE's symbol is ``one day before the new moon,'' when a large tide is born.
Expressing the contour lines of the Seto Inland Sea and cutting it into many parts
It is sewn using a very precise manufacturing method that requires skill, such as internal stitching, curved lines, and patchwork.
Creates a three-dimensional and unique look
Click here for the TIDE website
Thoughts on ARTIDE
"We will never give up on expressing ourselves." Urban Crafts Co., Ltd. Kosho Utsumi
We wanted many people to feel that expression is wonderful, so we took on the new challenge of merging craft, which is our resource, with art, which is a symbol of expression.
I don't think this encounter with art was a coincidence.
I myself have always been a person who is not good at expressing my intentions, but every day I feel the wonder of expressing myself through TIDE. By taking a step forward, new developments will emerge.
Through this project, we hope to increase the number of people who become positive towards expression by demonstrating our attitude of ``never giving up on expression.'' I want to move the hearts of many people with the power that people and their works radiate.
Through the fusion of art and craft, we hope that you will enjoy the unique expression, while at the same time feeling the value of this product as a practical product. We won't give up on either. ARTIDE is such a new challenge.
Click here for detailed notes on ARTIDE
