It’s getting colder day by day—how have you all been?
Today, I would like to introduce our new “Swing” series from the Fall/Winter 2025–2026 collection, which has already been released.
Until recently, backpacks dominated the streets, but now we see all kinds of bags being used.
Many people think of master-piece as a brand known for backpacks, but especially in our casual series, shoulder bags and sling bags have become very popular, and we are releasing various styles.
As a part of my job, I often observe what kind of bags people use, how they carry them, and in what situations.
It’s only natural that what we use changes depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend, or whether we’re traveling, shopping, etc.
This time, instead of thinking from the usual “usage situation,” I wanted to take a different approach and imagined what kind of item would be interesting if I started from a different point of view.
A Bag That’s Easy to Choose as a Gift
From my experience, there are certain things people don’t buy for themselves but would be happy to receive—like a slightly premium nail clipper, a high-tech inner layer, a hat, bandana, tenugui, or small accessories. Bags also fall into that category, but since I make bags for a living, no one ever gives me a bag as a gift.
So I began thinking about what kind of bag would be delightful to receive and easy for the giver to choose.
Instead of considering details, materials, forms, or silhouettes, I made a list of what would be good for both the giver and the receiver—assuming it is a surprise gift without asking the other person for input, so this is entirely my personal view.
【A. For the Person Receiving the Gift】 1. Something they would not buy for themselves but would be happy to get 2. Something in a color or shape they wouldn’t normally pick 3. Something they can actually use 4. Something that doesn’t take up space when not in use 5. Something they don’t have to use all the time just because they received it 6. Something convenient to have 7. Something made from an easy-to-use material 8. Something not too expensive or too cheap 9. Something with a story or background they can talk about 10. Something they could ideally use for a lifetime, etc.
【B. For the Person Giving the Gift】 1. Something the recipient might not already have 2. Something with a color suited to the recipient—or a color you want them to try 3. Something not only attractive but functional 4. Something that doesn’t get in the way when not in use 5. Something the recipient may not use daily but will use when the situation fits 6. Something whose usage scenario is easy to imagine 7. Something easy to maintain and handle 8. Something not too expensive or too cheap 9. Something with a story or background they can talk about 10. Something that could ideally be used for a lifetime, etc.
Besides these, I also considered various intuitive factors that are hard to put into words.
There are slight differences between A and B, but items for work or daily use usually require matching the recipient’s taste, preferred functionality, and capacity—making surprise gifts risky for the giver.
If the recipient’s preferences match perfectly, it becomes the best gift, but it’s not easy.
So instead of something for work or school, I thought a small bag that can be used casually on outings, when carrying light belongings, and that doesn’t take up storage space would be ideal.
From there, I considered what people typically carry—wallet, smartphone, wireless headphones, house keys or car keys, and grooming items—and determined the ideal size.
Creating a Bag That’s Easy to Give as a Gift
Previously, we released the “Bit” series—sacoche-style bags whose gusset expands when carrying more items.
However, due to the material and design, it leaned more casual and felt too specific for this theme as a gift.
I wanted to use leather if possible. But it should not be too expensive, should require minimal care, and should ideally have waterproof functionality.
To achieve this, it became clear that we needed to develop a special leather. We requested specific raw hides, shrink-embossed textures, a wide color range, and the ability to adjust sheen differences between smooth and shrink-type leathers to express our brand identity.
As a result, we unified the raw hides and colors for the two leather types, adjusting the finishing process to keep production lots and costs efficient.
The overall concept began to take shape in a completely different way from usual.
A “Best of Both Worlds” Design
I imagined a small shoulder bag, and wondered if we could combine the best features of a sacoche and a waist bag.
I wanted something as easy to use as a sacoche but with the three-dimensional shape and storage capacity of a waist bag.
The base design is inspired by waist bags, with adjustments to the gusset and silhouette to create the current form.
Instead of wearing a waist bag diagonally, we designed a diagonal-carry bag with the structure of a waist bag, shaped to fit the body even when worn short.
It has been crafted into a convenient size and feel that you may not use all the time but will definitely appreciate when you need it.
Thoughtful Functionality and Carefully Selected Components
For the main compartment, we used the YKK Symmetric Zipper, a metal zipper with symmetrical teeth that improves operability when using two sliders.
The sliders feature loop-shaped leather pullers so they can be opened easily even while wearing gloves.
Inside, the bag has an open pocket and a lightweight, flexible coil-zip pocket, allowing you to store frequently accessed items in the open pocket and valuables or small items in the zip pocket.
It also includes a key hook in the right corner, providing a designated spot for keys.
For the front pocket, we used YKK AquaGuard® zippers laminated with polyurethane film for water resistance.
The interior has extra room, making it ideal for storing wireless earphones, smart keys, and other small essentials.
We intentionally used three different types of zippers, selecting the best option for each part of the bag.
On the back, we chose an open pocket for ease of use and cost efficiency.
The entire back panel serves as storage space, providing substantial capacity so long as items fit through the pocket opening.
It is particularly convenient for smartphones.
Other details include the use of a magnetic buckle for attaching and adjusting the shoulder strap.
It may take some getting used to, as it detaches by sliding forward or backward, but once familiar, it can be operated with one hand.
This is especially convenient for those who wear the bag short and close to the body.
The bag also features adjusters on both sides.
By shifting the strap to one side, it can accommodate either shoulder.
When worn on the back, extending the strap on the buckle side places the D-ring at the top of the bag, allowing you to attach sunglasses, keychains, etc.
A Wide Range of Colors
The series comes in seven colors.
The giver can choose a unique color the recipient may not buy themselves, or pick a color they want the recipient to try, or go with a safe, classic option.
This is where the giver can really express their sense of style.
For the receiver, getting a color they wouldn’t normally choose can also inspire new styling possibilities.
All shoulder straps use thick, densely woven black nylon tape to avoid an overly casual appearance.
For the black colorway, the zippers, sliders, and pullers are all black for a fully blacked-out look.
For other colors, antique silver metal parts are used.
Even when designing a single bag, our core mission remains the same: creating the best possible product for the person who uses it.
This time, I also considered the perspective of the gift giver, and I believe we were able to create something new—something like a “balanced blend” of both sides.
I would be delighted if the person receiving the gift enjoys it.
We released many new items this season, and the “Swing” series introduced here is one of them.
Please check it out at our directly managed stores, master-piece retailers nationwide, or our online store.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Nagata
▼ Swing series is available here
