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More Popular Than a Backpack, It's a 'Wearable Bag'! Discover the Origins of Texnh in the 'Triangle Shoulder'
What's the DNA behind texnh, the Tokyo-based product brand launched by a former PORTER designer? While the brand has been making waves with its backpacks, like the previously featured 'FLYER / WASHER-NY', its true origins actually lie in a shoulder bag: the 'TRIANGLE SHOULDER'.
This bag, with its distinctive triangular shape that conforms to your body, has been a fan-favorite staple since the brand's inception. We explore why designer Rikiya Matsumura calls it 'the ultimate masterpiece that encapsulates everything texnh stands for'.
PROFILE
Rikiya Matsumura
texnh Designer
Born in Koto-ku, Tokyo, in 1981. After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, he moved to the UK. He joined Yoshida & Co., Ltd. in 2006, where he worked as a designer. In 2018, he went independent, establishing canall Inc. the following year. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he launched texnh, which he continues to lead today.
A Triangular Shape Born from Functionality
The Triangle Shoulder has been a core part of the texnh lineup since the brand debuted in Spring/Summer 2021. The first question that comes to mind upon seeing it is: why a triangle?"I've always been drawn to this shape as a form that lets you feel the pull of gravity," Matsumura explains. "When you fill the bag, its weight naturally creates that triangle, helping it settle perfectly. I also discovered other unexpected advantages, like how stable it is on the shoulder and how easy it is to manage."
The moment you sling it over your shoulder, the benefits become clear. The triangular silhouette, paired with supple leather, allows the bag to contour snugly against your body.
"The body is crafted from Italian kip leather," he says. "Calfskin is finely grained and has a luxurious feel, but it's prone to scratching, which raises concerns for practical use. On the other hand, steer hide from adult cattle is thick and durable, but it's too heavy and stiff for a large bag."
That's when Matsumura set his sights on kip leather. Sourced from cattle between six months and two years old, kip leather sits between calf and steer. It combines a delicate appearance with just the right amount of thickness and resilience, making it ideal for daily use.
"The beautiful way it ages was another key reason for choosing this leather. Tanned at an LWG-certified tannery in Italy, this kip leather is produced using eco-conscious methods that preserve its natural texture and fine grain."
With every use, the bag develops a richer gloss and deeper color, acquiring a unique patina. For context, the L-size model requires about 100 ds (1 ds = 10x10 cm) of leather. Since a single kip hide is relatively small, you can only cut about one and a half bags from it. This lavish use of material is what gives the bag its commanding presence.
Details Engineered for Ultimate Usability
While the bag's design often steals the spotlight, every detail has been meticulously engineered for ease of use. The vertical slit pockets on both sides, for instance, are an iconic feature."I designed them to leverage the triangular shape, allowing you to slide your hand in as naturally as you would into a pair of pants pockets," he notes.
This lets you smoothly access your belongings without taking the bag off your shoulder, making it perfect for stashing a smartphone or a transit card.
Meticulous attention has also been paid to carrying comfort—the lifeblood of any bag. The strap is made from domestic vegetable-tanned leather, with a wider section designed specifically to rest on the shoulder and distribute the load's weight. The length is adjustable, accommodating both cross-body and single-shoulder styles.
"At first, it was exclusively a one-shoulder bag," Matsumura recalls. "But as I used it myself, I realized it would be far more convenient if it could be worn cross-body, so I refined the design."
Refining the Design Through Personal Experience
While the fundamental design has remained largely unchanged since its launch, the details have seen continuous updates. This is because Matsumura personally uses the bag and incorporates his own feedback and discoveries into each iteration..jpg?w=600&fm=webp&dpr=2)
For instance, the Triangle Shoulder made with 66 nylon was a model born from Matsumura's own insight. 66 nylon is the brand's signature material, primarily used for backpacks, and is a high-density nylon twill known for its outstanding durability and abrasion resistance.
"I figured if you're going to use it daily, a lighter nylon version would be a great addition. Its silk satin-like sheen creates a modern vibe that's distinct from the leather version."
While the leather model (L size) weighs around 650g, the nylon version (L size) comes in at about 430g, achieving a weight reduction of approximately 34%. Upon its debut in the Spring/Summer 2023 season, it instantly became a hit and was added to the permanent collection.
Matsumura describes the Triangle Shoulder as a "wearable bag." Its triangular shape conforms to the body as if it were an extension of your clothing, while the material's texture adds a stylish accent to any outfit.
"I wanted to create more than just a storage solution; I envisioned a bag that functions as a piece of clothing to complete an entire look. The Triangle Shoulder is the perfect embodiment of that ideal."
While Texnh often gains attention for its functional backpacks, if you truly want to experience the essence of its craftsmanship, the Triangle Shoulder, as a "wearable bag," is arguably the product that most clearly represents the brand's philosophy.
Text by Ryota Osujo
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