[Kyoto] Bold hand-painted bags are a hit! A report on the "textiletells" Spring 2025 POPUP

This article is a report on a past POPUP event. Please note that the event has already ended.

<Article published on Yahoo! News Expert 2025/4/9>
*Product and price information is based on the time of the interview.

Hello, this is Marchi. Today, I would like to introduce the textile brand "textiletells", which offers one-of-a-kind bags that you will want to pair with your spring and summer fashion. I introduced this brand once last year, and after hearing that they would be holding a spring POPUP in April, I visited their usually private atelier and the POPUP venue to conduct an interview (click here for the previous article).

textiletells is the original brand of "Design House KAZE", a group of textile designers active in Kyoto since 1961. Currently, you can purchase their products at POP-UPs in galleries and major department stores in Kyoto, as well as at the textiletells online shop.

textiletells designer Akiyo Sano joined Design House KAZE after graduating from Kyoto City University of Arts. She is currently in charge of many textile designs for apparel. textiletells was born in 2021 as an original brand of Design House KAZE, based on concepts developed by Sano.

Sano had long thought, "I want to create works that look like paintings, using textiles as a 'canvas'."

She named the brand "textiletells" from the idea of "telling (tells) the charm of cloth (textile)."

Everything is Made in Kyoto! Commitment to materials

textiletells products use "shifu" (paper cloth), which is made by weaving water-resistant Manila hemp thread. The paper cloth, woven on a Russell knitting machine at a factory in Kyoto, retains the original texture of Japanese paper while being resistant to rain and wind, and many people are surprised by its lightness.

The pigments used for hand-painting are original textiletells pigments, commissioned from a Kyoto pigment manufacturer with a focus on color and texture. Everything from the materials to the sewing, including commissioning the bag sewing work to a Kyoto workshop, is finished as "Made in Kyoto."

Production scene in the private atelier

In the usually private atelier, I was shown the production process of the "paper bag XS", which features a circle motif.

Sano layers the original pigments by hand onto the paper cloth bags that have already been sewn.

Ms. Sano says, "When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a pastry chef." Just like spreading fresh cream on a sponge cake, she layers the pigment little by little to create circular shapes.

Even with the same "circle" design, the unique charm of hand-painting is that you can create shadows and change the expression through the use of putty and the thickness of the pigment.
The pigment is left to dry for about three days, completing the bold and edgy "one-of-a-kind bags" that are unique to textiletells.

POPUP currently being held at "Atelier Japan" inside Hotel Granvia Kyoto

The "Atelier Japan" where the textiletells POPUP is currently being held is a select shop that handles many Japanese crafts, mainly from Kyoto, based on the concept of "conveying Japanese craftsmanship to the world." The shop is located on the M3 floor of Hotel Granvia Kyoto in the Kyoto Station building.Atelier Japanis a select shop that handles many Japanese crafts, mainly from Kyoto, based on the concept of "conveying Japanese craftsmanship to the world." The shop is located on the M3 floor of Hotel Granvia Kyoto in the Kyoto Station building.

Atelier Japan is holding the "Kyo no Kaban" (Kyoto Bags) exhibition from Thursday, April 3rd to Sunday, May 25th. Along with textiletells, bags and accessories from Kyoto Denim are also on display and for sale.
*Due to the popularity of the special exhibition, the Atelier Japan "Kyo no Kaban" exhibition has been extended until Sunday, May 25th.

Introducing textiletells bags

Here are some of the textiletells products on display at this "Kyo no Kaban" exhibition.

paper bag is a tote bag designed with inspiration from the paper bags often seen in the city. Based on the concept of "making paper bags out of paper cloth," it was commercialized as a paper bag that won't tear even with repeated use.
The "paper bag" series comes in three colors: black, natural, and white. There are two sizes: the XS size with a shoulder strap and the S size for hand-carrying.

The "paper bag circle" series, which I was shown being made, is also on display. Please be sure to visit Atelier Japan, pick up the actual items, and take a close look at the expressions unique to hand-painting.

cuboid shoulder series is a shoulder bag that focuses on a matte texture for both the metal fittings and the shoulder strap. The surface of the bag is made of a fabric that feels like leather, created by applying a thin layer of glue to paper cloth. Because the surface is coated with glue, it is said to be popular for being durable and resistant to dirt.

The "cuboid shoulder" series comes in two types: S and L. The L size can easily fit a 13-inch laptop, so it is recommended for those looking for a lightweight, larger bag.

Furthermore, at this POPUP, along with the bags, art pieces by textiletells are also on display and for sale. These were created by upcycling materials used in bag making, and true to designer Mr. Sano's style, they have a cool, somewhat Japanese-inspired aesthetic that makes them wonderful pieces that blend well into both Japanese and Western-style rooms. These art pieces are available in limited quantities, so if you are interested, please inquire as soon as possible.

The POPUP at Atelier Japan inside Hotel Granvia Kyoto, which I introduced here, is being held until Sunday, May 25th. Please note that Atelier Japan's business days are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. For other POPUP details and products, please check textiletells' Instagram.

textiletells bags use paper cloth that is resistant to rain and wind, and feature wonderful, bold hand-painted designs. Please take this opportunity to visit the POPUP venue.