PORTER Opens Inaugural NYC Pop-Up — 90 Years In The Making

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Summary

  • To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Porter-Yoshida has opened its first-ever standalone pop-up in NYC, showcasing its heritage and new collaborations.
  • The pop-up, running until September 7, also features a biodegradable, plant-based nylon line and highlights the brand’s commitment to Japanese craftsmanship.

To celebrate its 90th year in business, Japanese accessories brand Porter-Yoshida (Yoshida & Co.) is setting up its first-ever pop-up store in New York City – a significant expansion that brings the renowned “TANKER” purveyor to The Big Apple for the first time.

21 Spring Street store presents iconic Porter and Potter collections along with innovative new items and collaborative projects, symbolizing the label’s rich legacy over a hundred years and hinting at the exciting milestones ahead as it nears its centennial in operation.

The brand Porter-Yoshida, which already has stores in the US, is opening its first standalone shop in New York City through a pop-up. Brand Director Kenichiro Matsubara explained that this move was largely about timing. Previously, they focused on wholesale distribution, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, they chose to prioritize a retail strategy.

Upon arrival, visitors are warmly welcomed by a life-sized PORTER mascot figure. Nearby, you’ll find custom fittings such as shelving wrapped in nylon utility panels, curved orange displays, and a covered merchandise cart offering smaller items-even a PORTER plush bear.

The brand, which has been crafting its bags in Japan since 1935, spotlights its 100% plant-based nylon front and center, demonstrating how the label is addressing the needs of the future. Made from a biosynthetic blend using corn starch, each plant-based bag is completely biodegradable.

“The only unchanging thing is that it is made in Japan. What is changing today is that the number of factories and skilled craftsmen in Japan is decreasing. To preserve the culture of craft, Porter-Yoshida is putting more effort into hiring new craftsmen and creating opportunities.””

The “Made in Japan” label has become a highly sought-after tag in fashion due to its associations with craftsmanship. From selvedge denim to durable nylons, the country’s producers have made Japan a global beacon for high-quality manufacturing in an era ruled by speed and efficiency.

Matsubara underscores that the brand has consistently advanced while maintaining its focus on traditional craftsmanship. He emphasizes that although the production remains in Japan, there’s been a noticeable decline in the number of Japanese factories and skilled artisans. To preserve this dwindling artistry, Porter-Yoshida is making a concerted effort to hire new craftspeople and create more opportunities for them.

At the pop-up, you can find Cecilie Bahnsen’s capsule collection, which reflects the label’s unique approach to collaborative design. They’ve been working with popular streetwear brands like BAPE, but they’ve also put effort into niche interests. Most recently, POTR collaborated with sakamotocommon, an organization focused on preserving the legacy of the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, to create a special record-holding tote bag.

In the future, Matsubara expressed his vision as follows: “Over the next ten years, I envision a period marked by innovation. Just because we’re celebrating our 90th anniversary doesn’t mean we’ve reached the end of our journey.” He also shared that one of the gifts bears the slogan, ‘Every day is a new beginning,’ which reflects their ongoing mindset.

The New York City Pop-Up Store celebrating PORTER’s 90th birthday will remain open until this coming Sunday, specifically at 21 Spring Street in the heart of the city.

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2025-09-04 19:25