About Us
Part 1: Our Beginning
Seeking the tangible in a world of metrics.
For over a decade, I lived in the world of web advertising. It was an ephemeral place, where trends are consumed in months and yesterday's success formula is obsolete by tomorrow. In a world governed only by intangible data and shifting algorithms, constantly chasing numbers, my spirit felt worn thin by the lack of anything real to hold on to.
This feeling of being worn down by the digital world, coupled with the profound turning point of starting a family, gave me the push I needed.
Holding my child's small hand in mine, the vague yearning I had for a quieter, more deliberate way of life came into sharp focus.
"I want to create something for this child that has real, enduring value."
As the first step toward giving this conviction a form, I picked up a camera to capture the world around me.
But I immediately ran into a problem. There simply wasn't a bag I truly wanted to carry—one that could protect my precious camera while still being beautiful. The market was full of bags that were big, black, and bulky; designed for function but not for a woman who cared about style.
"I don't want to buy something just because it's trending on social media. I want to find something that I know is truly good, based on my own values."
This was my own earnest desire. And faced with the reality that my ideal bag didn't exist, I made a decision.
"If it doesn't exist, I will choose to create it myself."
The story of Eligere began with that single, resolute choice at a turning point in my life.
Part 2: Our Philosophy
Every detail is a testament to our choices.
An Eligere bag is not merely a product. It is the culmination of countless choices that reflect our values.
The Leather: A choice for the planet. We chose to use leather that respects our environment. We source exclusively from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), a global standard for sustainability. Our choice is to ensure that the story behind our materials is as honest as the materials themselves.
The Function: A choice for peace of mind. We chose a fully waterproof leather, overcoming a traditional weakness of the material. This is not just to protect the bag, but to protect your precious tools of creation within it—your camera, your laptop, your notebook. It is a choice to provide the value of real peace of mind, whatever the weather.
The Hands: A choice for sincere craftsmanship. We chose the path of crafting each bag, one by one, in our own studio in Japan. It is a quiet, deliberate process—the very antithesis of mass production. We choose the path of sincerity that has long defined Japanese artisanship.
Part 3: A Bag for You
To be chosen by those who choose.
This is more than just a bag.
It is a companion for the discerning individual—for those who navigate the flood of information and fleeting trends to find the true essence of things, based on their own set of values.
Just as we have carefully considered and chosen our materials, our functions, and our methods, we hope you continue to choose what is truly of value in your own life.
If an Eligere bag can be one of your proud choices, there could be no greater joy for us.