Japfac: Best friends BAGpack full of dreams

Japfac: Best friends' BAGpack full of dreams

by Supapan Matewin | Photo by Duanpen Juipracha

08.03.2018

"It's not just about fashion, but function that applied in our typical routine." This is the definition of 'making one bag' from two best friends-founders of japfac.

Simplicity seizes the place. Japfac's bag is based on the unisex concept designed to fit both of the cool-guy and cool-girl look with variety of functions. Nut-Kanutsanan Khemthong and Jane-Janejira Supsakul, the duo from faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn university, delicately design their product by selecting fine and durable materials to serve whatever necessary. And that's the main reason why customers are fascinated with japfac's practical quality.

It is heartmade. Nut and Jane design every single bag by heart to provide every single customer the best option. You know that japfac bags are invisibly puffed with lagoon of dream.

To know more about japfac, let's unpack the bag to discover whatever their dreams may come.

Since the first year at the university, Nut and Jane has collaborated to establish the brand. They sold selected accessories until the two agreed that they should design something, and the ultimate choice was 'bag'.

"Whenever we buy a bag, despite of presenting with blameless design, sometimes it's not functional. And vice versa, sometimes it's functional, but the design is something to blame, so we decided to design the practical and well-designed bag by ourselves." This is how it all started. Nut asked Jane if she was interested to join the duo project.

"Why not?" Without hesitation or considering any careful plans, Jane said yes. "It was a dizzy start by the way." She funnily added.

They carried out the very first bag with refined determination, exploring the talent-struck tailor. They found one whom is addressed to be another valuable team player because she really made the buddy's imagination come to life. So, every japfac bag is handmade by the reliable and verified tailor.

Launching tote bag as the first collection with intricate tricks and bit-by-bit details, only selvedge fabrics are chosen to reveal the hidden trait when flipping the bag inside out.

"Actually, the customers wouldn't know if we don't tell them." Jane interrupted the conversation with a laugh.

Officially debut at the university's annual Gift festival, the first collection is also available in an online store (as the mainstay channel until now). Each collection is meticulously unfolded within delectable motifs, to manifest how the bag acts alive along the body, and the feedback reclines on customer's bright interest.

"Our brand had an overnight recognition when we launched a Duffle Bag collection. The sales went skyrocketing until now, and we are so proud because the first draft was a non-3D jumble on paper. We would like to give the credits to our tailor who could actually make it tangible." Nut laughed while tracing back to the memorable moment.

Japfac's bags are now available at several chic design stores (happening shop is one of them). Their product made eye contact with foreign agents and went international. The buddy is now looking for other chances to be a part of an international event.

"Our destination is to make the brand go worldwide as our bag represents the universal simplicity that everyone could experience. That's the long-term plan." Nut explained the future expectation. "Now, we are about to unveil the new collection and photography catalogue which narrate more merry and eccentric scent than previous collections."

"The exact launching date hasn't precisely marked." Jane added. "It's needed to be filtered and extracted until the idea is right, because sometimes it pops up, but it doesn't click. We will experiment, detect the flaws and develop the product until it's ready to serve the customers." Jane explained the process while working on each collection.

Although 'japfac' is not in a dictionary, the word randomly popped up in their heads while they were on a bus and, therefore, use it to name their brand. Through thick and thin, there is no doubt that the brand has given a lot of meaning to both Nut and Jane. The connection and dreams of how they want to create a bag have grown and reflected in every single piece of their products.

Jane mentioned the concept of developing their new and innovative designs, "Most of the designs come when we are discussing with each other about what kind of bag we want to have based on our own needs. Then, we start reviewing what kind or what function of bags the brand is still missing. For example, we have just released the 'Noteley' bag to facilitate those who use notebooks and iPads, which is the current lifestyle and way of life of people in this era."

Moreover, 'japfac' has recently introduced customized strap bags that were neatly designed to mix and match with different bag models. Jane said that this first gimmick was launched when they were producing the 'Candy Nylon' bag. Not only the function can widen customer's perspectives by presenting their idea of how to create different straps with various types of bags, but it also allows the customers to try customizing or creating their own way of using the product.

"The joints of the straps can be easily adjusted to all of our bags. We have received a lot of feedback from customers who have many creative ideas of their own way of using our customized straps. For example, I have seen a customer who uses a mask strap as a belt."

Even now, 'japfac' is continuously developing despite some internal changes of bosses and employees, they all keep working together as friends. This is one of the 'japfac' qualities that make Nut and Jane ready to fight against every problem.

"We are really not afraid of anything. Sometimes we can get through it, but sometimes we can't. After all, it's okay because we know that our friends will support us through the end and that brings us the courage to confront any difficult paths ahead," said Nut with a smile.

Jane then mentioned the next step of 'japfac', "At first we only sold bags, but now we look at the direction of the brand comprehensively in terms of lifestyle. We are also launching a new product which is a camping chair. It is like the first product that breaks out of our primary concept. We may have produced more products that suit all lifestyles in the future." And of course, we are looking forward to their new products anticipatedly.

With the growth of 'japfac', Nut and Jane now have a team to help ease the burden, so that they can get a better perspective and overview of the brand. The team management was an adding element that helps the brand grow potentially.

If you want to get to know more about 'japfac', let's try opening what's inside their bags.

Take a look at 'japfac' on the website happeningandfriends.com at japfac or try experience their bags by yourself at flagship stores: The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan, and Central Ladprao and at Happening Shop at both branches: the Bangkok Art and Culture Center branch (BACC) and the Dadfa, La Salle branch.

Supapan Matewin

The curious girl who's curious about everything. She enjoys drawing, reading, writing, travelling, photography, people, entertainment materials, eatery and FREE stuff.

Duanpen Juipracha

You can meet her at bookshops and art galleries. This editorial and content staff is fond of gazing at the morning sunshine and be affectionate with the after-rain universe. When she gets old, she does hopes that she'd be surrounded by the realm of cats.

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