Au Départ, founded in 1834 and recently revived with fresh energy, teams up with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design to release the Tote N. 55 x FRGMT. The partnership turns a storied French house—long recognized for trunks and leather goods—into a conversation with Tokyo’s avant-garde scene. Both names, obsessed with “sophisticated functionality and style,” tap into a shared language that moves beyond nostalgia.
This tote nods to the “golden era” of racing, playing off the idea of a white circle on a sports car to boost visibility. It’s a detail that reads as both nod and wink. Au Départ’s signature L’Hexagone pattern is there, making its presence felt beside Fragment’s own codes. Think modern heritage, flipped and remixed.
The official launch hits Tokyo on December 14, with Paris, London, Seoul, and the brand’s online store following suit in January. For a maison that’s been flexing heritage across pop-ups and a global reboot, this release feels right on time.
