A Reliable Companion for Everyday Life - Staff Review: The Kite Shoulder

A Reliable Companion for Everyday Life
Staff Review: The Kite Shoulder

Taking things as they come can give us a little more room within ourselves. It’s a kind of wisdom that helps us move through life with ease, whatever comes our way.

Measuring 36 cm across, the Kite Shoulder has a simple, flat rectangular form, yet offers generous room for a laptop, everyday essentials, and even the occasional unplanned purchase. REN staff members Kawashima and Honda also seem to reach for this bag often, each making it part of their own everyday routine.

Left: Kawashima / Right: Honda

Why do they keep reaching for this bag? Through an honest conversation between the two, we took a closer look at what makes it so easy to use.

One Bag or Two? Two Different Ways to Carry

Kawashima: I’ve always liked the Still series in goatskin, and I also don’t like carrying separate bags for my work things and personal belongings. So when this larger size came out with enough room for a laptop, I went for it right away. It fits my laptop, of course, but also a cardigan for when I need an extra layer and a folding umbrella for rainy days. Being able to carry everything in one bag was what really won me over.

Honda: I was actually the opposite. I wanted to spread the weight out, so I used to carry two bags—an A4 bag for my laptop and a smaller handheld bag. But I’d been curious about the Kite Shoulder for a while after seeing Kawashima use hers. Once I bought one, I really liked the reassurance of having everything I need in one place. I forget things less often now, too, and in the end, this is the bag I keep reaching for.

Thoughtful Details That Simplify Everyday Life

Kawashima: Even when I’m not carrying much, the soft leather naturally falls against the body, so the bag never feels too large. I prefer to wear it over my shoulder, so I tie a firm knot at the base of each handle to keep it at just the right length for me.

Honda: When it comes to the design, I like to leave the two cords at the opening untied and let them hang together at the front. Even without tying them tightly, the opening still feels somewhat secure, and the cords add a subtle accent to the bag’s simple square shape. I also like that the lining is a light color, so black items don’t disappear at the bottom. My keys and AirPods slip neatly into their usual interior pockets, so I no longer waste time searching for them.

For Work or Days Off, Made to Adapt

Kawashima: Sometimes when I’m out, I’ll skip the plastic bag at the supermarket and put my groceries straight into this bag. It even fits a carton of eggs with no trouble (laughs). Other times, I’ll carry it alongside a patterned reusable bag. It’s slim and doesn’t add much bulk, and because the black is so simple and understated, it pairs easily with other bags without competing with them. That versatility makes it really easy to use.

Honda: I use this bag a lot in my personal time, too. On my days off, instead of a laptop, I’ll often carry my iPad mini for watching videos at a café or drawing. Whether I’m carrying things for work or heading out with things for my hobbies, I love that I can keep using the same bag and simply change what goes inside. It makes things so much easier.

How Black Fits into an Outfit

Kawashima: I tend to choose black in general, not just for bags. I don’t often wear leather clothing, but I like bringing leather into an outfit through a bag—the difference in texture adds a subtle dimension to the overall look. Black is also easy to work with; whatever I’m wearing, it always seems to fit naturally into place.

Honda: I mostly wear black and other basic colors, too. This bag has a slightly contemporary, fashion-forward feel, so it works just as easily with trousers as it does with a skirt, without having to think too much about it. When I end up dressed entirely in black, I’ll sometimes switch to a taupe or white bag for a change—but somehow, I always come back to this black one.

生It never gets in the way of everyday life, yet reliably carries whatever you need. The Kite Shoulder—a simple, unadorned square of leather—becomes a dependable companion for moving through each day with ease.