The French army's folding cabinet was the design motif.
Not only is it foldable and portable,
the fact that it has "hanging" space
is what makes this cabinet so amazing.
Initially, I was so impressed with this product that
I kept making prototypes, hoping to reproduce it,
but no matter how many times I tried, it never quite felt right...
Then, after some consideration,
I questioned whether the 100% genuine French military specification was really necessary,
or if it would be inconvenient if the cover and main unit weren't integrated,
or if it would be more convenient to have more "hanging" space than shelves, etc.
Stepping back, the complete form finally became clear.
---
Abandoning the integrated design,
I started thinking about the cover and the main unit separately.
For the main unit, we placed a custom order with "Luminous," a Japanese manufacturer of steel racks.
(A change of perspective: giving up on developing it ourselves!)
We were particular about the color.
Instead of the usual silver, we had them make it in 【black】.
By partnering with professionals in the field,
the load capacity of the shelves has been dramatically improved,
there's ample hanging space,
and the shelves can be moved freely.
What's more, it comes with casters and even a stopper function.
(It also comes with caps so it can be used without casters.)
Because it's a custom-made 【black】, it has less glare,
and looks quite stylish even when used alone.
---
For the cover, we ditched waterproofing
and opted for a durable 100% cotton ripstop fabric.
We reconsidered the placement of D-rings, tapes, and pockets,
creating a design that can organize items that are difficult to store, such as belts, hats, and sunglasses.
Hidden pocket inside.
Of course, you can put anything you want in it,
but I imagined myself using it for a passport, so I sized it accordingly (lol).
Compared to olive, beige has a much softer impression.
I think it also toned down the "military" presence in a good way.
Redesigning aspects that fit modern life better, and eliminating those that don't.
The BasShu Utility Cabinet was born from
the re-tailoring of a great product from the past.
- Digression and Acknowledgments -
After two years of frustration, making countless prototypes that never quite worked out,
and thinking, "This project might be impossible...",
Mr. H from a certain Journal furniture casually offered a piece of advice.
"Wouldn't it be a more streamlined balance if you redesigned it to be vertically oriented?
The current shape is clunky, I wouldn't want to put it in my room."
I remember that comment being a real eye-opener.
Instead of reproduction, redesign.
It was such an obvious thing, but I hadn't seen it at all.
If it hadn't been for Mr. H's comment, it might never have been released.
He probably doesn't even remember it much,
but I'm actually very grateful.
I'm sure he'd just coolly brush it off if I told him directly, so I'm saying it here (lol).
Perhaps because it's the season for changing clothes?
We're getting a lot of inquiries and selling well.
Besides olive and beige, there are two other patterns,
so please check out the 【UTILITY CABINET】special page.
See ya!