Issey Miyake Bao Bao Valley Bag

Matte is a meaningful choice on a bag of this construction. The whole visual effect of a tiled surface comes from each panel catching light at its own angle, and a glossy finish makes that effect loud and obvious. Taking it down to matte does not remove the faceting, it quietens it: the planes register as changes in depth rather than as flashes of reflection, so the geometry is read by shadow alone. In black, that is about as restrained as this line gets.

Sizing and dimensions

Sold in one size.

A matte finish makes the geometry a matter of shadow rather than shine, which is the more grown-up version of this bag.

Bao Bao is Issey Miyake's best-known accessory line, built on rigid panels mounted to a flexible base.

Made in Japan, in Matte Black. Bao Bao bags are built from rigid geometric panels mounted on a flexible base; this one is finished matte rather than gloss.

Matte black is the least demanding finish in the line and suits being carried daily rather than saved for occasions.

Wipe clean with a soft damp cloth rather than laundering, and keep it away from heat, direct sun, and solvents. A matte finish marks differently from a gloss one and is best kept from oils. Store it flat. Our fabric care guide covers PVC, coated cloth, and bags directly.

The Carton Shoulder Bag is the zip-top model in the same construction, and the Lucent Bag in black is the flat tote. Everything we carry from Issey Miyake is listed together.