Cath Kidston, the British lifestyle brand operated by Styling Life Holdings Co., Ltd. (株式会社スタイリングライフ・ホールディングス), is launching a new project called "Life with BOOK BAG" (https://cathkidston.jp/pages/bookbag), focusing on its iconic Book Bag. As the first step, a pop-up store will be held at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books from Wednesday, October 28 to Friday, November 13, 2026, with 21 Book Bag designs on sale.
During the pop-up, books on the culture and lifestyle of London, home to Notting Hill where Cath Kidston was founded, will also be displayed and sold. Visitors can get a feel for the Book Bag and the everyday London life behind it.
The Story of the Book Bag
Cath Kidston's first coated-cotton Book Bag was created in 1995. Two years after opening its first store in London, the brand was already a homeware brand loved for combining exciting ideas with practicality.
Founder Cath Kidston took note of the sturdy, easy-to-handle coated cotton used for the brand's then-bestselling tablecloth fabric. Thinking, "I want to bring this comfort to more everyday scenes," she created a special bag collection limited to just 500 pieces.
The simple open-top design, roomy enough to toss things in, carried the brand's most classic prints, Archive Rose and Ditsy Floral. Sturdy and quick to wipe clean of water and dirt, the Book Bag sold out almost as soon as it went on sale. From shopping at the market and strolling around the neighborhood to a quiet outing with a favorite book, it blended naturally into the daily lives of people of all ages.
For more than 30 years since, the Book Bag has been loved across generations and has added color to millions of lives around the world. With new hand-drawn prints appearing each season, it has expanded into three sizes to suit different uses, and people enjoy collecting their favorite "print stories" and carrying them everywhere like a charm.
A stroll in the pleasant sunshine, a relaxed moment reading at a café, a chat with a dear friend, a school day or a workday: "Life with BOOK BAG" focuses on the Book Bag as a companion that quietly accompanies such everyday moments, and introduces it anew.
Pop-Up Details
Cath Kidston "Life with BOOK BAG"
- Venue: Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, Building 2, 1st Floor, Architecture and Design Floor (https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/floor/)
- Dates: Wednesday, October 28 to Friday, November 13, 2026
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Special page: https://cathkidston.jp/pages/bookbag
Small Book Bag: The Best Partner for Quick Outings
Ideal for carrying just the essentials, such as a paperback, a mini wallet and a smartphone. Although compact, it has a solid 9 cm gusset, which also makes it handy as a sub-bag tucked inside a main bag. The glossy coated cotton can be wiped clean, so it is easy to care for.
Size: H19.5 × W21.5 × D9 cm
All prices include tax.
Archive Floral - ¥5,280
Fable Ditsy - ¥5,280
Hackney Dogs - ¥5,280
Hackney Rose - ¥5,280
Little Treasures - ¥5,280
London Crest - ¥5,280
London Town - ¥5,280
Pearly Queen Ditsy - ¥5,280
Swan Song - ¥5,280
Valentines - ¥5,280
Christmas House - ¥4,950
Large Book Bag: Big Capacity for Lessons and Short Trips
With plenty of height and width, it holds bulky items neatly. The slim 8 cm gusset keeps the silhouette tidy on the shoulder even when the bag is full. It also works well for an overnight trip, trips to the gym, or as a mom's bag.
Size: H35 × W33 × D8 cm
All prices include tax.
Archive Floral - ¥6,930
Climbing Rose - ¥6,930
Fable Ditsy - ¥6,930
Hackney Dogs - ¥6,930
Hackney Rose - ¥6,930
Little Treasures - ¥6,930
Love Notes - ¥6,930
Pearly Queen Ditsy - ¥6,930
Queenies London - ¥6,930
Rose Treasure - ¥6,930
