In late 2021, KAWS teamed with Japanese bagmaker Porter to reinterpret its iconic Tanker lineup—backpacks, helmet bags, and waist bags—in deep navy “Iron Blue” nylon with bright orange interiors. Subtle tonal embroidery of Companion hands, discreet double-XX logos, and KAWS’s hand-print motif lining made the pieces understated yet instantly identifiable to those in the know.

The Tanker Iron Blue Pieces (2021)
The collaboration centered on three silhouettes: the backpack (¥108,350 / ~$970), helmet bag (¥66,000 / ~$595), and waist bag (¥63,800 / ~$575). KAWS layered tonal embroidered Companion hands onto the exterior and lined the interiors with his hand-print pattern over Porter’s signature orange, balancing Porter’s functional craftsmanship with his own visual cues. (1, 3)

Release & Distribution
Debuting as part of Porter’s “Tanker Iron Blue” pop-up tour in Tokyo, the bags were distributed via tendered lottery at select locations including Isetan Shinjuku and Dover Street Market New York. The limited, quietly marketed release emphasized Porter’s heritage of quality over hype. ([1], 3)

Why It Matters
By working with Porter, KAWS translated his visual identity onto urban staples without relying on bold graphics or overt branding. The partnership builds on a relationship going back to his OriginalFake days and shows how subtle, utilitarian design can become highly collectible when handled with precision.