Lilly Knit Bag by Mate Mono

Lilly Knit Bag by Mate Mono — a knitted handbag shaped like a lily in bloom, made by Komatsu Matere in Ishikawa.

The Design Story

Ishikawa, on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, is one of the country’s great textile regions, and Komatsu Matere has dyed and finished fabric there since 1943, for everything from fashion and sportswear to technical materials. Mate Mono is where that expertise turns into things you carry: bags cut from surplus fabric that would otherwise be thrown away, or knitted whole on special machines so there are no offcuts at all. The colors, sheens and textures come straight from the mill’s own finishing processes.

Why You’ll Love It

The Lilly is the rare bag that looks as good on a shelf as on your arm. The knit holds a soft, flower-like shape, and the long strings move with you, so it feels alive when you walk. Inside, a sheer pouch keeps the practical things tidy.

Made for Real Life

Carry the day’s essentials, set it down anywhere and it stays upright. Pair it with Shiny Shell Drawstring Bag by Mate Mono for a second, shinier small bag. Pull the inner pouch gently (it is stitched in), and keep damp umbrellas or bottles out so the dye stays put.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Dinners, openings, weddings and weekends — anywhere a small, sculptural bag can be the point of the outfit.

Questions We Hear Most

Why is it called the Lilly?

It comes from a Japanese saying that compares a graceful walk to a lily swaying in the breeze; the long strings at the top stand for a flower’s stamens.

How big is the Lilly in centimetres?

25 cm high, 22 cm wide and 15 cm deep.

Where do my keys and phone go in the Lilly?

In a see-through polyester pouch stitched inside the knit body.

Which shade of the Lilly should I choose? (our styling advice)

Black for a graphic, all-season accent; Light Blue for spring and denim; Red if you want the bag to be the statement.

Can the Lilly sit on a shelf when I am not carrying it?

That is part of the idea: the base lets it stand upright, so it looks like a small textile sculpture.

What makes the Lilly’s knit so dimensional?

Komatsu Matere combines fine knitting with its own dyeing and finishing, which gives the fabric its curves and depth.

For the Trade

Designers, stylists, hospitality buyers and corporate gifting teams: members of the LoftModern Trade Program receive trade pricing, up to 20% off retail on eligible brands, plus concierge help with stock checks and lead times. Apply once with your business details and we reply by email with your account.

Why We Love It

Part handbag, part sculpture — and entirely made in Japan.

Shipping Info