Garcia Marquez Gauche(GMG), is one of the hottest Made in Japan brand today. The fact that they have incorporated the word Gauche into their brand name , meaning Lacking in Social Polish (ie. Non-conformist), should give you an idea of the image they are trying to project. The use of loud colors, unique patterns and design is what makes a GMG bag different from any other bag you might owe, making it a much coverted brand in the bag community.  

The main logo of the brand features a cartoon version of a Boston Terrier dog, which I find really cute ! They also have spin-off brands like 2avril by Garcia Marquez, where the design are slighly more elegant and less loud. One other interesting feature of GMG bags is that some of the bags can be used both ways, ie. You can flip the bag inside out, giving you 2 bag style for the price of one.

In addition, GMG tend to like to teamed up with other designers or big name companies like Sony PSP and PostPet,  to create a series of bags specific to the collaboration. For example, with Sony PSP, based on the Loco Roco game, GMG created a small carrier bag cum PSP carrier, which was subsequently marketed as a Loco Roco Merchandise. Even though I have never played the Loco Roco game, but just based on the cuteness of the bag along, I am rather intrigued by it, thereby appealing to PSP and non-PSP fans alike. 

This is a tough pick, as they have so many to choose from. But I feel that the bag that best defines the GMG style is the Garcia Marquez Gauche St-Germain series of tote bags.  They are just so colourful, vibrant and so Japanese Street-wear ! 

The latest design :

Going to their official website at www.garcia-style.com, you would realise that come August 11 2007, they have a new series coming up, the Animal Series - Petite Cadeau, which comes in 2 sizes, the Medium goes for 5000 Yen, while the Large size goes for 6000 Yen. (anyone going to Japan anytime soon ? *hint hint*) 

Final verdict :

If you need additional proof on how popular GMG bags are, you should know that they actually have 2 catelog books (vol 1 and 2) featuring all their past and present bag collections. When you buy the book, you are not just getting the book but they have also thrown in a scarf and matching bag (with the GMG logos of course!). Now that’s what I call marketing !! 

My aunt ended up getting me the Garcia Marquez Gauche – deux avril Stripe Colver Cherche-Midi Voyage in Apricot color from the GMG store in Shibuya. Apparently when she brought it, she was told that it was a limited edition and that it was the last piece in the store. So don’t bother going into the store to request for that similar model !! However do take heart, because they constantly have new designs of the bag coming out every month, during their monthly special store event. So I am sure you would eventually find one to call your very own.

Discuss this article on the forums. (4 posts)