The Bite Magazine Issue 17

celebrate. With more ideas elevating the way we travel, TUMI launched the Alpha collection in 2008, a completely updated version of their signature travel and business designs; the Vapor hardside collection in 2009; the Alpha Bravo col- lection in 2010; collaboration with graffiti artist John ‘Crash’ Matos on a limited edition travel collection in 2011; and the Tegra-Lite collection as well as the Dror for TUMI collection that showed in Milan at Salone del Mobile in 2012. This year, TUMI takes their innovative ideas to the next level with the launch of 19 Degree, the brand’s first ever alu- minium luggage collection. 19 Degree is described as a masterful combination of form following function, meaning that it is “the pinnacle of travel gear, an element of luxury and innovation that elevates not only your journey, but who you are.” It draws inspiration from “when the fluid elements of nature and exacting lines in architecture interact” and boasts a strik- ingly modern and cutting-edge design with strategically sculpted angles set against meticulously-crafted aluminium. Through this element, the contour of the collection highlights the profile of the suitcase and therefore gives it a sense of fluidity that exudes a boldly distinctive appearance.This is where fashion, art and design work together to transcend the travel experience by emotionally con- necting travellers to their own unique journeys. “With every mile travelled, city ventured, stamp on your passport, your journey will reach a new degree – it’s only fitting that you carry a bag that reflects your movement,” said Global Creative Direc- tor Michael Petry. “19 Degree truly represents the art of intelligent design; when concepting the collection, we approached it with the question: ‘How can we make our design less elementary and more elevated than what is already on the market?’ We felt our customer deserved a better design and an overall better product that not only performs, but looks cool while performing.” With a reinforced framecase design, the collection has two snap closures for carry-on bag and three snap closures for check-in bags, along with die-cast corner caps for additional protection. The interior has the finest aesthetic and organisational features including a light- weight lining with an embossed diamond pattern that complements its unique exterior pattern. Available in a full range of carry-on and check-in sizes, custom- ers will be able to choose anything from an International Carry-On through to an Extended Trip Packing Case. Each style offered in Silver and Matte Black features integrated low-profile TSA locks, TUMI Tracer, retractable moulded top and side carry handles wrapped with leather detailing, and a patented X-Brace 45 telescoping handle system crafted from lightweight-yet sturdy aircraft-grade aluminium which helps reduce the weight of the bags. This collection will be avail- able from November 2016. TUMI will also be launching a polycarbonate 19 Degree counterpart collection which will be equally stylish and lightweight.This collection available in a striking medley of Silver, Black, and Copper is master- fully wrapped in a special film to ensure it reflects light when the bag is on the move and will launch in October 2016. For autumn/winter 2016,TUMI travelled to Japan, to showcase their three new collections: Alpha Bravo, Tegra-Lite and Sinclair, inspired by the brushstrokes of kanji . The logographic Japanese charac- ters used in the modern writing system are the core of Japanese vocabulary and illustrates a freethinking flow of energy and express. Alpha Bravo in Smoke Character Print consisting of the Kirt- land International Expandable Carry-On and the Luke Roll-Top Back Pack are the key pieces in the collection. Designed in TUMI’s signature ballistic nylon, the Slim Card Case and Gusseted Card Case are updated in the character print and bring renewed energy and movement to the Tegra-Lite International Carry-On and Large Trip Packing Case. The Sinclair’s Camila Tote is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, while the Character Print injects personality into the silhouette. Other collections include The Astor, V3 and Voyageur which have a mix of bold prints and rich jewel tones inspired by various environmental elements. For example, the new Fukuro print for the premium assortment Astor is featured on the Osborne International Carry-On and the Dorilton Slim Flap Brief bears a striking abstract interpretation of the feather colouring of Japanese owls. The beauty of the lush forests of Japan is rep- resented by season forest prints on the Tahoe’s Linden International 2-Wheeled Carry-On, Grove Day Duffel and the new Barton Roll-Top Backpack. While V3, TUMI’s lightest hardside collection features the Lively Waterfall Stripe seen on the International Carry-On, Short Trip Packing Case and Extended Trip Packing Case which calls to mind transparent watercolour paints on rice paper. In both the Tegra-Lite and Voyageur col- lections, the Indigo Floral Print conjures up cherry blossoms which are consid- ered cultural treasures of Japan and are seen in the new M Tote and the Calais Backpack. Pine Floral is a feminine and abstract take on a camo print and pro- vides an uplifting highlight to the classic Halle Backpack silhouette. With the addition of accessories in the shape of origami and fringe animal key fobs, the Origami Airplane, Kite and Boat key rings reminiscent the artisanship of hand- crafted paper origami while the Fringe Owl, Fringe Dog and Fringe Fish tie back to Japan’s cultural and spiritual bond with nature. TUMI luggage collections are sold in over 350 stores from NewYork to Paris to London and Tokyo, as well as world top department and specialty stores, and travel retail stores in more than 75 countries. http://uk.tumi.com bite lifestyle Images courtesy of Profile Public Relations