The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite bags as well as visiting the place where her family is from. “Being on-camera together for the first time was really special. It’s kind of surprising that it took this long, but it was all meant to be. It was also really fun working with him. I can’t believe it took this long but the universe has a funny way of working things out.” Lenny who has been a TUMI customer and admirer of the brand virtually since he started touring added, “When you’re travelling and living out of a suitcase, your luggage becomes an extension of your home – and yourself for that matter. It’s the one thing that’s always with you: on the plane, on the tour bus, in the hotel room, backstage, or on set. So, you want it to be reliable, durable, and make a statement. For me, TUMI embodies all of those qualities to the fullest.” Speaking about the TUMI campaign, he went on to say, “Working on the campaign was very gratifying. Not only did I get the opportunity to represent a great product but it was a very collaborative experience as I was involved in many creative aspects of the campaign.” His first ever bag being the TUMI carry-on suitcase, he has continued to use their prod- ucts ever since. “Luggage invariably becomes an outward re- flection of your style. It’s part of how you project yourself. I dug how simple and elegant the brand was.” The bond between Lenny and Zoë is very evident in the vid- eo, which he would describe as unconditional, eternal, love, creative and inspiring. Interestedly, his daughter says virtual- ly the same things. “I love how Zoë doesn’t settle. She works harder than anybody I’ve ever met. When she says she’s going to do something, she does it better than anyone. She pushes harder. She fights harder. I couldn’t be more proud of the women she has become.” Whilst Zoë said she loves her dad’s good heart, respect for others and sense of humour. Although they live in different countries, the two ensure they stay in touch even when their schedules are busy. When asked by TUMI how they do this, Lenny said, “You make the time for it. We talk as much as possible on the phone, so the connection is always strong. Communication is open. When we get the chance – and it doesn’t matter where in the world I am – I find a way to see her. Family is the most impor- tant thing to both of us” while Zoë replied, “You just have to make the time, if that’s something that is important to you.” Lenny admits that TUMI has made his life and travelling easier. “I can depend on my luggage. It’s portable. It can withstand the road, and my constantly moving life. It’s one less thing to worry about.” His perfect journey is one where he learns something about himself as well as the people in the community where he is visiting. “You take away an im- material souvenir in the form of a lesson or a memory. You carry those with you forever. The perfect journey ends with that.” Zoë on the other hand, revealed, “It’s great having durable luggage that isn’t an eye sore! I love how light the luggage is. You don’t ever feel burdened by TUMI pieces. I’ve got- ten to add the classic carry-on to my collection. Now, I can’t live without it!” Her perfect journey is “the ones that are so good, you forget to take pictures” and she would define her self-discovery as “imperfect, fun, challenging, and never ending” while learning something new every day. As she faces and overcomes different challenges, Zoë admit the more she learns is the more she wants to learn. She feels her most authentic self when she is with people who she knows love her for who she truly is, while good food, good people and good places make her the happiest. And having travelled to The Bahamas on a personal level, she would like to do more travelling for pleasure, rather than for work and explore new places as well as soaking up new cultures. For Lenny, self-discovery is something he believes is never ending. “You don’t ever entirely figure it out or reach some moment of self-actualisation where you just know. Instead, you’re always learning, growing and evolving.” Living in The Bahamas is where he feels his most authentic self, where everything makes sense and where his family is from. He has called The Bahamas home for a while now so there is a connection to his roots and a community that he is a part of as well as being in a place where he can be himself. In the video, we see him pass down a family heirloom to his daughter – his mother’s necklace. When asked what the sig- nificance is behind the piece, he replied, “I always associated that necklace with my mom. She wore it all the time and it is something I can vividly see in my mind to this day. To give it to Zoë was a very powerful and emotional moment for both of us.” He is also the happiest when his daughter is happy, healthy, and living out her dreams. Revealing his future plans, Lenny said. “This year has been transformative and important for many reasons. I put out a record I’m very proud of. I’ve been on the road a lot. There have been a myriad of design and creative projects. In the middle of all this, we’re trying to do as much as we can to give back, especially in The Bahamas where I live. I’m push- ing towards the same things I’ve always pushed toward. It’s art, it’s creativity, and it’s doing a little good in the world that really could use more good. In the near future, I’ll be back on the road.” Back in 1983, TUMI introduced its signature Ballistic Nylon which revolutionised the travel industry. The ultra-tough material originally used by the military to protect WWII troops from shrapnel was incorporated into TUMI’s luggage designed to make the bags withstand the wear and tear of a life well-travelled. Soon they added U-zip pockets, telescop- ing handles, dual wheel systems, Add-a-Bag expansion sys- tems, TUMI Tracer – interior and exterior features designed to make life on the move easier. Thirty-five years later, TUMI decided to remaster its iconic collection with Alpha 3. “With the launch of A3, we took