Graffiti-chic shakes up stodgy luggage

The Life: Have bag must travel is an old concept, now a company is cutting a niche selling 'the' bag for business travellers.

US-based manufacturer, Tumi, recently launched a range of business travel suitcases adorned with colourful graffiti, designed by New York urban artist John ìCrashî Matos. Photo courtesy Tumi
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Q&A: Tumi’s products are available at department stores as well as more than 120 Tumi outlets around the world. A spokesman explained how the company is tackling the latest trends in business travel:

Last Updated: May 11, 2011

Is today's travel gear different from years past? As technology plays an important role in our daily lives, bags are designed to accommodate modern-day gadgets. A bag is now designed to serve multiple functions: ample pockets for organisation, lightweight and diversity in use are all key attributes. The exterior appearance must convey a look of professionalism, sophistication and prestige.

How are the designs different for men and women? For men, a brief that can accommodate a laptop, and be carried or slung over the shoulder is preferred. For women, something with softer lines is desirable.

How does the Arrive, one of the newest additions to your luxury collection, fit in? It's all in the details. Our classic designs take on a more luxurious look with signature details such as leather details, chrome accents, custom-made handles and overall more streamlined styles.

What other accessories might business travellers want? New gadgets call for new ways to carry them around. Bags must be designed to carry all these new electronics as they have become essential belongings for both business and everyday use.

If you are a regular business traveller, "graffiti" and "suitcase" are probably two words you do not envision in the same sentence. It is possible that a valet has never uttered the words: "May I carry your graffiti-chic suitcase, sir?"

That is, until now. Tumi, a US manufacturer of luggage, backpacks and bags, recently launched a range of business travel suitcases adorned with colourful graffiti designed by the New York urban artist John "Crash" Matos.

Crash grew up in the South Bronx and began his art career at the tender age of 13, spray-painting subway cars and dilapidated buildings. His art has been described as a "visual link" between street life and the rest of society.

Aside from the irony of having someone called Crash design suitcases for travel by planes, trains and cars, does the business traveller want to turn up to that important meeting looking as if he had a run-in with paint-wielding vandals?

Top 5: Top five luggage brands

1 Eagle Creek Tarmac 22.

2 Delsey Helium Fusion Lite 2.0.

3 eBags Weekender.

4 REI Wheely Beast.

5 Tumi Alpha Frequent Traveller.

Tumi clearly thinks there is a market here. The company's launch of the graffiti suitcases coincided with its support of Art Dubai in March. Crash has designed four suitcase styles, and only 1,000 pieces of each style have been produced, as well as a one-of-a-kind iPhone case.

"The professional business traveller is seeking accessories that will seamlessly combine the ultimate in functionality, quality and design," a spokesman for Tumi said.

Whether you are going off on a long holiday, a weekend or a day-trip, the company has the graffiti-adorned case for you. The collection includes a 20-inch international carry-on, a 25-inch medium case and a 29-inch extended-trip case.

They do not come cheap though, with the smallest size packing a punch at Dh2,385 (US$649).

Lucky then, that no one is likely to steal it.

The Quote: "People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish. But that's only if it's done properly." artist Banksy