If you could travel with one bag which one would it be? It’s a no-brainer for Lawrence Franklin, ceo of Tumi, the leading luxury luggage brand. “I traveled [to Dubai] with my wheeled suit duffle,” he says. “It’s a good model because it separates shoes from clothes using two separate compartments.” Space, believes Franklin is in the height as opposed to the width. But this is a business trip, isn’t it? Franklin was over from home-base in the United States to promote the company in the region, with a focus on the UAE. The company currently has 14 points of sale in the region. “I have a business case too,” he proudly muses, “but what is most compelling about it [Ultra-Portable Notebook Backpack], is that it doubles as a backpack with a padded compartment for my laptop.”
If there ever was a man for all seasons he would be carrying a Tumi. Founded in 1975 by former Peace Corps activist Charlie Clifford, the name derives from the Peruvian God. The company creates high-quality bags for all walks of lifestyle – from business and travel to sport and leisure. Tumi became a household name in the 1980s when technology in the form of black-on-black ballistic nylon and brokers began springing up in four corners of the world’s most vibrant stock exchanges came on the scene. Simple and with a no-nonsense attitude, the company’s ballistic line is currently in its fourth generation. “There are four words that best describes our culture,” says Franklin, “style, performance, logic and magic. Let’s face it. You must have magic to stand out and to have a good relationship with people.”
The said magic is prevalent throughout Tumi’s collections – where a disparate feeling of business and cool mingle into one alchemic mix. Take the T3 Ducati brood of grey and vibrant orange duffels, cases, backpacks and messenger cases. “Performance is an important aspect which affects innovation,” he explains, “[this] leads to the use of new material.” Case-in-point Ducati’s award-winning contoured design is made from exclusive, abrasion- and stain-resistant Hybrix fabric, making it perfect for all occasions and activities. With an eye to expanding into the lucrative realm of female apparel, the luxury luggage specialist has recently launched a handbags offering which include leather hobos, totes and metallic linen weekend bags. Tumi also has collections in pens, keyrings and electronics.
It also seems that Tumi is relentless when it comes to trying to outdo itself on every level. “An ultra-light collection using new advanced materials which includes carbon fibre to make it stylish and light is in the works and should be launched soon,” he reveals without letting the cat out of the bag.
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