Future innovation
Travel essentials brand taps 2 leading designers
HOW will the future look like? This is what Tumi, maker of world-class business and travel essentials, intends to find out after engaging two award-winning industrial designers – Cebu’s Kenneth Cobonpue and China’s Jamy Yang. Cobonpue and Yang have created original designs that envision what the future might look like for Tumi, a move that’s in line with the brand’s 40th anniversary celebration.
Vortex
An original design by Kenneth Cobonpue
Kenneth, who advocates the importance of using organic materials in design, experimented with the brand’s iconic FXT Ballistic Nylon material and combined it with hand-stitched organic bamboo reed to create the “Vortex” bag for Tumi. This unusual pairing unites nature and technology to create a beautiful and modern bag that is durable, functional and fashionable with a natural story.
“The use of natural organic materials and Tumi’s ballistic nylon celebrates our constant connection with nature whilst we’re on the move. Wherever we travel in the world it reminds us to respect our environment and surroundings, and to tread as lightly as possible,” says Kenneth in a press statement.
In his “Vortex” bag, the bamboo reed is woven in a spiral pattern that breaks through its industrial foundation, exuding a personal touch in the finer details. The juxtaposition of the pliable bamboo and durable ballistic nylon results in a streamlined design that complements the beauty of dynamic travel.
Swiss Roll Shell Backpack
An original design by Jamy Yang
Inspired by Tumi
Jamy Yang’s original minimalist design for Tumi is a beautifully sculpted backpack called the Swiss Roll Shell Backpack. Its unusual, rolled cylinder shape is inspired by Tegris material usually found in lifesaving armor, but in the travel category, the one-of-a-kind material is used exclusively for Tumi’s lightweight bags.
“I wanted to create a simple, clean and functional design inspired by this innovative material, which also looks modern and fashionable. These are core design values that both TUMI and I appreciate and share,” says Jamy, the founder of two leading design companies, Yang Design and YDC, which works with high-profile brands including Audi, Boeing and Swatch.
A breakthrough in design, the backpack has a soft-top opening that reveals the main compartment, perfect for storing a laptop, tablet, work files, books or clothes. The front section of the backpack features two zipped compartments for smaller, easy to reach items.
The design draws on the material’s supple shaping abilities to create a virtually abrasion-proof bag that works as stylish travel companion, perfect for commuting around the city or exploring the world.
***
Both original designs from the two leading industrial designers will be on display in Tumi’s various anniversary events all over Asia. (PR/With Judelyn Olorvida & Mariel Torries, PIT AB Comm Interns)
