Forget the little red dot moniker—Singapore can now proudly lay claim to being the city that inspired luxury travel brand TUMI. For the first time, the tropical metropolis serves as the muse for the brand's spring/summer 2024 collection, translating iconic landmarks and dreamy sunsets into a captivating array of architectural silhouettes, iridescent hardware, vibrant colourways and unique textural elements.
“We landed on Singapore quite quickly. It was one of the first places that opened their borders post-pandemic. There's just something to be said about a country that became one of the first to embrace the new normal and allow travel to resume,” shares creative director Victor Sanz.
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He draws several parallels between the TUMI and Singapore. “While it’s a very forward-thinking technical city with a strong focus on sustainability, it still manages to retain tradition and embrace heritage. That was something that resonated with us. In fact, I could be using the exact same terminology but just swapping Singapore with TUMI.”
19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On in Halogen Blue, $1,130, TUMI
Georgica Valorie Tote in Acid Green, $1,230, TUMI
In this collection called Ultra-Craft, functional luxury meets bold aesthetics with a colour palette of vivid names like Acid Green, Halogen Blue, Purple/Sunset. Even the men’s travel high-performance essentials get a fresh and fashionable injection of colorways in Royal Blue Ombre, Red Ombre and Steel.
Voyageur Celina Backpack in Sentosa Sunset, $910, TUMI
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Although you don’t immediately see the reference, lemony shades of the Georgica Valorie Tote and 19 Degree suitcase are inspired by the bright shutters of the Ministry of Communications and Information building on Hill Street. Another place of interest is Sentosa and its lavender sunsets, which can be seen on the graduated hues of the Voyageur Celina Backpack.
“TUMI is known for its blacks and other timeless colours, but we wanted to bring vibrant energy to this season. I think everyone can connect to seeing that beautiful Sentosa sunset—one that stops you in your tracks. This was a strong influence for us,” remarks Sanz.
ASRA Shoulder Bag in Purple/Sunset, $570, TUMI
19 Degree Aluminum Minaudiere, $1,680, TUMI
Expanding on its product offerings for women, TUMI concurrently launched the ASRA collection of women’s handbags. Available in three different sizes and four wearable shades, the bags are designed to take the working woman from day to night, marrying style with high functionality.
Soft yet structured with clean lines and mesh outer-lining, the bag’s design resembles the unique architecture of the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. “It’s so modern and yet wonderfully floral. Even though it looks so futuristic, it is directly connected with the culture and the people here,” expresses Sanz.
Moving forward, Sanz shares that as the brand moves into the next chapter, it will pay greater focus on its female customers, by innovating products that are more “experiential with an emotional pulse.” We can’t wait!