Tumi has introduced the CFX collection of soft carbon fibre
travel bags and accessories, distinguished by an exclusive, US-made fabric. The
company has transformed a traditionally hard-sided carbon fibre material into a collection of
high-performance soft travel bags and accessories. CFX, which launches as an 11-piece lifestyle collection
in October 2014, is constructed from the most advanced soft carbon fibre, engineered
into a high-performance fabric that is proprietary to the brand.
 |
| Tumi CFX collection of soft carbon fibre travel bags |
Created in partnership with American manufacturer
Carbitex, the carbon fibre material is woven at one of the US’s oldest weaving
mills by using a five-step process including a wet infusion. The result is a
dense, abrasion-resistant material, which aids in preserving the purity and
durability of the carbon fibre’s charcoal sleek finish. The carbon base material
can be traced to the same grade of carbon fibre used in the world’s most high-performance
industries, including aerospace, racing cars, yachts and
cycling.
“The Tumi consumer is a fan of the brand because of our
commitment to innovation, part of which is finding new materials that offer a true
performance advantage and that let us design products that offer superior functionality and quality,”
said Alan Krantzler, chief merchandising officer of Tumi.
“Carbitex has co-created this exclusive, innovative
material in their soft carbon fibre fabric that is equally revolutionary as it
is sleek and cool. The CFX collection will offer beautifully made bags from one
of the strongest and most coveted materials available today.”
Tumi at the forefront of technology
Junus Khan, CEO of Carbitex, said: “Carbitex's carbon fibre
technology showcased in Tumi’s CFX line represents a new realm of high-performance applications
for carbon fibre, with Tumi at the forefront."
CFX will be available in 11 styles across wheeled travel,
soft travel and day bags, including the Silverstone International Carry-On,
Adelaide Soft Duffel and Indianapolis Slim Brief. Taking its cue from the
brand’s premium Astor collection, each silhouette features leather detailing,
custom-designed metal hardware and a monogrammable patch framed with a bevelled
edge. The interior of travel and day bag styles feature a jacquard lining.
Small leather goods such as the Double Billfold and Large
Zip-Around Travel Wallet will be introduced into the line and enhanced with a Tumi ID Lock, a protective feature exclusive to the brand which shields against
the transmission of one’s personal information. ID Lock is identified by a red
pocket on the interior of selected styles.
 |
| Tumi bags exclusively designed for top travel retailer DFS at Hong Kong airport |
Tumi presents exclusive travel-retail collection
In other news, Tumi has introduced a collection exclusively available at
the DFS travel-retail store at Hong Kong International Airport from October 2014.
The design trio comprises the Alpha Bravo Kingsville
Deluxe Brief Pack, Just In Case Travel Duffel and the Alpha 2 International
Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On. Available in an exclusive bespoke Baltic blue with an
orange trim and lining, the collection also features a distinctive luggage tag,
depicting the Hong Kong tram in the forefront, alongside the famous neon lights
of the city. This design is also present
on the Just In Case Travel Duffel, making it a one-of-a-kind travel or everyday
bag exclusive to DFS.
Made from Tumi’s exclusive FXT ballistic nylon with an
adjustable strap, the Alpha Bravo Kingsville Deluxe Brief Pack is designed for
short trips. Retail
price: HK$4,290. The Just In Case Travel Duffel is a lightweight, stylish
multi-functional bag for everyday use. Lightweight and durable, it can be used
as a hand carry-on but also folds flat to be packed with other items. It is made from
nylon with a leather trim. Price:
HK$990.
The Alpha 2 International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On incorporates
14 patented and trademarked Tumi components, including a Lever Lock expansion
system that opens securely to unveil two tiers of expansion for additional
packing. The 360-degree swivel wheels are recessed into the body to
allow for more packing. Price:
HK$5,690.
Tumi teams up with heart charity
Tumi has joined forces for the third consecutive year
with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), to raise funds for the fight against
heart disease. During October, Tumi is running the Trade in & Trade
up programme where customers can donate an old briefcase in exchange for a 20%
discount towards a new Tumi briefcase (from selected styles).
All donated briefcases will be redistributed to BHF shops
where they will be resold or recycled. 100% of the profit raised from sales
will go to fund vital life-saving researching into heart disease. Last year, 146 briefcases were traded in and donated to
the BHF, raising £2,640. This amount could fund 13 young scientists for a day.
This year, participating locations include the Tumi store
in London Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 and Rolling Luggage Stores in T1, T3, T4 and T5, as well as the T2 Case Store.
