Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
TRAVEL TIPS
What should you look for when buying luggage?
Design, quality and functionality. You want something that looks good and works well now – and in five or ten years’ time. For example, with our CFX collection, we’re using a black carbon fibre, and trimming it with beautiful Italian leather. It’s chic, and it’s going to last.
Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
From different destinations. This season we were looking for a more relaxed vibe so we went to California. The inspiration came from music, colour, design, fashion and even the redwood trees, which gave us the camouflage print. Then you start thinking about San Francisco and get florals and this kind of toned-out foggy effect.
What are the latest luggage trends?
We’re seeing a new, younger customer who is travelling more for leisure – with business on the side. So this has led to things like our lightweight Merge collection, which has a fresher, more casual attitude.
You don’t have any “smart bags”. How do you incorporate technology?
The way we look at technology in our bags is really about material and functionality, but we do offer a global tracker (available in the US and Europe and launching in Asia-Pacific later this year), since one of the biggest pains for anyone is when their luggage gets lost.
What are your top packing tips?
1. Think about what your trip is going to entail: Am I going to cold climates? Am I having drinks with friends? 2. Lay out everything you think you’re going to need. Then cut that in half. 3. Keep your colour palette simple: allow yourself to mix and match. 4. Packing cubes – I swear by them. You can separate your wardrobe and make life easier.
What is your top travel lesson?
Be patient – things happen on a journey that are out of your control, but don’t let it ruin your experience. Also smile and be polite.