Sky High
Tumi gets creative in Hong Kong, KL, and Singapore
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” These words of Saint Augustine were just some of many emblazoned across the windows of the Sky City Church lounge in The Apex. Way up on the 75th floor of Central Plaza in Hong Kong, the quotes were especially thought-provoking set against the stunning Wanchai waterfront.
Of course, there was more than just the view to look at. Splashed with kaleidoscopic images courtesy of the well travelled – running across airports, relaxing on golden beaches or even taking in the sunset on a pier – the vibrant photo wall was a work of art in itself. On the other side of the room was a huge map of the world, upon which guests pinned labels to indicate their dream destinations. And who could miss the colossal collection of journals, penned by jetsetters and filled with keepsake tickets, tiny souvenirs, and Polaroids?
It was here amid the magic of travel that Tumi fêted its newest Asia Global Citizens: TV and radio personality Dominic Lau and Chinese industrial designer Jamy Yang. The two join a host of illustrious names as the brand’s ambassadors, which include Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre, singer-songwriter-model Amanda SudanoRamirez, Paolo Ferrari, the North American chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tires, as well as Alexandra Cousteau, National Geographic ‘Emerging Explorer’ and environmentalist.
Founder of Yang Design and YDC, Shangai-based Yang has achieved international recognition, winning over 60 local and international design awards. Marking his appointment as Tumi’s Global Citizen was a travel case-turned-car equipped with a seat and wheels. A firm believer in design that serves its purpose perfectly, Yang revealed, “To fit Tumi’s philosophy of making travel effortless, I created this original design that eliminates all hassle, making everyday journeys more enjoyable.”
An edgier take on this was Lau’s installation, where his own Tumi Alpha Bravo Kingsville backpack rested on his gleaming Ducati motorbike. Exquisite in all their rugged splendour, both are his favourite companions, wherever the road may lead. “You never know what to expect,” said Lau, likening travel to being on live TV. “For me, being a Tumi Global Citizen is all about being spontaneous, and always ready to jump into the next adventure.”
“We are delighted to welcome Jamy Yang and Dominic Lau as Tumi’s Asia Global Citizens. Both were selected on the basis of sharing Tumi’s core values of intelligent design, creativity, and love of functional aesthetics,” said Tom Nelson, managing director of Tumi Asia. “Equally thrilling is the participation of our talented Trailblazers who generously shared their travel stories.”
For this exhibition, Tumi had selected over 100 of its Trailblazers from across Asia Pacific including Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan. Leaders in fashion, photography, design, travel, and business, all were invited to travel with a Tumi bag and journal in which to share their adventures. The results were nothing short of extraordinary.
“We wanted to reach out into our community of Tumi users to find individuals who are people of distinction in their chosen fields, and to celebrate them. This resonates with our consumers because it’s authentic – these are real users they can engage with,” shared Nelson. “We hope this exhibition will amplify the new campaign and reinforce the founding principles Tumi has always stood for: superior quality, design excellence, technical innovation, functional superiority, and world-class customer service.” The exhibition will be at the Jing’An Kerry Centre, Shanghai from August 1 to 15; Pavilion KL from August 11 to 17; and Singapore from August 28 to 30.