TRAVEL ACCORDING TO TUMI

Augustman speaks to Adam Hershman, Vice-President of APAC and Middle East at Tumi, and Perceptual Artist Michael Murphy on the evolving art and function of essentially beautiful accessories and sculptures

- JONATHAN HO

Alpha… Bravo… is this a departure from Tumi’s “military grade” DNA?

Adam Hershman: Tumi’s design philosophy has not really changed. The company has always been focused on creating products that combine design, performance and functionality. Over the years, the brand’s tendency to be product and consumer focused has allowed us to be entrepreneurial and innovative in these areas. When you look at the assortment we have today, we are most known for our classic Alpha; we also have the iconic Bravo – yes, we have military-type performance elements and high-grade fabrics, but we also have other products like the hard side collections that are much more sleek in design, fewer zipper pulls and fewer pockets that are visible. We also have the Harrison which is much more minimalist and so I think that’s been a consumer demand that we’ve been meeting and because of our DNA, been constantly innovating and elevating the offerings to meet those needs while still retaining that critical functionality for a product to be

Since the age of steamer trunks, has luggage really evolved? Isn’t it basically the same rectangular box?