The most stylish dopp kit of the year is also part of a miniature revolution. It’s one part in a men’s travel essentials collaboration between New York City-based clothing brand Public School and American luggage brand Tumi that sets new standard for good-looking luggage in the 21st century. The pieces in the collection showcase Public School’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic (abundant with dark colors and leather) and Tumi’s innovative, functional design (incorporating aircraft-grade aluminum and technology used in NASCAR car components).
Both suitcases in the collection (22 and 26 inches respectively) are made from Tegris material, a polypropylene thermoplastic composite material designed by the research technology company Milliken; it provides an impact-resistant shell at a much lighter weight than traditional composite materials (meaning you won’t break your back getting it into the car). The suitcases feature a laser-cut netting overlay pattern, a common thread through the collection. This design references a micro-view of a weave pattern, and is a subtle reminder of Public School’s claim to fame.
On top of its two founders Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne winning the 2014 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award, Public School has also been awarded the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear and the International Woolmark Prize (for a six-piece collection made from 80 percent merino wool). Chow and Osborne, both raised in New York City, have become famous for sharply tailored sportswear, a blatant rebellion against prep; this idea of sharply tailored functionality easily transitioned into their collaboration with Tumi. This is a set of luggage for the design-conscious, made from materials that say “refined,” but that can still withstand whatever hell baggage handlers put it through. tumi.com