Louis Vuitton Designs Carbon Fiber Luggage for the Revolutionary BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid.

Buy a BMW i8 and you not only get a sleek, sexy, plug-in hybrid with gullwing doors, but also a trunk full of luxurious luggage. Louis Vuitton has teamed up with the automaker to create a tailor-made set of luggage for the new revolutionary vehicle.


above: The revolutionary BMW i8 plug-in hybrid features gullwing doors

The innovative collection of luggage comprises two travel bags, a business case and a garment bag. To ensure optimal use of space, the luggage items have been tailor-made to fit perfectly into the interior of the revolutionary BMW i8.



“BMW and Louis Vuitton share both a profound appreciation of tradition and a commitment to constant further development,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The use of CFRP in the revolutionary BMW i8 sports car is indicative of an intelligent lightweight construction philosophy. And Louis Vuitton has demonstrated a similar belief in innovation, aesthetics and lightweight design in creating an exclusive luggage collection tailored perfectly to the new BMW i8.”



The understated carbon-black of this luggage range matches the colours of the BMW i8. Its sophisticated look comes courtesy of the unmistakable checkered Damier pattern – a Louis Vuitton hallmark – and a laser-etched Louis Vuitton signature. Black and electric blue used in the microfibre lining take their cue from the trademark brand colours of the BMW i8 and bag handles are made from dyed natural leather, a sign of Louis Vuitton quality. All items in the collection come with leather name tags and the iconic Louis Vuitton padlock with the exception of the garment bag.




Patrick-Louis Vuitton, Head of Special Orders at Louis Vuitton and great grandson of the House’s founder, says, “This collaboration with BMW epitomises our shared values of creativity, technological innovation and style. Our craftsmen at Louis Vuitton have enjoyed the challenge of this very special project, using their ingenuity and attention to detail to create a truly made to measure set of luxury luggage. This is a pure expression of the art of travel.”




Inspired by the visionary design of the BMW i8, the bags and cases – like the sports car’s innovative passenger cell – are made entirely from carbon fibre. This particularly lightweight yet extremely sturdy high-tech material has been used by Louis Vuitton to create a special textile. It provides great robustness and strength, and as such is made for the rigours of travel – no matter how long and arduous the drive.



The exclusive luggage pieces created by Louis Vuitton fit snugly into the BMW i8. The Weekender GM i8, with both hand and shoulder carry straps, is custom-designed to go into the boot (trunk), while the Garment Bag i8is a perfect fit for the rear shelf of the BMW i8. The sturdy hardshell Business Case i8 which is also ideal for carrying laptops, matches the shape of the rear seats; while the small Weekender PM i8 is designed to rest on its surface.



The Louis Vuitton luggage series will be available upon request in a selection of Louis Vuitton stores worldwide (Munich, Milan, London, Paris, Moscow, Dubai, New York, Los Angeles) starting April 1st 2014.

About the BMW i8:





The BMW i8 is the most progressive sports car and is the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle and the second model from the BMW i brand. It is a 2+2-seater boasting visionary design and intelligent lightweight engineering. As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW i8 unites the advantages of innovative electric drive and the latest combustion-engine technology. The upshot is an extraordinary driving experience that delivers the dynamics of a sports car (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.4 seconds) along with fuel economy and emissions figures of a small city car (2,1 l/100km / 49 g CO2/km). This means not just purely electric emission-free driving around town but also sporty performance on inter-urban routes. The athletic personality of this revolutionary sports car is patently manifest in its design: classical sports car proportions, spectacular gullwing doors, clean, minimalist lines and a low-slung silhouette all imbue it with its powerful, dynamic shape. The sporty character of the BMW i8 exterior makes a seamless transition into the interior’s future-focused design.

all information and images courtesy of the BMW press group

One Badass Briefcase. The $6000 Bulletproof Attaché by Tumi For Those Especially Rough Days At The Office.

Carrying top secret documents? Loose diamonds? Just want the illusion of importance? Then let me introduce you to the limited edition Tegra-Lite™ Bulletproof Attaché unique to Tumi.  At just under $6,000 USD it's trimmed in vachetta leather, features interior pockets for an iPad or other e-Reader, a file divider, accessory pockets, plus a false bottom to conceal valuables and a handcuff attachment for added security. The case weighs 12.3 lbs.



The demonstrates the proven strength and unparalleled performance of Tumi's exclusive TEGRA-LITE™ collection and is a reflection of the brand's heritage of innovation, advanced technology and precision craftsmanship.



Each of the bulletproof cases is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity:


This case is specifically designed to protect items stored inside it; it is not intended to be used for personal safety or self-defense; it is not for official use by government agencies, the military or law enforcement personnel.



The cases are created using 65 layers of Tegris® to create an anti-ballistic material that meets NIJ Standard 0108.01, Threat Level 1:


Interior pocket for iPad, Kindle or Nook:


False Bottom to conceal valuables:


Combination lock closure:


A Handcuff Attachment:


Tegra-Lite™ is a breakthrough collection that combines the highest levels of durability and impact resistance with the ultimate in lightweight ease and maneuverability. Tegra-Lite™ is made from Tegris®, a revolutionary polypropylene thermoplastic composite material created by Milliken® for use in lifesaving armor, NASCAR race cars and protective gear for NFL players; it is exclusive to Tumi for travel and accessory products around the world.

Product Details
Monogramming Available: Yes
External Dimensions (including handle and wheels): 13.25" x 18.25" x 4.25"
Construction Material: Hardside

External Features:
• Leather top carry handle
• Combination lock closure
• Handcuff attachment
• ID tag
• Protective bottom feet
• Leather monogram patch

Internal Features:
• Hidden compartment
• File divider with leather strap closure
• Pocket for iPad
• Leather media pockets with leather closure
• Leather card pockets
• Leather pen loops

Price $5995.00
Buy it here.

Luxury Custom Leather Goods & Luggage That Won't Fit In The Overhead Bin.

Sarah Jane Williams of the UK creates custom crafted luggage, trunks and cases in incredibly unusual shapes and designs under the name Williams British Handmade. Made with elegant bridle leather and hand-forged metal work by Joe Macneil of Macneil Metalcraft, these bespoke pieces from Sarah Williams are both unusual and beautiful.



Sarah set out to create a collection of original and fashionable artifacts utilizing historical and traditional methods of craftsmanship. Incorporating solid brass frames, trim and badging, the high quality leather pieces are entirely saddle-stitched by hand.


Day case with milled brass frame, trim and hardware:



Briefcases with milled brass fittings and frames:



Each case is embellished with an engraved brass badge:

Luggage trunks with solid brass frames and trim:



Picnic case with solid brass frame, locks and trim:


Satchels:


Various other cases:


Sarah Jane Williams poses with one of her trunks:

above image courtesy of Centurion Magazine Other Images courtesy of Sarah Jane Williams and Joe Macneil.



Enquiries or orders please contact Sarah Jane Williams
sarah@williams-handmade.com
phone: 07792419454

Samsonite's Black Label Gets Glitzy; Alexander Queen's hardsided luggage now in silver.

Alexander McQueen’s work for Samsonite Black Label gets two new updates this season – in limited edition shining silver for the striking ribcage Hero piece (Al1) and the Travel piece (Al2) in crocodile skin design.

The shiny exterior, courtesy of a new paint technology, is developed in conjunction with Bayer. First developed for the motor industry, the paint is thermoformable and highly resistant to impact.

The surfaces are scratch- and UV resistant yet drip of sleek modernity, blending Samsonite’s famed hardiness with the glamor that is the hallmark of Alexander McQueen. This new silver collection will be available at Samsonite boutiques worldwide starting this month.


Above: The Hero Piece
The critically acclaimed Hero piece takes on the imprint of a human form with the ribcage and sternum outlined at the front of the case and the backbone on the back. Now in a rich Chocolate, the decadent color and texture makes this piece more luxurious than ever. This striking effect is echoed within the interior with a negative of the ribs represented in a soft molded form. The Hero piece is also available in chocolate, black and bone colors. AI1 Upright 57 Silver: 43x57.5x25.5 cm, 17x22x10in


Above: The other hardside pieces in the collection follow the design thread of fusing patterns and textures found in nature with the latest cutting-edge technology to create a crocodile skin textured pattern. The cases are lined with a soft feather print and are also available in chocolate, black and bone colours. AI2 Upright 55 Silver (Crocodile Texture): 37x55.5x21 cm, 14.4 x22x8.25in



About the Black Label Collection By Alexander McQueen:



Samsonite has a rich history of partnering with some of the world's most interesting and well-respected designers. When the time came to launch a new collaboration, thoughts turned to the man who is probably the world's most influential fashion designer - Alexander McQueen.

The McQueen brand is defined by the juxtaposition of tradition with technology; the idea of romance, nature, the influence of arts and crafts, together with edgy tailoring and a futuristic aesthetic. When brought together with Samsonite Black Label's values of luxury and style, and an unrivaled 97-year heritage of function and durability, the result is a unique collection of luxury travel items that not only meet the demands of modern travel but also one that applies the McQueen values to luggage for the very first time.

Design:


The hero piece in the collection takes design inspiration from the human rib cage. McQueen took a mold of a male torso and began to work from there. “The human ribcage protects our vital organs as we move about in the world.



Luggage takes on the same role as we travel and pack our worldly possessions inside for safe transport, ” said McQueen at the Samsonite launch of his new collection. Available in bone, black and chocolate brown, the hero piece boasts a ribcage and sternum outline in the front, and a backbone on the back.

Alexander McQueen