Like how travellers are venturing to new destinations near and far, luxury travel giant TUMI has also set out on a journey this autumn to explore the idea of Hypercraft — digging deep beneath the surface to shine light on the beauty that lies in the intricate details of its products and the masterful artisans that bring it to life. Upon the release of TUMI’s Fall 2023 Collection, Vogue Hong Kong sits down for a chat with Amy Imbriaco, the General Manager of Greater China at TUMI, on what Hypercraft truly means, the TUMI spirit and her most memorable trip to date.

How does the new TUMI Fall 2023 Collection embrace and embody the mindset of “Hypercraft”?  

At TUMI, we obsess over the details: the details in design, the details in functionality, and the details in our consumers’ lives today. Our Creative Director Victor Sanz was really inspired by Chile. We thought about the artisans there and how they create these materials and products that are used to go up into the mountains, as well as the craftsmanship that goes into it. He also really wanted to pay respect to the artisans who work on TUMI products, those who are doing the edge painting on our luggage tags, those who are hand sewing in the lining, and those who are riveting the aluminum pieces together. We want to bring light to the craftsmanship that goes into all this obsession.

Is there a special reason why Chile is the source of inspiration this season?

I think when Victor was thinking about Chile, he thought of its extreme weather conditions and the challenges citizens face in those types of environments, but also simply the beauty in these destinations we desire to go to. I think a lot of it was in the colours and the vibrance.

Do you have any personal favourites from the newest collection?

For an everyday piece, I love the Valorie Tote from our new Georgica collection. When our Creative Director Victor Sanz first set out to design this new collection, he said: “I want to create something that people would want to touch once they see it.” The bag is unbelievably soft and the draping gives it a trapezoidal effect. You are instantly drawn to the piece and it’s got this very understated luxury feel to it. It’s that elegance and sophistication, which is what TUMI is all about. I also love how lightweight the tote is. When you’re running around on the weekend and doing your shopping, this bag is great; and when you want to go to work, you don’t need to switch your bag because you can actually snap a laptop cover inside. The functionality is incredibly thought out and I think functionality for her is very different than it is for him. I also love our little Marylea Crossbody. It’s minimalistic and gives you quick access to your essentials, but it’s also super chic. 

We’ve talked a lot about functionality and style. What do you think is the key to finding the perfect balance between form and function? 

First of all, it has to be beautiful, right? You have to be attracted to it. That’s the first thing that comes across. And then, as you look into the details, you want to make sure that it answers your needs, whether you are going on a short trip with a backpack or hopping from one weather condition to another. At the end of the day, it all goes back to how we bring our consumers beautiful pieces that make their journey effortless. 

Can you tell us more about the Bleisure travel trend? Why do you think it is on the rise?

I think at the end of the day, it all circles back to human connection. On a business trip, you can pop in and out for a meeting and do what you need to do, but sometimes you just want to take a few more hours to explore a place. It’s like, okay, I’ve been to Seoul five times, but I’ve never been to the fish market, so I’m going to head out early, get there in the morning, see it and understand the locals better. And it helps us with our business. The more you understand cultures around the world, the better your communication can be in better relationships. That’s why business and leisure go hand in hand in the context of travel.