To celebrate TUMI’s 40th anniversary in Asia, the brand has engaged two leading designers to imagine what the future might look like for TUMI. Jamy Yang, an award-winning Industrial Designer from China, who is also a former TUMI Asia Global Citizen, and Kenneth Cobonpue, a renowned Filipino Industrial Designer, both created original designs for TUMI’s special anniversary. These designs will be displayed at TUMI’s 40th anniversary events around Asia.
Jamy Yang, China
Industrial Designer and TUMI Asia Global Citizen
Industrial Designer Jamy Yang was born in Hangzhou, China and now lives in Shanghai. He is the Founder of two leading design companies, YANG DESIGN and YDC, where he works with a number of high profile brands including Audi, Boeing and Swatch as well as non-profit organizations Greenpeace, One Foundation and Animals Asia Foundation.
It is his fusion of craftsmanship and innovation that has made Jamy one of the few Shanghai-based industrial designers to have achieved international recognition, winning over 60 local and international design awards including five Red Dots, iF, G-mark, IDEA and DFA Silver.
Swiss Roll Shell Backpack
An Original Design by Jamy Yang
Inspired by TUMI
Jamy’s original design for TUMI is a beautifully sculpted backpack titled the Swiss Roll Shell Backpack. The unusual, rolled cylinder shape is inspired by one-of-a-kind Tegris® material that is usually found in lifesaving armor, but is also used exclusively for TUMI’s lightweight bags in the travel category. The design draws on the material’s supple shaping abilities to create a virtually abrasion-proof bag that works as stylish travel companion, perfect for commuting around the city or exploring the world.
Jamy’s minimalist and lightweight backpack is a breakthrough in design. Taking inspiration from the curve of a sheet of paper, the bag is designed like a protective shell to safeguard the precious contents inside. “I wanted to create a simple, clean and functional design inspired by this innovative material, which also looks modern and fashionable. These are core design values that both TUMI and I appreciate and share”, says Jamy.
The backpack has a soft-top opening that reveals the main compartment, perfect for storing a laptop, tablet, work files, books or clothes. The front section of the backpack features two zipped compartments for smaller, easy to reach items.
Kenneth Cobonpue, Philippines
Furniture and Product Designer
An award winning furniture designer and manufacturer from Cebu, Kenneth Cobonpue is the modern face of Filipino design. Trained at the Pratt Institute in New York, Kenneth has travelled the globe, picking up international design awards including five Japan Good Design Awards and catering to his high profile clientele of elite Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty. Kenneth’s brand is the first international all-Filipino furniture label. His furniture and his unique, custom-made installations can be seen in hotels and restaurants around the world including the Shangri-La Hotel and renowned Nobu eateries in New York, Las Vegas and Dubai.
Kenneth’s designs integrate locally sourced, natural materials with innovative handmade production processes to redefine modern sustainability. Putting Southeast Asian design into the global spotlight, Kenneth has gained much recognition as a leader in a new movement of incorporating new technologies with traditional crafts and materials.
“Vortex”
An Original Design by Kenneth Cobonpue
For TUMI, Kenneth has experimented with the brand’s iconic FXT Ballistic Nylon® material and combined it with hand-stitched organic bamboo reed to create the “Vortex” bag. This unusual pairing unites nature and technology to create a beautiful and modern bag that is durable, functional and fashionable with a natural story.
Kenneth advocates the importance of using organic materials in design. In his “Vortex” bag, the bamboo reed is woven in a spiral pattern that breaks through its industrial foundation, exuding a personal touch in the finer details. Through the juxtaposition of the pliable bamboo and durable ballistic nylon, the result is a streamlined design that complements the beauty of dynamic travel.
“The use of natural organic materials and TUMI’s ballistic nylon celebrates our constant connection with nature whilst we’re on the move. Wherever we travel in the world it reminds us to respect our environment and surroundings, and to tread as lightly as possible”, says Kenneth.