Cover The 19 Degree Lite International Carry-On in Titanium Grey and Matte Black

2025 marks 50 years—a golden anniversary—for luxury luggage and lifestyle brand, Tumi. Tatler catches up with creative director Victor Sanz to find out what’s next

In 1975, after a stint in the Peace Corps in Peru, American entrepreneur Charlie Clifford set up a business importing leather bags from South America. He named the brand after the Peruvian tumi, an ornamental tool used in indigenous ceremonies.

Fifty years on, Tumi has made a name for itself as a leading brand in luxury travel thanks in large part to its dedication to innovation and its ongoing commitment to making travel more seamless and stylish for its customers: think polycarbonate shells, the use of recycled materials, 360-degree spinning, ball-bearing wheels and water-repellent zips, to name but a few. 

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Above Creative director of Tumi, Victor Sanz

“This milestone celebrates the future while embracing what our customers have loved most about the brand for over 50 years: resilience, effortlessness, functionality and timeless beauty,” says Victor Sanz, who has been Tumi’s creative director since 2003. 

To mark this anniversary, Sanz says Tumi, which now has more than 300 stores in major cities and travel hubs worldwide, wanted to honour the collections that have been the cornerstones of the brand—crafted with the intent of perfecting its customers’ journeys. “Every detail we’ve created is the result of five decades of listening to our customers and continuously improving our products,” he says. 

“Travel is at the heart of our design philosophy. Every journey inspires us to create products that seamlessly blend innovation, durability and style. We study the way people move, the challenges they face and the experiences that shape their adventures. From materials engineered for maximum performance to thoughtful details that enhance functionality, our designs are built to elevate and enhance every trip, no matter the destination.” 

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Above The 19 Degree Lite International Carry-On in Titanium Greya
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This spring, Tumi launched the 19 Degree Lite collection—the brand’s lightest range yet. Crafted from Tegris, a lightweight, durable yet heavy-duty material, every case has been engineered to optimise structure and reduce weight, from the new magnesium telescoping handle to its featherweight zip pulls.

Challenges naturally arose during the development of this collection, as they do in any creative process. “A key hurdle was striking the right balance between weight and durability,” says Sanz. “Knowing how critical our standards are to our brand and customers, we conducted extensive testing, re-engineering, retesting and repeating until we achieved our goal of creating the lightest-weight collection in our 19 Degree family.”

Creating a kind of full-circle moment, the spring 2025 collection celebrates the vibrant beauty and craftsmanship of Peru, the birthplace of Tumi.

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Above Tumi released a series of playful charms, including a furry alpaca named Andi

“From the bustle of Cusco to the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, this season blends heritage and modernity,” says Sanz. Select pieces from Tumi’s Voyageur, Georgica, Alpha Bravo, 19 Degree and Tumi Travel Accessories collections come alive with patterns and colour palettes that pay homage to traditional Peruvian craftsmanship, including a shade named Iridescent Dusk, inspired by the rich, multi-dimensional hues of Andean textiles.

Answering to the world’s excitement over adorable bag charms, Tumi has also released a series of playful charms that feature Peru’s flora and fauna— including a furry alpaca named Andi, a native chirimoya fruit and the Peruvian national bird, the cock-of-the-rocks, also known by its name in the indigenous Quechua language, Tunqui.

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Above The Tumi Celina backpack in Denim Blue
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Tumi’s success, Sanz says, stems from the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation, thoughtful design and uncompromising commitment to quality. “As a brand, we don’t just create products—we seek design solutions that enhance the way people move through all their journeys. The Alpha and Alpha Bravo [collections] are a testament to our performance-driven engineering, built for those who demand durability, functionality and an elevated travel experience. The Voyageur [range], on the other hand, embodies versatility and effortless style, offering a refined balance of form and function.”

Looking ahead, Sanz sees Tumi evolving beyond traditional travel into new categories that complement its customers’ dynamic lifestyles. “At the same time, we will continue to push the boundaries of our most trusted collections. Whether advancing materials, using smart technology integration or working with collaborators who bring fresh perspectives, we are committed to staying at the forefront of the industry,” he says.

“At Tumi, our vision for the future is rooted in continuous innovation and purposeful design. Our goal is to inspire and empower our community with products that enhance their journeys—whether across the world or in their everyday lives. Our focus will remain on pushing the boundaries of design and technology to create travel solutions that elevate the journey.”