Author Michael Altshuler once said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” The underlying message is that it’s never too late to take control and redefine yourself, and it is one principle that Samsonite understands well—even 115 years on, the American luggage brand is constantly reinventing itself.
A shining example of this is Samsonite’s Streamlite model, which first debuted in 1941. Groundbreaking for its use of lithographed paper on the luggage’s exterior, the Streamlite was ahead of its time in both form and function. Lithographed paper could not only mimic the understated elegance of rawhide, but also ensured that the luggage remained lightweight for effortless travel.
The old adage goes that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, but to commemorate its 115th anniversary, Samsonite has put a contemporary spin on the 1941 Streamlite, by combining the vintage design of the original version with modern innovations.
The main compartment of the luggage is split into two, and features an intricate vintage design on its interior, as an homage to the romanticism of a bygone era. Thanks to Aero-Trac™ whirl suspension wheels, the reimagined model glides smoothly—and silently—along most surfaces with minimal friction and maximum maneuverability. Informed by Samsonite’s revolutionary design ethos, the features on the New Streamlite embody the essence of meaningful reinvention.
Someone who is no stranger to reinvention as well is former pro-boxer Kirstie Gannaway, one of our GRAZIA Game Changers for 2025. The fighter first entered the martial arts scene in 2006, and went on to win numerous professional boxing titles. But when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2017, Gannaway was forced to rethink her approach to life and her career. Gannaway later made the difficult decision to retire from the sport and pursue other passions instead.
Since her exit from pro-fighting, Gannaway has funnelled her ambitious and creative spirit into art. Even before she kickstarted her athletic career, Gannaway possessed a flair for the arts—much of her childhood was spent surrounded by fine art and music. “I’ve been artistic for as long as I can remember. No matter how busy I was, I would always find moments to draw or paint,” the 34-year-old says.
Here, in the spirit of reinvention, the emerging artist talks about finding beauty in the unpredictability of traditional art, how her martial arts training influences her work, and the importance of confidence when starting a new chapter.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): Boxing was a big part of your life for many years. How did you know it was time to step away from that career?
Kirstie Gannaway (KG): In my professional fighting career, I faced challenges that tested not just my skill but also my body. The demanding nature of high-intensity training naturally led to some major injuries. A few years ago, I was also diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. That diagnosis brought clarity to symptoms I had been experiencing for years, and made me more aware of how my lifestyle was affecting my body. After my last fight, I had a moment of reflection and made a powerful decision: I wanted to prioritise my health.
GS: Post-boxing, have you started to focus more on your artistic endeavours? What does that look like for you?
KG: When I was training to compete, most of my energy was dedicated to boxing. Now that I have more time for myself, I can fully immerse myself in creating again. While fine art will always be my foundation, I’ve recently started exploring digital drawing and painting. Right now, I’m in a phase of experimenting with different concepts and techniques, and embracing the creative journey.
GS: What themes do you explore in your work? Does your past as a boxer influence them?
KG: I have found that certain themes from my experiences in training subtly shape my work. I’ve explored psychological concepts, such as mental strength, mind-body connection, and even the simple idea of overcoming fear in my pieces.
When I was younger, I was drawn to tattoo design, which left a lasting impression on my artistic approach. I primarily work with pencil or ink, often gravitating towards bold lines. Mythical creatures, especially dragons, have always fascinated me and are recurring subjects in my art.
Growing up, my mum was a feng shui enthusiast, and I’ve found myself naturally inspired by symbols [from that world]—Fu dogs and phoenixes, for instance. These symbols bring a deeper layer of meaning to my work and continue to be a source of inspiration.
GS: How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved since you started?
KG: The biggest evolution in my artistic journey has been embracing digital mediums. There’s so much convenience in digital art, and I appreciate the possibilities it offers. However, I’m committed to keeping my roots in traditional art, as there’s something special about working with raw, tangible materials.
Traditional art demands a level of focus and commitment. Mistakes can’t be undone or erased—there’s a challenge in that. Instead, you must learn to work with those imperfections, and it’s in those moments that the artwork gains its most authentic character. It’s this rawness and unpredictability that I love, and it’s something I’ll always continue to practise.
GS: Did you ever struggle with letting go of your identity as a fighter?
KG: I wouldn’t say I struggled with letting go of my identity as a fighter, but I did struggle with the shift in goals and priorities. For the past 10 years, my focus was fixated on fighting—it was the one thing I was determined to achieve. So when that chapter evolved, it felt unfamiliar at first. My entire lifestyle had revolved around boxing, and adjusting to a new direction took some time.
GS: What does art mean to you, and how has it changed your life?
KG: For me, art is a passion and hobby—something I do for myself, not yet a profession. When I do share my art, people are often surprised to learn that I create it. But it makes sense, really, as my creativity flows through different forms—art, music, and martial arts.
For now, I practice in my own space and time, using it as a way to wind down and recharge. I’ve only recently gotten back into the habit of creating, and I’m focused on letting my creativity flow without too many boundaries.
GS: What advice would you give to someone trying to reinvent themselves, just as you have?
KG: I believe it can be difficult to reinvent yourself when you attach your ego too strongly to something. Speaking from my own experience, having confidence in yourself and believing in your direction are key to detaching yourself from any expectations of how you should be. I truly believe the greatest pressure we face often comes from ourselves.
If you’re feeling stuck in that space, my advice would be to practice detaching from your ego and the idea of what you think you are. By doing that, you can keep growing and evolving as a person.
For more information, visit the Samsonite Singapore website.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHAWN PAUL TAN
CREATIVE AND FASHION DIRECTION ASRI JASMAN
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
HAIR AND MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI, USING CHANEL BEAUTY AND GOLDWELL
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT CHAY WEI KANG
FASHION ASSISTANT ERICA ZHENG
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