50 years ago, an American entrepreneur named Charlie Clifford started selling duffle bags and weekenders made in South America. The rustic bags, crafted from raw leather, appealed to travellers who needed something practical and durable that they could bring on their journeys. Clifford sold the bags through his brand called “Tumi”, a name he borrowed from a Peruvian ceremonial object that he had encountered as a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Today, the word “Tumi” is known far beyond the Americas, and it is often used to refer to a certain luggage with a contoured shell. You can credit Tumi’s fame to the brand’s commitment to creating thoughtful travel products—including innovations like sturdy ballistic nylon bags and luggage made from the ultra-lightweight material Tegris—which are appreciated by customers all around the world.
Even as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Tumi continues to shake things up. The brand unveiled the 19 Degree Lite collection, introducing Tegris versions of its iconic 19 Degree luggage. It has also added stylish backpacks and leather crossbody bags to its Voyageur collection, and rolled out more ballistic nylon accessories in its Alpha line. Some of these pieces star in Tumi’s 50th anniversary campaign, Made For You Since 1975.
“This milestone celebrates the future while embracing what our customers have loved most about the brand for 50 years: longevity, effortlessness, functionality and timeless beauty,” says Victor Sanz, who has been Tumi’s creative director since 2016. Sanz, who trained as an industrial designer, joined the brand’s design team in 2003, working under Clifford’s mentorship.
“When I joined Tumi in 2003, the brand was already known for its durability and performance—especially with our signature ballistic nylon,” says Sanz. “But over the years, we’ve evolved that foundation into something much more dynamic, more emotionally resonant. We’ve grown from being just a ‘functional travel brand’ to a true global lifestyle brand.”
Sanz also emphasises that Tumi’s evolution is tied to the desires and needs of travellers, which have transformed over the last two decades. “One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen [at Tumi] is in how we define luxury,” says Sanz. “It’s no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about how something performs in your life. Our customers are more mobile, more design-conscious, more intentional in the choices they make. So we’ve responded with innovation, craftsmanship, and a deeper commitment to sustainability and personalisation.”
“We’re not driven by fleeting trends,” he adds. “Instead, we focus on creating high-end, durable travel solutions that stand the test of time.”
Ahead, Sanz tells us more about Tumi’s transformation over the last five decades, what makes the brand’s new designs so special, and why Tumi products are much more than travel companions.
What inspires you?
Victor Sanz (VS): For me, inspiration starts with motion—how people move, how they live, and how they adapt. I’m endlessly fascinated by the rhythm of modern life. At Tumi, we don’t design in a vacuum. We’re constantly watching how our customers navigate airports, cities, boardrooms, and everything in between. I’m inspired by their journeys—the way they carry themselves, literally and figuratively. I’m also deeply curious about innovation. Material science, performance textiles, emerging technologies—these things fuel my creative process.
How do you achieve that ideal balance between form and functionality in Tumi’s products?
VS: At Tumi, we believe that artistic expression and functional adaptability should complement each other, not compete. If a product doesn’t function beautifully, then it doesn’t matter how good it looks. But that doesn’t mean we sacrifice style—it means we find harmony. Every curve, every texture, every material is chosen with intention. If a handle looks sculpted, it’s because it needs to feel right in your hand. If we use aerospace-grade aluminum, it’s not just for aesthetics—it’s because it can take a beating and still look refined. This balance is clearly considered across the 19 Degree Collection, which blends design aesthetics with practical travel functionality.
Over the years, Tumi has considerably expanded its offerings for women. How have you managed to make Tumi products so appealing to them?
VS: In the past, our women’s focus was always business bags and luggage. However, we’ve learned that women want products that resonate more personally and can seamlessly transition from the office to cocktails to dinner with friends. You can see the design evolution over the past few seasons, including the introduction of Georgica and Asra, as well as the relaunch of the iconic Voyageur Leather collection. We have not deviated from our core principals and key styles but we have continued to expand, introducing new products with a stronger sense of identity that empower women to showcase their unique style and personality.
What Tumi products do you personally find yourself using over and over again?
VS: Alpha Bravo definitely holds a special place in my heart. The collection’s go-anywhere, do-anything designs are my everyday go-tos. I regularly carry the Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, which perfectly fits my everyday essentials, including my sunglasses, sketchbook and sketching kit, earbuds, power bank and phone. I have also been using my Turin Davide backpack on a continual basis as I love how clean the design is and yet it’s extremely functional.
What is the most memorable remark you have received about Tumi’s designs?
VS: Over the years, we’ve heard countless heartfelt stories from our customers, each one reinforcing the emotional bond they’ve formed with our products. What truly stands out to me are the moments when a Tumi piece becomes part of a life story—more than just a travel companion, but a meaningful part of someone’s journey. [For example, people have said things like,] “I met my wife because of my Tumi bag”; “I received a Tumi bag from my family when I got my promotion and I’ve used it for my entire career”; or “Thank you for keeping my life organised when I am travelling, I spend less time looking for my things and more time enjoying the moment”. These are the types of stories that drive us and continue to ensure that we provide the very best for our customers, as we are aware that the products we create go beyond just being a vessel to carry their items.
How do you envision Tumi evolving over the next 50 years?
VS: Looking ahead, we see Tumi continually evolving beyond traditional travel, expanding into new categories that complement our 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. 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 every journey, big and small. Ultimately, my goal is to keep Tumi at the intersection of purpose and possibility—where craft, technology, and human-centred design converge to support the journey, wherever it may lead. That’s where evolution really happens.
This story first appeared in the May 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
READ MORE
Mun Ka Young And Tumi Have Found The Secret To Staying Stylish, Even While Booked And Busy
Review: Tumi’s 19 Degree Lite Luggage Was The Unsung Hero Of My Fashion Week Trip
Milan Design Week: Claudia Poh Champions Accessible Design With Werable’s First Bag