McQueen luggage for Samsonite

[Lena]

love the croc, hate the 'ribs'

Published: Thursday, November 09, 2006


McQueen's Human Touch for Samsonite
By Nina Jones
LONDON — Alexander McQueen wasn't going to let the functional dictates of designing a luggage collection get in the way of his out-of-left-field approach to fashion.

For his first collaboration with Samsonite, he molded one of the suitcases he created, the AI1, around the cast of a human rib cage. He also dragged a stuffed crocodile into his first meeting with the brand's executives so they could re-create the animal's armor in leather for the AI2 suitcase.

"The rib cage holds everything inside your body — the heart, lungs and soul — while your bag also holds everything that's important to you," said McQueen during a lunch here on Tuesday to unveil the collection. A similar event will be held in New York on Tuesday.

"It's just the way I work, having that twist," added McQueen. "There's also a slightly sick side to it — it's like having a body in a bag."

In another nod to the human form, the zippers on the luggage collection, in ivory and black, are embossed with an imprint of McQueen's thumb.

The 11-piece collection, called Samsonite Black Label Alexander McQueen, will be launched in February at all 30 Samsonite Black Label stores worldwide, as well as at Alexander McQueen boutiques and department stores such as Selfridges in London, Neiman Marcus in the U.S. and Isetan in Japan. The line will also retail on the Samsonite Black Label e-commerce site. Although all prices are not final, Marcello Bottoli, president and chief executive officer of the Samsonite Group, said the luggage would retail from about $320 to about $770 for an AI1 or A12 suitcase.

"I didn't really see any restrictions [designing the collection]," said McQueen about his relationship with Samsonite. "I want the world and it's up to them to give it to me."

To produce McQueen's designs, Samsonite created custom molds to achieve the patterns on the suitcases, made from ABS, a hard-wearing plastic.

"The haute couture side comes from Samsonite," said McQueen. "The crocodile design was my concept, but then Samsonite took it into the atelier and made it.

 

[Whitelinen]

The croc is the better one, but somehow I do not like designers messing with everything...perfumes, skin care lines, luggage...

 

[Ceptuouse]

thanks for posting Lena

it seems people no longer need to buy designer stuff seeing as its everywhere now

i like the croc but the ribs are awful

 

[Vickycookie]

I like both! Thanks for posting!

 

[Diamond Star]

I find them both slighty underwhelming

 

[BerlinRocks]

hate both!!!!
sometimes "technologic" forms and luxe crocodile leather don't match at all!
the first one is great example!!!
the white one is ab. ugly! it looks like an anorexic back! sorry for the comparaisaon...i might say an antic bones reconstruction.
Who did design those?

 

[Whitelinen]

Who did design those?

Umm...Alexander McQueen or his team?

 

[BerlinRocks]

yeah I know my question was stupid. but i was thinking more "do you think Alexander know about what his team did for these luggage before the things went out?"....lol

 

[kanita]

Thanks for posting Lena I really like the ribbed one

 

[Anette_]

I think the croc one is kinda cute, but I wouldent buy it..

 

[fashionjunkie^]

the croc looks OK, but def. not worth that lot of money!

 

[Deleted member 1957]

not too good, av always associated samsdonite with timeless classic luggage

 

[Scott]

well,I like that this--as with the Puma collab.--is a bit exclusive as I'd absolutely hate to see his name become a complete mass market commodity.

as for the pieces...I can't say either are appealing to me. I like the rib cage idea but personally it's too slick for my taste. And croc/croc textures is kind of overdone in luggage,if you ask me.

 

[Salvatore]

Love both! I would love to see all 11 pieces! Thanks for posting Lena!

 

[Inaya]

Thanks for posting

I actually like the rib one a lot but it'd get filthy, travelling.

 

[finalfashion]

I like the ribbed one. If it was filthy it'd be even better...

 

[ultramarine]

I like the ribbed one. If it was filthy it'd be even better...

OMG! My thoughts exactly ... I immdiately thought once it has been worn and its dirty ... itll look awesome!

 

[GivenchyPrincess]

I like the croc but I think the ribs are cooler, it's something really different and interesting, I could see myself using one.

 

[Foxie-Pooh]

Even though I often like his creative work, I find his personality and design philosophy/ethics very hypercritical and annoying...

 

[Lena]

you are all welcome