Samsonite Black Label previews the 2009 Collections

Company Brief

New Delhi, January 15, 2009

For 99 years Samsonite has delivered consistently the founding principles of fine craftsmanship, quality materials, experience and individual style. In 2005, Samsonite embarked on an ambitious, yet exciting, journey - to redefine fine travel goods under the Samsonite Black Label brand. Combining this heritage with the design has resulted in Samsonite Black Label being acknowledged as the leading luxury travel and accessories label. The 2009 collections unite this unrivalled history with the modern style and design credentials of Samsonite today to create the most exciting and diverse collections to date.

2009 Samsonite Black Label Collections:

Bayamo

Nature. Crafted.

Inspired by dunes and sandstones, Bayamo is a timeless and classic collection of luggage, business and travel bags for men and women. Using the best materials nature has to offer including high-end leather and exclusive palladium plated hardware, each Bayamo bag has been shaped and crafted like the wind; exuding an edge of softness, purity, and elemental simplicity. All this complemented by the use of beautiful silver coloured metal pieces.

Available Now

Colours: Black, Tan

Coming Spring 2009:

Ladies business handbags and totes (including genuine crocodile and genuine ostrich executions)

Sevruga

Designed by Aquadynamics

Sleek and bold, Sevruga takes its cues from the power and motion of aquatic creatures. This design philosophy, called Aquadynamics, has been combined with the latest innovative mechanics and high performance materials, such as moulded EVA panelling and armoured nylon. The result is Sevruga; the ultimate style for the elite business traveller.

Business items available now

Luggage available Spring 2009

Colours: Black

Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen

The Fusion of Two Iconic Brands

Following the highly successful collaboration of Samsonite Black Label and Alexander McQueen, a futuristic looking silver limited edition version is now available. The striking silver adaptation will be available in two styles: Al1 which takes on the imprint of a human form and the AI2 which has a beautiful crocodile skin effect.

The high shine silver effect has been developed in conjunction with Bayer and is scratch and UV resistant. It was first developed within the motor industry using a special mirror paint that is flexible and thermoformable, meaning it can stretch over luggage without cracking or breaking, making it highly resistant to impact.

Available: January 09

Colours: Silver Special Edition (also available in Bone, Black, Chocolate)

Samsonite Shoe Collection

Applying Unrivalled Travel Experience into Footwear

Samsonite’s Spring / Summer 2009 Travel Shoe collection features a number of new styles and designs for the modern traveller. The collections are crossover, marrying the benefits of casual with smart leather shoes, all with the ability to deliver style and relevance in a variety of situations.

Available in Spring 2009

Vintage

Re-ignite the Romance & Luxury of Travel

The classic and timeless Vintage Black Label collection transports the traveller back to the 1930s and ’40s. The Vintage collection combines sleek contemporary styles, fine detailing, authentic touches of yesterday, vivid colours and glamorous options - making luggage an essential accessory for jet-setting travellers.

Available in stores

Colours: Tuscan, Black

Trunk

A Unique Fusion of Heritage and Style

A limited edition re-issue of the iconic pieces that positioned Samsonite at the centre of the growth in travel in the 1920s and ’30s. With only 2,500 pieces worldwide, each Trunk is hand made with unique ornate metal components, fusing old and new design together.

The heritage Trunk collection has just become even more desirable with the launch of the sensational new Limited Edition Crystal Trunk. Each piece is delicately customised and embellished with Crystallized™ – Swarovski Elements and, with only 35 of these dazzling cases available in Europe, is set to become a collector’s item.

Available in January 09

Colours: Black, Ribbed Cream

Couture

The Definition of Luxury and Individuality

In an era of mass production and ubiquitous style, the Couture collection offers sophisticated travellers the opportunity to create their own, unique set of travel pieces choosing from an almost infinite combination of bold colours, vibrant patterns, exquisite prints and soft luxurious leathers. The Couture service is available at selected Samsonite Black Label stores exclusively, where experienced staff will be on hand to assist in the design and personalisation of the handmade collection.

Available now in Samsonite Black Label Stores throughout Europe: Sloane Street, London, UK; Harrods, London, UK; Jose Ortega y Gasset, Madrid, Spain; Via San Pietro all’Orto, Milano, Italy; GUM, Moscow, Russia; Seasons, Moscow, Russia; Antwerp, Belgium; Riga, Latvia

Harbor

The Cosmopolitan Companion

Timeless, elegance, sophisticated style and functionality are all summed up in this new Black Label collection. Harbor is a juxtaposition of styles that brings to city living a relaxed and elegant “savoir vivre”. The perfect companion that is flexible enough to complement modern urban lifestyles. Harbor is a must have that delivers all the style and comfort to accompany you where ever you go.

Available June 2009

Colours: Jet Black and a palette of Taupe with Caramel detail

Excelerator

The Ultimate in Luxurious Design

Designed for the businessman who wants a touch of luxury, the Excelerator collection combines both good looks and intelligent design without compromising on any of the essentials. The collection is inspired by luxury grand tourer cars and brings their unique combination of luxury detailing and materials with their time proven reliability and quality. Features and details, inspired by GT cars, include alloy-wheel inspired wheels and car leather handles and grips.

Available Spring 2009

Colours: Black

Stationery

Experience and Style to Accessorise All Your Journeys

Samsonite’s sophistication and knowledge of travel has been applied to create a range of stationery pieces that complete the travel experience. Defined by the fusion of Samsonite’s experience and heritage, with the latest in functionality and contemporary design, the pieces are covered in exquisite lizard printed calfskin and feature luxurious details and silver hardware finishing’s. The line includes passport cover, pocket notebook, manuscript book, pocket diary and organisers.

Available in January 09

Colours: Black

Samsonite Cosmolite

The Lightest & Strongest Samsonite Ever

Cosmolite is the lightest and strongest Samsonite ever. It is constructed using Curv®, a new lightweight material that offers exceptionally high resistance to impact. The design mimics the ridges found in sea shells that give protection to the creature inside. Modern travellers will enjoy the convenience, flexibility and stress free travel delivered by this revolutionary new collection.

About Curv®

Cosmolite is made from Curv® - a unique and innovative material that is made using a patented process. Layers of woven fabric are formed into self reinforced, composite sheets that are lightweight, yet strong, and offer an exceptionally high resistance to impact. The shell forming process is unique and patented by Samsonite. Curv® is a registered trademark of Propex Fabrics, Germany

Available Spring 2009

Colours: Silver

For further information, please contact

Melcole

Shweta Sharma

E-mail: shweta_sharma@melcole.com

Mobile: +91-9811477404