Kiev, Ukraine-based designer Konstantin Kofta of Kofta Studio makes some of the wildest and most attention-getting bags you’ll ever see, but they don’t sacrifice any function for their interesting looks. Made primarily of leather or rubber, Kofta’s creations take on unexpected shapes, sometimes looking like bizarre extensions of their wearers’ bodies. To wear them, you probably have to be okay with a certain amount of gawking from strangers.

The studio’s most recent offering is its fall/winter collection, “ABC,” which consists of nine sculptural geometric bags that are simple in shape but never boring.

“[The] relationship of man and space, the synthesis of technical and creative, making the form is absolute by bringing [it] to geometrical perfection. Forms cleared from any symbolism and metaphoricity or repeatability, monochrome, neutral surfaces, industrial materials, and methods of manufacture. ABC seeks to convey the simplified essence and form of objects, cutting off secondary images and shells. The symbolism prevails based on three main figures, [as well as] colors, dots, and lines.”

Some of Kofta’s designs may seem dark and strange, almost gothic — like the ones resembling anatomical human backs, matte black gas masks, and screaming faces. Others are industrial and architectural, like the barrel, canister, brick walls, and tires.

2017’s “Fear” collection includes some of these darker pieces. Kofta adds that: “fear has its own beauty, elegance, and sensuality. It is one intricate phenomenon. Only living beings may experience fear. The dead [are] nonchalant. It becomes the absolute silence, immortal and eternal, clear from the doom of an imminent ‘I.’ It is important to stop grasping things by their names. Contemplate the feeling and let it reveal itself.”

But Kofta doesn’t only work in stark black. Some of his collections are downright bright and playful, like a series shaped like fruits and vegetables, or the beautiful jewel tones of bags resembling beetles and other natural specimens.

Of the fruit-shaped “Mellow” collection, released for spring/summer 2019, Kofta writes “A fruit to be considered as a product, a final point, destination, and result of any long-term process, effort, contact; the path from birth through blossom towards art.”

Founded in 2010, Kofta Studio is the recipient of numerous art and fashion awards, including the Red Dot 2018 Award and an A’Design Award in 2016. You can see their entire archive at KoftaStudio.com.

“We want to allow the viewer to gain [a] different perspective on familiar things through synergizing our artwork. Our bags serve as a canvas for expressing our creative intentions through properties that they did not initially possess, endowing them with ability to bring aesthetic pleasure while maintaining functionality.”

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According to an analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation figures gathered from 2012 to April 2018 on luggage handling, more than half a million pieces of luggage are predicted to be mishandled each year. That means being lost, damaged, or even sent to the wrong destination altogether — and that’s just for domestic flights.

Lucky for us all, British Airways recently introduced an electronic luggage tag that guarantees you’ll never again be a victim of lost luggage. It’s easy to use, doesn’t mar the surface of your bags, and can be held onto for several trips to come.

How It Works

Passengers purchase the tag from the British Airways website and then link it to the accompanying BA app on their iOS or Android smartphone. The tag is then self-loaded with the passenger’s flight information, including where their flight originates and the final destination. However, the tag only works on direct flights, and it still can’t track the movement of your luggage while it’s physically in transit.

Instead of waiting in line to check in luggage, the tag allows you to simply scan your information, deposit your bags at a designated check-in counter, and walk away assured that wherever they travel to, the information regarding their proper destination will remain well intact. The airline claims that this process reduces luggage check-in time to just around 35 seconds.

The Cost of Peace of Mind

Unfortunately, investing in one of these tags isn’t exactly cheap. Priced around $78.48 through October 2019 and $99.66 thereafter depending on the current exchange rate, the device will be most attractive to travelers who frequently fly British Airways. However, one tag is good for over 3,000 flights and is non-transferable, so for most BA customers, it’ll hardly ever be more than a one-time purchase.

Cosmetic Concerns

The RFID label attaches to the handle of your bag like a customary address tag, but thankfully there are no stickers on it to mar the appearance of your actual luggage. There’s no hardware required and no adhesives involved, either, making the tag extremely easy to transfer between different bags as needed.

Not a New Concept

RFID luggage tagging is far from revolutionary in the airline industry. Back in 2011, Qantas airlines introduced the Q Bag Tag. Unfortunately, that tag wasn’t as upscale as the British Airways version, preventing it from ever being used more than a single time. On top of that, it’s also not currently compatible with the Qantas mobile app.

Looking Forward

Both international and domestic airlines are expected to follow suit with their own versions of interactive electronic luggage tags in the next few years, making the old skycap experience a thing of the past. Stay tuned for more innovations in the highly-competitive airline industry, because who knows? They might just invent something as ingenious as increased legroom one of these days.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvS0KixjOMc
Worried that you won’t be able to communicate when you travel? Travis has you covered. This sleek device can handle 80 languages, and it’s designed for the casual tourist as well as the business traveler. The incorporation of AI technology means the program learns as you use it, and it’s always instantly ready to jump into action, whether you have a Wi-Fi connection or not.
Travis is donating translator units to Movement on the Ground, an agency that helps displaced refugees. In fact, if you buy a translator yourself before the end of the year, Travis will donate $10 to the organization.

Lifepack Carry-On Closet

Hate packing? Get frustrated when you arrive at your destination and can’t find a particular shirt in the crumpled mess in your suitcase? Inventor Adrian Solgaard shares your pain. He’s also come up with a clever solution.
The Lifepack Carry-On Closet is a standard-size carry-on suitcase with a secret: its inside is lined with integrated and retractable shelves, so all your clothes arrive fresh and organized. The case has a gunmetal-gray aluminum frame and a black polycarbonate shell. “Its rigid shape is able to withstand an adult standing or sitting on it,” Solgaard says.
We love the way the case acts as a wedge to keep the shelving steady when it’s open. Top marks for ingenuity.

Voyage Pillow

Catching some z’s on a long flight can make all the difference. Just a few hours’ sleep lets you jump right into adventure when you arrive at your destination.
The Voyage Pillow is compact enough to fit in your carry-on and is filled with microbeads that mold themselves around your face for a comfortable fit. The designers also incorporated a clever eye mask into it, which you can pull over your face if you want to pretend it’s nighttime.
You can loop the pillow around your neck and put your head on it at the side or right in front, and it even supports the back of your neck as you sleep. Its plush interior only adds more comfort into the mix, and the whole shebang is machine-washable.

Nommi: 4G Hotspot with Global Wi-Fi

If you can be patient, you’ll be rewarded with what this product’s inventors describe as “the world’s first mobile router that is both useful at home and abroad and doesn’t look boring!” They’ve combined an LTE hotspot, virtual SIM technology, and dual-band Wi-Fi to keep you connected wherever you travel. And if all that isn’t enough, the unit also functions as a powerbank and a Qi wireless charger. You can opt for a new data plan altogether, or simply use your SIM card to tap into your existing one.
The Nommi is a crowdsourced product, and it’s currently set to start shipping in June 2018.

Scratch Travel Journal

Of course you’ll want to remember every detail of your trip, and this handy journal will help you do just that. Before you leave home, use it as your travel planner and checklist, and when you’re on the road, jot down notes and thoughts in it. You can also scratch off the places you visit on the journal’s interactive map.

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Practicality and elegance redefined — That’s how CRESTS premium-grade carbon fiber luggage is being advertised to its eager audiences. The highly anticipated product has made a breakthrough as the first of its kind to combine style, superior strength, and advanced technology in a single compact, mobile compartment.

Built from the same materials used in airplanes and super cars, the strength and lightness of the CRESTS luggage carrier are some of its biggest advantages. Just think of it as the Iron Man of suitcases. Unlike other commonly used suitcase materials like ABS and polycarbonate, CRESTS’ carbon fiber won’t crush or crumple unless it’s put up against the unlikely force of 330 pounds. This level of durability means that your belongings are in good, protective hands, significantly easing your post-trip stresses.

Conceived of by co-founders Marc Steeb and John Philips back in 2014, CRESTS is expected to go into production by March 2018.

What Features Does It Have?

The interior of the luggage has been designed specifically for work and short-term travel: breaks or weekend trips that would only require carry-on luggage. The rear sleeve can snugly house a standard laptop while a second sleeve takes care of your iPad/tablet, documents, and other electronic devices. Plus, the case’s frontmost section has some handy placement holders for all your go-to equipment such as your passport, business cards, wallet, pens, etc. — all of which can be reached without even having to lay the suitcase down.

Each CRESTS case also includes a fixed pull-along handle with a built-in self-weigh feature, telescopic handles (no mechanisms that could break), a TSA lock override, a black waterproof carbon fiber body, polyurethane wheels, a pressure equalizing valve, positionable hinges, and structural reinforcing ribs for extra support.

Now for the fun part: the smart features! The CRESTS’ built-in GPS tracking, alarms, lighting, and remote digital lock are sure to prove its unmatchable and revolutionary design to any skeptics out there. If all that isn’t enough for you, you’ll be happy to hear that CRESTS cases also boast Bluetooth capabilities, an LED display, a touch-sensitive controller, USB ports for charging, a G-force sensor, and a temperature gauge.

The G-force sensor can be read using an accompanying smart phone app, which incredibly tells you exactly the amount of damage caused to the luggage so you can be aware of any mistreatment or aggressive manhandling that might be going on at the airport!

The suitcase measures 22 inches tall, nine inches deep, and 14 inches wide. It can hold up to 32 liters in volume and weighs a mere seven-and-a-half pounds, making it the only carry-on you’ll ever need.

Where Can I Get My Hands on One?

CRESTS is currently offering early-bird specials on its Kickstarter page, and if you’re able to pledge $499 toward its production, you’ll receive a fully-fledged case at over 65 percent off its market price. These cases are estimated to ship sometime around June 2018.

Be prepared to not only get checked out by TSA at the airport, but also to be marveled at by some envious travelers!

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Equipped with pockets that can be easily removed or reconfigured, the EZ Duffle is the ideal alternative to sports bags and suitcases. Plus, the duffle boasts a series of straps that allow you to carry it in three different ways. No matter your preferred style of luggage, this bag can adapt to meet your standards in almost no time at all.

Each of the EZ Duffle’s 22 compartments serves a unique purpose. For instance, the bag’s “Electronics” module gives the user enough space to store a phone, iPod, wallet, portable charger, and headphones. The duffle also features a flexible “Divider” module to store important documents in, a general storage sleeve, padded shoulder and chest straps, a pouch for toiletries, and a universally compatible battery pack. EZ Duffle’s designers even thought to include a built-in charging station so people can power up their electronics while on the move. This bag has so many innovative qualities you may ask yourself, “can it fly too?” Unfortunately, the company hasn’t installed wings in the EZ Duffle quite yet, though they seemed to have jammed about every other amenity into it.

Features

In total, an EZ Duffle measures 20 x 9 x 11.5 inches and comes with 30 distinct features designed to make travel as simple as possible. The bag weighs just 1.8 kg and is capable of holding 34 L of weight (or roughly 75 pounds!). Some of the duffle’s most useful features are its vented laundry pocket—which not only keeps your dirty clothes separate from the rest of your luggage but also gives it some much-needed exposure to fresh air—and its sturdy, water-resistant exterior. Some of EZ Duffle’s pockets can even resist liquids from the inside, like its one of a kind spill-proof toiletry pouch. Every EZ Duffle also includes a set of built-in LED lights, which make locating items inside the bag a total breeze. A removable QC 3.0 battery powers these LEDs along with the bag’s charging station.

The company’s designers have also taken the time to perfect some of the features you’d expect to find on most duffle bags. EZ Duffle incorporates a slew of accessory pockets, mesh modules, and multipurpose straps and can be collapsed with just a single twist and fold. The best part about this bag, however, is the fact that it’s carry-on compliant. This means you’ll be to take the EZ Duffle anywhere in the world without having to check it at the airport!

Why to Buy

The EZ Duffle is an extremely easy-to-use product that provides some great organizational options for work, leisure, and long distance travel. It can make an excellent gym or sports bag and will allow you to carry your athletic gear in a single duffle rather than in four different-sized ones. EZ Duffle’s smart storage solutions can keep button-up shirts looking pristine, slacks looking pressed, and cables and papers neat and in order! Imagine how much stress you’ll avoid at airport security when the time comes to take out your ointments and devices. While everyone else is scrambling for their things, you’ll have pulled yours out of your bag’s easy-access compartments in a matter of seconds.

Where to Buy

Torba Inc. has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their promising product. The duffles are currently available in black and priced at $150 USD: a pretty reasonable deal considering the bag’s large storage capacity and revolutionary design components.

The EZ Duffle is slick, stylish, practical, and comfortable. You can’t really argue with a quality product that performs like no other.

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The Fugu, or pufferfish, is known for its amazing ability to fill its body with water, increasing its size dramatically to ward off predators. Fugu Luggage adopts the same principle of size adaptation with its expanding luggage. It starts out as a small carry-on size bag, but then expands to hold all of the souvenirs and trinkets you acquire on your travels as a check-in size bag.

The idea for Fugu expanding luggage came when an Israeli entrepreneur was vacationing in the US. When it was time to return home, he realized that the luggage he’d brought with him was not large enough to transport all of the purchases he’d made on his trip. He ended up purchasing a new piece of luggage, which inspired him to come up with a better solution.

Entrepreneur Isaac Atlas joined forces with designers and manufacturers to come up with a functional, appealing piece of luggage that could adapt to a traveler’s changing needs. The Fugu starts out as a small case that easily fits into an overhead bin on a plane. When you’re having fun on your holiday, the bag can expand to become a desk, makeup table, laptop stand or wardrobe with shelves, giving you a handy place to keep your most important belongings close at hand.

When it’s time to fly back, the Fugu can either go back to its original size or, if you’re as souvenir-mad as we are, you can use it at its maximum size as a checked bag. Weighing it at just under nine pounds empty, the Fugu is comparable in weight to other luggage. The company behind the luggage is seeking funding on Kickstarter and blew far past their funding goal long before the campaign’s end date. When the suitcase becomes available for the public to purchase, it is expected to retail at $300-$350.

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Bridle leather, saddle stitched, with custom metal fasteners … it all sounds so elegant, which makes the uniquely bent and angled shapes of these suitcases and chests and pop out all the more.

Using such traditional techniques and materials, it is tough to set creative work apart from ordinary vintage and retro objects. Hence the twisting and curving found in each piece by British luggage and handbag brand Williams.

Naturally the pragmatist will object to the offbeat forms they take, but after buying such a fine work would you really toss it carelessly into a trunk, let alone fly with it on an airplane? Probably not – many of these are as much decor as they are travel cases, and could of course be crafted to fit individual shelves, steps and other home spaces.

Some smaller hand-held works, though, may be well-suited to making a splash at an office or other business affair – conventional enough to be professional, but artsy enough to create a lasting impression.

“Williams Handmade was founded in 2010 by award winning designer Sarah Williams. The ethos behind Williams Handmade is produce truly unique, sculptural, timeless pieces while raising the appreciation of hand craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade by the founder Sarah Williams in the Williams Handmade Workshop which is in a converted school in Bircher, Leominster, located next to National Trust property Croft Castle.”

Sarah, also runs a series of short courses from the workshop where you can learn to make your own leather goods. The making process is extremely labor intensive with each piece of leather being cut by hand and constructed individually using traditional techniques, while maintaining the highest level of quality. All of the products are made from the highest quality, English Bridle leather, sourced from Northamptonshire, where it is finished by hand by experienced craftsmen. All of our fittings are cast in one of the last remaining foundries in the UK. British materials can be more expensive but we believe strongly that they reinforce our dedication to quality and truly British designs.”

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Like it or not, the bathroom is often one of the most neglected areas of any home. It isn’t because bathrooms are particularly unloved, but rather it is due to the lack of utterly breathtaking bathroom fixtures. These high end bathrooms inspired by classic luxury luggage could easily change that.

These stunning bathroom furniture pieces are the work of Spanish design firm Coleccion Alexandra. Their Bathroom Collection pieces turn up their (figurative) noses at conventional washroom design, opting instead for clean modern lines, sumptuous leather accents and rich wood grains.

You’ll find no flowery carvings or soft, flowing curves in Coleccion Alexandra’s bathroom furniture. These boxy pieces call to mind the steamer trunks of years gone by – or perhaps the ever-present cases that follow bands from one venue to the next.

The effect of putting these crisp, clean box shapes into a washroom is a startling one. Pair them with fluffy linens and you’ve got one of the most visually arresting juxtapositions you are ever likely to see in a bathroom.

Ultimately, the result is a very masculine-looking room. This effect can be easily softened with a curvy clawfoot tub and large round mirrors. Or, perhaps, install rectangular mirrors with dark frames to play up the manly look.

However these pieces would fit into your specific home, there is no denying that they are elegant, gorgeous bathroom elements that are poised to remind you of all of your world travels every time you see them. In addition to bath furniture, the Traveler series also includes bedroom and living room furniture like wardrobes, dressers and cabinets.

About Coleccion Alexandra

“Coleccion Alexandra is a young, dynamic and family-run company that designs and manufactures exquisite and handcrafted furniture. It has a highly personal philosophy, developing a unique concept from the perspective of the designer, not the manufacturer of traditional furniture. Therefore, it does not limit its collection to furniture design, but includes decorative items, home textiles and lighting, ALL with a unique and distinct style.”

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