New Exhibitors Preview

The nes to Watch By Garrett Lai

Gathering at The Travel Goods Show is like the first day of the school year. You’re back among familiar friends, after a summer away. Everyone has new stories to tell, new items to show off. But there are also interesting newcomers to the schoolyard. Their personalities, and what they bring to the playground, can inject new life and bring new changes. The Show’s first-time exhibitors are the industry’s new faces. And they’re definitely bringing some energy to NOLA, with fresh takes on travel gear and, in some instances, newly invented product categories to help people as they venture forth, on travel days and every day. These are the brands that will inspire change, infusing the industry with ideas and energy that could influence future direction for us all. Note: This story was written from materials submitted by the companies themselves, in response to an email that went out to all new exhibitors asking for info. There are over 60 new exhibitors at this year’s Show. Be sure to visit all of them.

AeroPress (Booth P13) most popular thread on CoffeeGeek. DSK Brands (Booth 847) Fresh-brewed Coffee. Wherever, com, the world’s largest coffee website, Bringing Eco-friendly, Recyclable Whenever. with more than 97,000 members and Luggage to the World Among coffee die-hards, AeroPress 10,000+ forum pages. The AeroPress inventor Alan Adler is a celebrated hero. world championships is an event And if you’ve ever been left disappoint- that’s followed enthusiastically online, ed after prowling an unfamiliar city in with hundreds of web pages devoted search of good coffee, he should be your to individual secrets and brewing hero too. methods. Last year 68 AeroPress The original AeroPress, which Adler aficionados battled to become national invented in 2005, is extraordinarily champions, and the right to compete popular with coffee aficionados. A at the 12th world championships in forum subject devoted to it is the single London. AeroPress coffee is quicker and Fresh-brewed coffee, smoother than pour-over, cleaner and to go! The ultra- less bitter than French press, without the portable AeroPress Go bottom-of-the-cup mud. It’s eminently lets you travel as your more portable than other methods, own barista, and brew letting you brew up java anywhere you up incredible java can boil water, with typical extraction anywhere boiled taking place in about a minute. water is available. GQ calls it “the travel- ON SHOW: The new AeroPress Go is a friendly coffee maker riff on the original AeroPress, optimized of our dreams,” for travel with all parts nesting to fit and Wired labeled inside its own 5.3” x 3.9” travel mug. it “our new favorite Its rapid, total immersion brewing European design influence, modern styling travel coffee process provides a clean extraction and its exclusive, 100% recyclable TPO maker.” for amazingly delicious, rich, smooth hardshell sets Eminent’s TPO Series apart coffee. Brewing up American-style from the crowd with forward-looking coffee, espresso, even cold brew takes materials in a contemporary silhouette. only about a minute, and without the bitterness and acidity of other methods. Eminent originates in Taiwan, where It combines the simplicity of French it was founded as Wanguo press brewing with the clean, grit-free Co., Ltd., in 1979. In the 40 years coffee typical of paper filter methods, since, the company has grown from a and is practically self-cleaning. small manufacturer into a global pow- MSRP: $36.99 Continued on next page

Travel Goods SHOWCASE Spring 2020 25 Continued from previous page don’t even need to set the down to convert between and erhouse, well known in Europe, Asia switch modes, making the transition as carrying modes. and Oceania, declaring itself the world’s smooth as it hangs from one shoulder. The flagship Meridian V2.0 in veg- largest manufacturer, designer and Bagpacks are available in a variety etable tanned leather, with all metal retailer of “first-class luggage.” It’s rep- of sizes, in nylon and leather, with hardware, includes a TSA-friendly lap- resented in the U.S. by DSK Brands. some incorporating TSA-friendly laptop top compartment and retails at $275 At The Travel Goods Show Eminent pockets for the jet set. MSRP. will introduce TPO, thermoplastic olefin, to the luggage market. Touted ON SHOW: Hillside’s patented for being eco-friendly, recyclable, UV Bagpacks present a low-profile resistant, lightweight and durable, silhouette appropriate for urban carry, Icon Luxury Group (Booth 633) TPO’s qualities are ideally suited for making them extremely handy for Launching a New Level of Luxury hardshell luggage and are an Eminent crowded public transit, and quickly Luggage exclusive in this application. Icon Luxury Group’s portfolio of high- end brands is mind-blowing in its depth ON SHOW: Eminent’s TPO Series and scope, with more than 50 house- luggage is the first use of eco-friendly, hold names, from Armani to Zegna. It’s recyclable thermoplastic olefin (TPO) in a luxury purveyor of dress shirts, active hardshell luggage. The 100% recyclable wear and luggage, with a retail network material is UV resistant and durable, stretching across the U.S., Europe and

New Exhibitors Preview resulting in a sturdy, lightweight Asia. Icon is a distributor and manu- suitcase that’s feature laden and eco- facturer, but also specializes in luxury friendly. The 26” x 18” x 10” version closeouts, with exclusive arrangements comes with a $149.99 MSRP. with some of the world’s biggest luxury brands.

Hillside Industries (Booth 138) The Next Generation of Personal Portability When it comes to business casual, you’re usually faced with two choices for schlepping stuff between work and home: backpack or messenger bag. Hillside Industries introduces a clev- er solution that doesn’t force you to choose, with its Bagpack that transi- tions, in seconds, between over-the- shoulder carry and backpack mode. The patented design uses clever strap routing that lets it be slung horizontally by a single strap, or vertically from a pair of shoulder straps. It’s a beautiful Slither into style with this python case concept, transitioning between carry from Rebecca Minkoff’s Pippa Collection. modes in seconds without the need to The hardside features eye-catching fiddle with buckles and zippers. You graphics and an ABS + polycarbonate film hardshell, with interior organizer pockets and a recessed, locking trolley handle with top and side handles. Available in black, red or taupe (shown). MSRP: $325 (20”), $375 (24”), $450 (28”)

The company’s newly minted luggage division launched last fall with a num- ber of brands, but it’s no newbie, being helmed by personalities bringing more Why not have both? Hillside Industries solves the age-old dilemma of having to choose than 25 years of experience in luggage between a messenger bag or backpack with its patented Bagpacks, shoulder-slung design and sales. Its three core luggage carry-alls. At the top of the heap is the Meridian V2.0 Leather Backpack, in vegetable names include Rebecca Minkoff (MSRP tanned leather with 2-inch seatbelt webbing, metal hardware and TSA-friendly laptop $400-$600), Aquascutum (MSRP $600- compartment. Continued on page 28

26 Spring 2020 Travel Goods SHOWCASE Continued from page 26 ON SHOW: The Punch 3-Piece Luggage compartments that obviate the need $800) and Roberto Cavalli (MSRP $825- Set with USB port features polycar- for add-on packing cubes. It’s a smartly $1,050). bonate/ABS construction in a shock- designed concept, and even includes a absorbent design with built-in lock, coil removable, pocketed panel intended for ON SHOW: Luxury rollers from zippers and retractable push-button toiletries and laundry that can be easily Roberto Cavalli, with recessed trolley handles. Available as a set of 20” carry- hung up in a bathroom or closet. handle, 100% polycarbonate shells and on, 24” and 28” 4-wheel rollers. The 20” 2” of expansion room. Plus a plethora of carry-on includes a USB pass-through, ON SHOW: The My Cruiser - EZ Pack additional styles and brands. permitting access to an internal power luggage system, ABS hardside rolling bank (not included). MSRP: $199.99 cases with built-in organization com- partments, including dedicated space for four or more pairs of shoes (depend- Mirage Luggage (Booth 339) ing on suitcase size), plus a remov- Passion, Innovation and Drive – My Cruiser - EZ Pack (Booth P16) able hanging panel with toiletries and Since 2018 Taking Luggage Organization laundry pockets that can be suspended Family-owned, family-run Mirage Beyond the Cube in a closet or bathroom. In 22”, 24” Luggage might be a relative newcomer, and 28” sizes, or a 3-piece set, all with having been established in 2018, but TSA-accepted combo locks. MSRP: it’s not slow out of the gate. By its own $109 (22”), $119 (24”), $139 (28”), $289 account, the company produces more (3-piece set)

New Exhibitors Preview than 1.5 million products per year, with distribution to more than six coun- tries. It’s an impressive accomplish- ment, especially since it’s an entirely paq (Booth P10) self-financed operation. It Began with a Buckle… “We’re a family business built on The idea for paq bags came in 2011, family principles,” declares Avi Jajati, when architecture student Matthew sales director for luggage and accesso- Jensen invented a snap-together, rotat- ries. The family’s strong background in ing buckle that enabled a new bag the fashion and garment sectors allows design with more comfort and function- it to stay ahead of emerging trends, pro- ality. The unique buckle – first tested as viding inroads with high-end depart- a 3D-printed model in late 2011 – per- ment stores and helping build a robust mits the bag’s straps to be configured private label business. It’s a successful for an extremely comfortable carry as a formula. Continued on page 30

paq bags carry-ons are chock full of innovative elements, from the patented rotating buckles that enable them to be carried as backpack or shoulder-slung duffle, to hidden internal compression straps and the pivoting, detachable waist belt. Urban-sleek design and rugged, weatherized features make them able companions for outdoorsy adventures. My Cruiser - EZ Pack dispenses with packing cubes with built- in organizers for its hardside rollers, including a removable panel with closet hook featuring toiletry and laundry compartments. A dedicated compartment accommodates Molded polycarbonate/ABS construction at least four pairs of shoes, allows Punch to have this whimsically while integrated dividers and relaxed silhouette, without compromising straps keep things secure in hardside protection. The 3-piece set transit – and upon arrival. includes 28” and 24” checked pieces, with a 20” carry-on that includes a USB My Cruiser™ - EZ Pack is more pass-through for external access to a user- than a suitcase; think of it as supplied power bank inside. a luggage system, with built-in

28 Spring 2020 Travel Goods SHOWCASE Continued from page 28 development since 2016. Think of it as consists of 21”, 25” and 30” ABS backpack or cross-body duffle, with the a slide-together connector for MOLLE expandable hardsides designed in Italy, straps free to rotate at their attachment gear, which will enable its travel bag priced from $79 to $99 MSRP, that are points. lineup – anticipated to include a gym compatible with its unique Raido Pet This is good, function-driven design, bag, daypack, toiletries kit, garment bag Carrier. and there’s more innovation to paq and soft brief – to be compatible with a bags than the patented buckle. Internal host of add-on accessories. ON SHOW: The Raido Numero Uno compression straps help the bag cinch Collection of hardside luggage, plus the down, accordion style, to keep things in ON SHOW: The Carry-Dri Travel Soap Raido Pet Carrier, a hybrid carrier with place and maintain a more carry-friend- Case uses labyrinth-like air channels to removable wheels. The carrier’s patent- ly silhouette. A rotating buckle anchors permit moisture to evaporate, without pending connectors permit it to be the waist strap, permitting it to pivot actual liquid leakage from its ABS plas- joined to the 21” carry-on trolley case for comfort, and to be removable. TPU- tic, silicone-sealed clamshell. MSRP: like a tiny caboose, simplifying naviga- backed polyester and rubberized YKK $9.95 tion through concourses and termi- AquaGuard zippers provide weather nals for people and their animal com- protection, while leather handles and panions. MSRP: $69.95 (pet carrier), external lash/compression straps pro- $139.95 (20” cabin trolley + pet carrier) vide added utility. Raido Luggage (Booth P3) Good Fortune and Protection for ON SHOW: Carry-on bags are paq bags’ Travelers. And Pets!

New Exhibitors Preview signature product, with its patented Raido – with offices in Florence, Italy RAINRAPS (Booth P8) rotating buckle that enable the straps to and Miami, USA – might be a new Smart & Stylish Rainy Day Fashion be configured for backpack-style carry, launch, but takes its name from the or joined together for a duffle-style ancient Etruscan alphabet, Raido being shoulder sling. The two available ver- the rune for travel, which bestows good sions – 30 and 40 liters – are both carry- fortune and protection on travelers. on size, the principal difference being Raido’s Numero Uno Collection the 15- and 17-inch laptop compart- ments. MSRP: $300

Portineer (Booth P15) Engineered to Move Your Gear “Engineered to move your gear” might sound like a hefty slogan for a com- pany whose singular product is a travel soap case, but don’t be fooled. While Portineer might be off to a modest start, it has big plans ahead. The foundation for Portineer’s ambi- tious future is its P1 connector, under All aboard! Raido’s unique Pet Travel Stylish and comfy, RAINRAPS may have System connects you actually wishing for rainy days. Their the wheeled pet lightweight, quick-drying design and carrier to the carry-on reversible colorways make them ideal for suitcase for smoother travel, not just for wet-weather outings transit through but as an easy way to diversify your travel terminals, hotel wardrobe with minimal bulk and heft. lobbies and the like. Tired of frumpy, bulky rainwear, RAINRAPS founder Stacy Struminger was inspired to create a water repellent wrap as a stylish alternative. That original RAINRAP has since spawned a number of spinoffs, includ- Just say no to mushy soap! The Carry-Dri ing the insulated WINTERRAPS with Travel Soap Case’s innovative hardshell flannel-like lining; SPORTYRAPS with case permits soap to dry without water zip-front and snap-together “sleeves”; leaking out. Soap lasts longer, without and SPIRITRAPS, featuring team- imperiling the rest of your luggage inspired colors and longer tails for sta- contents with soap slime. Continued on page 32

30 Spring 2020 Travel Goods SHOWCASE Continued from page 30 and cosmetics cases, with a stable of dium-style seating at sports venues or brands that include Aeropostale, Baby Versillo (Booth P4) anyplace you might desire additional Phat, Betty Boop, Gloria Vanderbilt Versillo Is the More Versatile weatherproof coverage. and Marilyn Monroe, among others. Pillow Its luggage offerings include hardsides ON SHOW: RAINRAPS, water-repel- and soft luggage, weekenders, duffels, lent, fast-drying and stylish alternatives , messenger bags, fanny to bulky, conventional women’s rain- packs and . wear. RAINRAPS are one size fits most, providing rain protection from neck- ON SHOW: Everyday bags, personal line to mid-thigh. They’re lightweight accessories and luggage from multiple and reversible, with hidden magnetic fashion brands, including Sasha’s own closure and matching travel pouch. house brands – Stephanie Nicole and MSRP: $65 Cee Klein.

Sasha (Booth 120) SpectraSpray Global (Booth 335) A Design Family Devoted to Supplementary Support for Value, with Flair Travelers on the Run

New Exhibitors Preview Sasha was founded in 1980 by a small Fifth grader EvanMarie Brasington group of like-minded designers, and in invented the Versillo, a more versatile the 40 years since it’s grown into a fam- SpectraSpray’s pillow for travel. The unique shape is ily of creators, innovators and collabo- travel lifestyle already patented in China, with patents rators dedicated to leading the charge kits – including Jet pending elsewhere, and offers more use in women’s accessory design. Its motto Lag, Stay Well and options than typical C- or U-shape travel is simple: Create value. Travel Well – help pillows. Sasha’s fashion sense is informed your body cope by its global footprint, with a New with the stress of Versillo – a of versa- York showroom and design space travel by assisting tile and pillow – is the brainchild of and offices in Hong Kong and China. and enhancing EvanMarie Brasington, an 11-year-old The company designs and produces a sleep, immunity fifth-grader from South Carolina who variety of women’s accessories ranging and energy, had an idea for a better travel pillow. from handbags to wallets, shoes, hats while reducing “It is more comfortable to lie on, stores stress. MSRP: easily on your luggage, props your elec- $18.95 (spray), tronic device, supports your back and $53.95 (kit) bottom and so much more!” Her unique design, loosely formed The future of vitamins is here, in the like a capital letter E, is an interest- form of oral sprays that provide superior ing departure from the typical U- or absorption with all-natural ingredients. C-shape. That middle segment is key “We have found a substantial need to the pillow’s versatility: Fold it up to to support travelers worldwide with create extra support behind the head, disabling jet lag issues and wellness or turn the whole pillow to the side for challenges,” said SpectraSpray found- extra lateral head support. er Janet Ryan. “Our innovative formulas With the middle segment folded for sleep support, immune support, down the Versillo is functionally shaped stress support and energy support cre- like a small rectangular pillow, which ate a well-rounded solution to the chal- lends itself to use as additional lumbar lenges of travel.” support, or as a seat bottom cushion when you need a little extra padding. ON SHOW: Oral spray vitamins with It’s a very different shape, and the micro emulsion technology are readily kidtrepreneur has already secured a absorbed, without need for physiologi- patent in China, with patents pending Step out in style with cal processing or digestion. They’re eas- in the U.S. and Europe. the Beverly Hills Polo Club ier to administer than pills, capsules or Iconic Logo 3PC Luggage Set, featuring liquids, with the added convenience of ON SHOW: The Versillo, the more spinner wheels, BHPC signature print not requiring water or food for proper versatile travel pillow with a unique lining and an expandable design. absorption – and can provide up to five shape that provides extra support where In assorted fashion-forward colors. times higher intake than traditional you need it – behind the head or to the MSRP: $300 delivery methods. side. MSRP: $19.95 b

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