With over two decades with TUMI, it's the Alpha range that holds a very personal meaning for Creative Director Victor Sanz. He has watched what represents the very foundation of the brand’s design philosophy grow in tandem with the people who carry it over the years.
Now, the level of clarity around how people live, move and transition between environments has changed dramatically. This latest evolution called for an opportunity to revisit Alpha with that in mind: refining it in a way that feels lighter, more intuitive, and more aligned with the rhythm of modern life while still honouring the DNA that made it iconic. Today, Sanz shares how he upholds respect for the heritage, while pushing it forward with purpose.
ESQ: The Alpha line puts functionality at the forefront; why is design important, especially for the range to be integrated in our daily lives?
VICTOR SANZ: For us, design always begins with understanding how people move through their lives. Today, travel is faster, more fluid, and more integrated into everyday life. With Alpha, we focused on creating a system that anticipates that rhythm. The silhouette, the pocket architecture, the materials—every detail is designed to make the experience more intuitive. When design is done well, it removes friction. People can move through their day with confidence, knowing everything they need has already been considered.
ESQ: What was the thought process behind the Ultra-Blue accents of the latest collection?
VS: Ultra Blue was designed to capture a sense of controlled energy. We wanted a color that felt bold and confident but still very intentional. When we first introduced it into the Alpha silhouettes, the entire collection lifted. The contrast against the darker architecture of the bags creates a moment of movement and clarity. It draws the eye without overpowering the design. For me, Ultra Blue represents momentum. It’s that feeling right before you step forward— when everything is focused, aligned, and ready to move.
ESQ: Tell us something that may surprise even the most diehard Tumi fans about the newest Alpha range.
VS: What might surprise people is how much time is spent refining the details people may never consciously notice. Every curve, every zipper line, every handle placement reflects thousands of hours of testing. Features like the tuckaway pocket, the magnetic zipper garage, and the hidden organizational cues are designed to guide your hand naturally without needing instructions.
ESQ: Is there a design direction or idea you’re still eager to explore with TUMI?
VS: What continues to excite me is looking at how people move through their day and designing products that support that rhythm. Travel today is much more fluid—people move between work, travel, and everyday life constantly. One area that’s been especially interesting is the evolution of our women’s collections. There’s an opportunity to bring the same level of performance and thoughtful design that defines collections like Alpha into pieces that feel just as intuitive and refined for women.
ESQ: You've witnessed the evolution of a generation of travellers. How do you see the future of travel and how you design with users’ everyday needs in mind?
VS: The evolution of Alpha mirrors the evolution of the global traveler. Today, travel is more
fluid and integrated into everyday life than ever before. That means designing products that move seamlessly between different environments—airports, offices, cities—while supporting the essentials people rely on. Our focus is always on purposeful innovation. It’s about understanding how people move and designing solutions that make that experience more intuitive and seamless.
ESQ: What is your personal style? What is that one piece of outfit that you always take with you?
VS: My personal style is very intentional and understated. I tend to gravitate toward pieces that are functional, well-constructed, and timeless. I appreciate design that performs quietly in the background—the same philosophy we bring to our products. Clean silhouettes, great materials, and pieces that move easily between different environments.
ESQ: Where is a destination you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t been or want to return to?
VS: The Mediterranean is always a place that draws me back. There’s something about the pace of life there—the landscape, the colors, the food, the music—that encourages you to slow down and really experience everything around you. That spirit was a big inspiration behind our Mediterranean Escape collection. When I think about the Mediterranean, I think about endless horizons and the feeling of stepping away from the everyday.
Purchase the Alpha and the Mediterranean collection at TUMI
