TUMI + Russell Westbrook Join Forces On Collaboration Collection

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUMI, the leading global travel and lifestyle brand, announced today the brand's latest addition to its lifestyle offering with a dynamic limited-edition collection in collaboration with Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard and 2017 NBA MVP, Russell Westbrook. Westbrook, known for his ferocity on the court, as well as his generosity to his community and bold fashion sense, designed the collection to captivate travelers and athletes alike.  

Leading the way as the fashion innovator of the NBA, Russell Westbrook worked hand in hand designing the collection with the TUMI team, knowing exactly how he wanted to blend TUMI's known functionality and technical innovation with his trendsetting fashionable flair. Looking to TUMI's existing collections (which Westbrook uses for personal travel) for inspiration, the two conceived a six-piece collection of the brand's high-performance ballistic nylon in a tonal red camouflage featuring black leather accents throughout the assortment.

"I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with TUMI, a brand that I have been a loyal user of for years," says Russell Westbrook. "I've always enjoyed the process of transforming an idea through the design process, and the creative team at TUMI really executed my vision. I'm proud to share the functional and stylistic collection we've created together with people all over the world."

The TUMI x Westbrook collection is made up of an International Carry-on, Double Expansion Travel Satchel, both the Morrison and Warren Backpacks, Jetsetter Tote, Hanging Travel Kit, and the Westbrook Dangler. Each piece within the collection features Westbrook's personal mantra, "Why Not?" providing a reminder of empowerment and perseverance.

"I've very much enjoyed getting to know and work with Russell over the last year—he's been an incredible supporter of TUMI long before this collaboration ever began, so it's made the experience in working together that much more enjoyable because he truly understands the product," says Victor Sanz, TUMI Creative Director. "Russell has been extremely hands-on every step of the way; the respect, professionalism and kindness that he's showed towards our entire team has been unparalleled."

The TUMI x Westbrook collection ranging in price from $55-$795, and will be sold at TUMI retail stores worldwide, TUMI.com, as well as the streetwear mecca, KITH, beginning on October 5th. For more information please visit www.TUMI.com.

ABOUT TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we're committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. Designed in America, for Global Citizens everywhere. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries through more than 1,900 points of sale. For more about TUMI, visit www.TUMI.com

ABOUT RUSSELL WESTBROOK
Russell Westbrook, NBA point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is a six-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP), winning consecutive awards in 2015 and 2016. He is also a six-time All-NBA Team member and led the league in scoring in 2014–15 and 2016–17. Westbrook has represented the United States national team twice, winning gold medals in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics. Westbrook won the ESPY Awards' Best Comeback Athlete in 2014 and was nominated for the Best NBA Player (2015 and 2016) for two consecutive years. In 2017 Westbrook became one of two players in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, along with Oscar Robertson in 1962. He set a record for the most triple-doubles in a season with 42. Westbrook subsequently was named the 2016-17 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP,) and won the ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete.

Off the court, Westbrook founded The Russell Westbrook WHY NOT? Foundation in 2012, dedicated to supporting community based education and family service programs while encouraging youth to believe in themselves. The All-Star also captures fashion's elite through his creative personal style and passionate interest in the fashion industry, Westbrook is the first athlete to collaborate with Barney's New York, held the title of creative director for True Religion, is a Jordan Brand athlete, and innovative collaborator with global leading brands including TUMI, Byredo and Samsung. In September 2017 Westbrook published his first book, entitled Russell Westbrook: Style Drivers with Rizzoli. 

SOURCE TUMI