TUMI Introduces CFX Collection of Soft Carbon Fiber Travel Bags and Accessories

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Merging world-class craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, TUMI is setting a new standard for global purveyors of luxury with the introduction of CFX. Distinguished by an exclusive, American-made fabric, TUMI has transformed a traditionally hard-side carbon fiber material into a collection of high-performance soft travel bags and accessories. CFX will launch an 11 piece lifestyle collection in early October 2014.

Constructed from, CX6™, an exclusive, flexible soft carbon fiber, CFX is symbolic of TUMI's heritage of design excellence, pushing the boundaries of technical innovation. Distinguished as both a premium material and high-performance fabric, CFX is engineered with exceptional qualities, proprietary to the brand. TUMI's carbon fiber material, in partnership with American manufacturer Carbitex, is intricately woven and engineered at one of the nation's oldest weaving mills by using a five step process including a wet infusion. The result is a dense, abrasion-resistant material, which aids in preserving the purity and durability of carbon fiber's charcoal sleek finish. The carbon base material can be traced to the same grade of carbon fiber used in the world's most high-performance industries today including: aerospace, performance planes, race cars, luxury yachts and cycling.

"The TUMI consumer is a fan of the brand because of our commitment to innovation, part of which is finding new materials that offer a true performance advantage and lets us design products that offer superior functionality and quality. Carbitex has co-created this exclusive, innovative CX6™carbon fiber fabric that is equally revolutionary as it is sleek and cool. The CFX collection will offer beautifully made bags from one of the strongest and most coveted materials available today," said Alan Krantzler, Chief Merchandising Officer of TUMI.

"TUMI's unwavering focus on material innovation necessitated a carbon fiber composite without equal. Carbitex's CX6™ technology was utilized to develop an exclusive, flexible carbon fiber for TUMI. Unlike traditional rigid composites, this special CX6™ requires five distinct processes and multiple curing phases in order to attain TUMI's exacting performance and aesthetic requirements. Moreover, Carbitex's CX6™ technology showcased in TUMI's CFX line represents a new realm of high-performance applications for carbon fiber, with TUMI at the forefront," said Junus Khan, CEO of Carbitex.

CFX will be available in 11 styles across wheeled travel, soft travel and day bags including the Silverstone International Carry-On, Adelaide Soft Duffel and Indianapolis Slim Brief. Taking its cue from the brand's premium Astor collection, each silhouette is adorned with leather detailing, custom-designed metal hardware and a monogrammable patch framed with a beveled edge. The interior of travel and day bag styles feature a jacquard lining.

Small leather goods such as the Double Billfold and Large Zip-Around Travel Wallet will be introduced into the line and enhanced with TUMI ID Lock™, a protective feature exclusive to the brand which shields against the transmission of one's personal information. ID Lock is identified by a red pocket on the interior of select styles.

The CFX collection will be available at select TUMI stores worldwide beginning October 9^th and on www.tumi.com.

About TUMI

(NYSE:  TUMI) Since 1975, Tumi has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life 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 in over 260 stores from New York to Paris to London and Tokyo, as well as the world's top department and specialty stores and travel retail in more than 75 countries. For more about TUMI, visit www.tumi.com, www.facebook.com/tumitravel, www.twitter.com/tumitravel.

About Carbitex

Carbitex engineers advanced materials for inventive brands. Our avant-garde approach to materials development and manufacturing simplifies the traditionally complex integration of emerging material science.

CX6™ started with two years of research focused on creating flexible carbon fiber composites. In 2011 processes were tested at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Shortly thereafter, patent-pending CX6™ emerged, and Carbitex was born. We coined the term "Non-Rigid Stabilized Carbon Fiber" to classify this new type of carbon fiber composite. With a wide array of uses in consumer and industrial applications, it wasn't long before industry-leading companies in sought CX6™ for their premium applications.

Along with CX6™ integration and manufacturing, we research and develop alternate uses of carbon fiber and other advanced composites at our company headquarters in Kennewick, WA. For more about us, visit www.carbitex.com, www.facebook.com/carbitex, and www.twitter.com/carbitex.

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SOURCE TUMI