If travelling is on your agenda for 2014, then upgrade that battered old luggage by putting a Hideo Wakamatsu suitcase on the top of your Christmas wish-list. The Japanese designer is taking the luggage world by storm with his range of cult, design–led ranges that combine functionality with urban flair.

Available at www.hideowakamatsu.co.uk, the Tokyo-based designer offers a cool and quirky range of materials, shapes and colours to suit every type of traveller and rivalling current brands in durability.

Whether you’re looking to impress friends while backpacking across the globe, wanting to look stylish and sophisticated during a business trip or just a fashion-conscious traveller, there is sure to be something for all tastes.

For the Backpacker Roaming the Globe: Tarpaulin Range from £85 to £205

For those who are constantly travelling, variation and versatility is key. The Tarpaulin range is a new concept in luggage, combining adaptability with cool design and a variety of colours. Included, the range includes two styles of Messenger Bags, a Trolley available in two sizes (Carry On and Medium) and the Tarpaulin Backpack which can be used as a trolley or backpack by simply unzipping a hidden compartment to reveal the shoulder straps. Made to withstand all types of weather, vital for the gap year traveller, the range is made of a shred-resistant and waterproof Tarpaulin fabric, which is available in black, red, blue and white. The Tarpaulin Range cost £185 for the small and £205 for the medium trolleys, £195 for the backpack and from £85 - £97 for the Messenger Bags.

For the Travelling Fashion-Conscious Female: The Jellybean Range from £159 - £199

Buying for a wannabe Cara Delevingne or Rita Ora who has an eclectic street style and wants her luggage to match? The Jellybean range, inspired by the sweets of the same name, employs vivid colour schemes and a soft rounded shape. The trolley cases are also easily customisable with their evenly spaced divots which allow avid artists to run riot with plastic paint or marker pens. The range benefits from 360 degrees swivel silent running wheels, a telescopic handle and a TSA Combination lock. The Jellybean range costs £159 for the small and £199 for the medium.

For the Sharply-Dressed Mr Business: The Flash £195

Those who think business travel has to be boring are clearly mistaken; the Flash range combines business functionality with the cool steeliness of Bond. At only 2.9kgs it is extremely light, yet as with all Hideo Wakamatsu products the quality and style is in the detail with a front pocket that can be opened in an upright position - perfect for accessing laptops or documents quickly. The Flash is made from a 100% polycarbonate shell for extra toughness and durability with a unique hairline finish on the shell. The range features a clever TSA lock which saves weight by locking two zips in sync. For extra manoeuvrability and stability, the Flash features four double, 360 degrees swivel running wheels enabling city boys to cross countries and contents in a Flash. The Flash costs £195.

For the Co-ordinated Woman about Town: The Twin Range from £225 - £255

The Twin Suitcase range combines practicality with a sleek stylish design and comes in a range of carbon-effect colours including red, blue, white and grey, perfect for co-ordinating with any outfit. The Twin case is built with an ultra-secure TSA card locking system, four-twin wheel silent castors and a telescopic handle which makes the suitcase extremely easy to manage. The Twin Suitcase range comes in two different sizes, including a cabin size (carry on) and a slightly larger version that will need to be checked-in. The Twin range costs £225 for the small and £255 for the medium.

For more information on Hideo Wakamatsu, visit www.hideowakamatsu.co.uk
 

Media Contact
Sarah Salord/Jessica Meins
McCluskey International
020 8747 2170
hideowakamatsu@mccluskey.co.uk