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The 2017 International Travel Goods Show – the world’s largest trade show for travel products – took over the Las Vegas Convention Center in early April with heaps of luggage, piles of backpacks and briefcases and every type of travel accessory imaginable to make life on the road more organized and comfortable for travelers.
Among the more than 2,000 lines representing 40,000-plus products were a number of new companies setting up their booth for the first time.
ALEON is a new Northern California-based luggage manufacturer that has streamlined the manufacturing process to present aircraft-grade aluminum luggage at a lower price point than other aluminum cases on the market. Standout features on these sleek, lightweight cases are square edges for maximum packing and ease of packing and unpacking and a Compression Packing System that reduces or eliminates wrinkles in garments.
Case exteriors sport an industrial chic ridged design accented by rivets. Other features include integrated TSA-accepted combination locks, rugged double spinner wheels and a retractable multi-position telescoping handle. Collection colors include platinum, onyx, champagne, red and blue.
“It looks like the luggage of the rich and famous, but ALEON cases are for everyone,” said Carol Elms, owner.
ALEON’s 7-piece Classic collection ($379 to $850) includes a 17-inch Wheeled Briefcase, 17-inch Deluxe Wheeled Briefcase, 19-inch International Carry-On, 21-inch Classic Carry-On, 26-inch Traveler, 30-inch Macro Traveler and 32-inch Macro Plus Traveler. Every case shipped comes encased in a protective luggage cover.
An accessories collection is also available that includes a clutch, credit card holder and an underseat case, all made of aluminum, which is a natural RFID blocker against digital thieves trying to skim personal data from credit cards, IDs and passports. Accessory colors are silver, gray, blue and red.
A charming sketch of a little girl was the inspiration behind Cristina Girl, a London-based company that makes trendy casual bags, daypacks and backpacks ($50-$60), designed to be used every day. Founder Natalie Nainani created the drawing and was so smitten with the image that it became the logo – and the front of every Cristina Girl satchel, backpack and cross-body bag is finished with this sleek metal embellishment.
“Basically, our brand started because of this drawing,” said Nainani. “I thought it was adorable and decided to design bags and backpacks with the logo of Cristina Girl.”
While these bags are designed primarily with women in the 18 to 35 age range in mind, the satchels and cross-body bags in particular are fun for women of any age who want to add a dash of playfulness to their wardrobe.
The bags come in kicky designs, a mix of materials and patterns and trims, and a fresh color palette that includes caramel, sapphire, Oxford blue polka dots and Spanish red, among many others. There is no argument that the bags are cute as can be, but they are highly functional, too, with features such as iPad and laptop compartments, an array of interior and exterior pockets, interior lining and padded adjustable straps. Bonus: There is free shipping to the U.S.
CharlieBravo is the newest brand of fashion travel bags and accessories from Canada-based Cabrelli Group, known for its Fashion Executive Rollerbriefs. Bright colors and vibrant prints and patterns characterize this collection geared to women, comprising bags and wardrobe accessories including scarves, shawls and hats ($10-$50), all casual and very trendy.
Plans are for the collection to grow with new designs being introduced twice a year for the fall/winter and spring/summer seasons.
Kathy Witt
April 21, 2023
PHOTOS
ALEON brings industrial chic to luggage with its strong and sleek aluminum Classic collection.
Photo: ALEON
Girls just want to have fun, and will with their Cristina Girl bag or backpack.
Photo: Cristina Girl
CharlieBravo’s mission is to offer fun, fresh and affordable fashion travel bags and accessories.
Photo: Cabrelli Group
