"Central Marketing Group and Samsonite have been engaged for 35 years now," he beamed. "This is more of a marriage between us!"

Botolli was CEO at luxury-goods brand Louis Vuitton until packing his bags and moving to Samsonite in early 2004.

Samsonite has always appealed to students, women and businessmen on the go who need comfort, innovation and durability in their travelling gear.

The Black Label line is more sophisticated, offering a chance to express your own personality. The suitcases come in bright orange, yellow and black and a bold infusion of futuristic technology.

There are three designs: stylish, on the move and vintage.

Celebrated designer Marc Newson came up with the first. His Samsonite Scope was actually designed aboard an aeroplane. It sells for Bt30,000 to Bt40,000.

The X-Lite is very light indeed, while sporting the same sophisticated black as the original Samsonite line.

"They're less than three and a half kilos," Botolli said, "yet it's much more damage-resistant."

The vintage collection adds a modern touch to a glamorous 1930s and '40s collection with some satin lining.

Samsonite is also planning to extend its lines of shoes and other leather goods.

Its luggage is sold at Central Lad Phrao, but Samsonite still doesn't have a store of its own in Thailand. That will change at the end of the year, Botolli said, with shops planned for Central Chidlom and Central World Plaza.

The Black Label collection will be available only at Chidlom.

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

The Nation