A Designer's perspective

Mystery has always captivated us, drawing us in with the promise of hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. This same intrigue defines our new Mystique collection—a collection that embodies an air of mystique, setting it apart from the ordinary. Join us, along with Eric Koedijk, Head of Design at SUITSUIT, as we explore the inspiration behind this collection and discover what makes it truly special.

Vision

Eric Koedijk: “Mysterious women have been my true source of inspiration for this new collection. They possess a kind of magnetic presence that effortlessly draws people in. Their aura of intrigue and mystery is irresistible, making them stand out in a crowd. That’s exactly what I wanted to capture in this collection”.

TRENDS

But where do you begin, and how does the development process start? 

Eric Koedijk: "Any new design starts with extended research. We look at social trends and their influence on fashion, the use of colours or materials. For example, how does climate change, social instability, and technological development, such as the rapid rise of AI, ultimately affect consumer behaviour and preferences?  We strive to find answers to those questions. A longing for nostalgia, for a time  when the world was more free and less chaotic, led to a revival of colours, materials and designs from the 1970s two years ago, for example,”.

“Take today’s consumer, who, affected by the recent period of high inflation, is becoming increasingly price-sensitive and prioritizes more and more value over money. This impulse is also driving the expansion of low priced markets. Brands like us, that do not wish to compete in these categories must demonstrate to customers why their products are worth the premium price. This continues to be one of our main objectives when developing new products, especially with the new Mystique collection”.  

Design philosophy

“In addition to researching these guiding trends, we also develop our own design philosophy for each collection. For example, for Mystique I wanted to develop a collection that at first glance radiates strength, confidence and self-assurance. But beneath that mysterious surface one must encounter warmth, elegance and grace. I wanted this collection to have a unique emotional allure that would leave a lasting impression on those who get to travel with it”.

DESIGN TRANSLATION

How do you translate this philosophy onto the drawing board?

Eric Koedijk: “For the design of the suitcases, I opted for a clean, almost minimalist shape that provides a strong, mature and confident look. As a counterbalance I used soft, curved and graceful lines in the design of the wheels, the handles and the zipper pullers. The perfect balance between strength and grace, creating timeless beauty that goes beyond fleeting trends, if you ask me”. 

I think this balance is reflected in the materials you used.

Eric Koedijk: "That's right. Because we wanted to develop a high-quality and durable collection, for which we confidently offer a lifetime guarantee, I chose to use 100% polycarbonate. A very strong, flexible and light material. Finished with a matte coating to better protect the case from smudges or scratches. This matte finish offers a contemporary and sophisticated look, adding a subtle yet impactful touch to these luggage pieces. And the matte finish makes the colours stand out even more intensely. The metal parts, such as the logo, the telescopic handle and the zipper pulls are made of shiny 'gunmetal', a deep gray and extremely strong metal which contrasts powerfully with the soft finish of the suitcase. A truly captivating combination”.

Timeless colours

And what about the colours? Why did you choose these colours?

Eric Koedijk: “Colours set the tone for every collection. For Mystique I wanted to use colours that blend elements of darkness and individuality while embracing femininity and mystery. Think coffee blacks, cherry reds, midnight blues, and olive greens. With these colours, I aimed to create a look that is both striking and enigmatic”.

Call it oxblood, merlot, burgundy or cherry lacquer - any way you characterize it. This deep and soulful colour holds secrets waiting to be discovered. A colour with timeless beauty that transcends fleeting trends and will stay here for a long time.

A unique shade that strikes the perfect balance between boldness and subtlety, between calm and passion. This colour has an enduring appeal that transcends time with an allure that remains captivating.

Mysterious women have an affinity for the night. They may be night owls, finding inspiration and comfort in the quiet darkness. This timeless hue is embraced for its elegance and its ability to make a bold statement.

This deep, earthy colour evokes a feeling of tranquillity, stability, and warmth. It combines magnetic presence with timeless beauty and adds a touch of luxury and refinement to your style.

TASSEN

Last but certainly not least, are the bags and accessories that you have developed within the Mystique collection. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

Eric Koedijk: "SUITSUIT is no longer just a brand that only develops suitcases. In recent years, we have also earned a seat at the table in the bag market, through a strong focus on innovation in product design and marketing. I think that’s key to becoming and remaining relevant as a brand in this highly competitive market.

The bags within the Mystique collection respond to two important trends we have observed. First of all, the increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, and secondly the strong desire to combine work and travel nowadays. That's why we've developed a stylish travel bag and an elegant laptop bag, both made of vegan leather”.

Curious for more insights into the Mystique collection? Dive into the development process, from factory to quality testing.

This is how mystique is made

EXPERIENCE THE QUALITY

The Mystique collection introduces a new generation of travel essentials - from sleek carry-ons to structured weekend bags and thoughtfully designed accessories, each piece is crafted with care and intention, balancing durability with understated elegance.

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