Mini Launches New Line Of Branded Luggage

Furthering its claim as the automotive brand that most willing to totally takeover the lives (and discretionary income) of its owner base, Mini has just announced a comprehensive new line of branded luggage.

Trading heavily on well-established Mini motifs, this new selection of branded accessories runs the gamut from racing stripe-bedecked roller boards, to laptop bags sporting black-on-black Union Jacks, to a series of (very cool) wallets, messenger bags, and purses featuring photos from Mini’s racing archives. All great stuff for the Mini enthusiast, or the automobillia-inclined, alike.

The three new collections haven’t yet shown up on Mini’s shopping website (www.Mini.com/shop), but based on pricing for similar items therein, don’t expect bargain prices on any of this stuff. As is true when accessorizing your Mini automobile, these add-ons are rather pricy. Looks like around $300 for the larger roller boards, $100+ for wallets, etc. The new items will be available for purchase in September.

Keep reading below for all the details in Mini’s press release.

Munich. Whether embarking on a business trip or heading off on holiday, every frequent traveller needs a reliable companion by their side. So luckily MINI cars give people on the move all the support they need. The new MINI Countryman crossover model sees the cult car maker once again displaying its expertise in all things mobility-related. And the central theme of the Creative Use of Space also lies at the heart of the practical luggage solutions available from the MINI Lifestyle Collection. The items in the Collection are designed to meet the full range of travel requirements. Functionality and stylishness are guaranteed, in customary MINI fashion.

MINI Rooftop Collection.

The robust MINI hard-shell suitcases from the Rooftop line can take anything you throw at them. The Rooftop Cabin Trolley, for example, represents a stylish and reliable means of carrying your kit. Decked out in either the Union Jack or Racing Stripes, it has an extending telescopic handle, two strong carry handles and smooth-running wheels. The main compartment is fitted with packing belts and a net divider, while the centre section has two small side pockets. Also provided are a protective transportation cover, an integrated lock and a nameplate to help the trolley make it home in one piece should – perish the thought – owner and case become separated. The white Rooftop Pilot with black Racing Stripes is a hard-wearing item of travel gear for business and leisure, and comes equipped with a retractable telescopic handle, robust carry handle and easy-rolling wheels. Inside the case are organised compartments for clothes, documents and your mobile phone and pens. These can be joined by a laptop case, which allows you to keep your computer separate when travelling. Reinforced edges and a rubber-coated base make this hard-shell case extremely durable, and the integrated lock and transportation cover deliver the requisite protection. Plus, the nameplate ensures that the case is easy to retrieve in the event of it being mislaid in action. The MINI Travel Belt, an adjustable suitcase strap in Racing Check style with metal fastener, offers an extra layer of security should your trolley case unexpectedly open. And the MINI Travel Bag Tag, a luggage tag with metal fastener, adds another element to this all-round worry-free package for trips away.

MINI Black Jack Collection.

The design of the extensive Black Jack luggage line from MINI stands out with its classy black finish and tone-in-tone Union Jack motif. The spacious Black Jack Trolley, for example, comes with an extending telescopic handle and a pair of strong carry handles. Two wheels mimicking the classic MINI rim design guarantee swift progress. The main compartment has a practical partition, a net divider and four small pockets for cosmetics, and the front face of the suitcase features two easily accessible small pockets and a large compartment. An extra lock with MINI Wing logo takes care of security, while reinforced edges and a rubber-coated base enhance strength and stability. The Black Jack Cabin Trolley performs the same functions to impressive effect, but its smaller dimensions mean it can be taken onto aircraft as hand luggage. The Black Jack Briefcase adds a briefcase to the range. Two compartments and inside pockets for a mobile phone, pens and business cards ensure you have everything you need for a day at the office; your laptop slides away securely into a separate padded compartment. With its adjustable and detachable carry strap and padded handle the case sits comfortably in your hand, but should it prove too heavy to carry it can be simply fixed to the trolley’s telescopic handle with the help of the slide-in pocket on its reverse side. The Black Jack Duffle Bag, a trendy sports and travel bag with a detachable carry strap, is perfect for leisure use. In addition to an ingenious inner compartment system, this item also includes an extra pocket compartment with a magnetic closure on the reverse side. These are joined by two neat side pockets, one of which has an integrated net to accommodate drinks. The small Black Jack Ammo shoulder bag is another impressive member of the range and features a front zip pocket, several inside pockets and a side pocket with net insert for drinks bottles. The Black Jack Washkit, a wash bag with one large and two small waterproof compartments, will become an indispensable element of your travel armoury. It also has a front pocket with zip closure. The high-quality leather Black Jack Wallet, meanwhile, provides a fine home for your travel funds with its classic notes/credit cards compartment split, plus a separate area for coins.

MINI Shout Collection.

MINI delved deep into its classic photo archives to create the Shout accessories line. With striking black-and-white retro MINI motifs, the Shout items recall some legendary moments in the brand’s history. As the name suggests, the design of the Shout Small Doctor Bag takes its cues from a traditional medical bag. A classic Mini Rallye Monte Carlo print stands out from the front, and the structured compartment division and comfortable carry strap ensure that it never becomes a pain to carry. The bag’s red inside creates an attractive contrast. The Shout Bucket Tote with cool Swinging London print offers a large inner compartment for papers and a small pocket for a mobile phone, pens, etc. A contrasting colour is provided by the red twill lining. A short upper carry strap and an additional adjustable strap allow it to be used as a shoulder bag or handbag, as desired. Elsewhere, it’s not only bicycle couriers who will appreciate the virtues of the Shout Messenger with classic Mini motif. This shoulder bag with clever inner design and velcro-type fastening cuts an equally dashing figure in your day-to-day routine and on your travels. The Shout Wallet Simple Organizer and Shout Wallet Medium Organizer offer a secure hideaway for credit cards and notes, and have a separate zip pocket for coins.

The new MINI luggage highlights are available from www.MINI.com/shop and selected MINI dealers from September 2010.