Kame – Japanese for “tortoise” – is both the name and inspiration for this collaboration between Japanese design studio Nendo and Italian luggage manufacturer, Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano. The protective hybrid polycarbonate-fabric suitcase is characterized by its ridged soft padded fabric front, a design providing both a visual nod to the creature it’s named after, and additionally revealing an ingenious space efficient, fold-up feature which works both horizontally across and also in a 2/3 flap-down mode for easy access while the luggage is seated vertically.

Additional details include a cable lock, ring-shaped zipper pulls, and internal mesh accessories carrier which can be removed and hung separately once unlatched from the main compartment. The cheerful nature of the Nendo design is also reflected in small hidden details like the smiley faces replacing the zeros on the front combination lock, alongside a quartet of exterior colors to choose from – shiro white, sun orange, eclipse blue, and wasabi green – to complement the traveler’s preferences. For those prone to want to reach into their suitcase for “just one more thing” during flight or while shuttling to destinations, the compact design offers access into the main compartment without the need to lay down the whole suitcase like typical luggage. But it works also on its side quite well.

“Unlike most suitcases, the lid unzips from the top as well as the side, making it easy to take things in and out of the suitcase when it’s upright. It also rolls up neatly so that the suitcase can be opened even in tight spaces like cars and crowded, busy corridors.” – Nendo

via Design\milk