Smart Travel
LOJEL began in Japan in 1989 by Chih Chang Chiang, a designer who rose in the luggage industry at a young age with a simple sewing machine, making leather bags which he sold at markets. From there, it expanded to a global brand for global travelers with four different lines of suitcases, three different silhouettes of bags, and a myriad of organization travel accessories that will keep the little life you have in a suite case zipped up.
Personal favorites and well-celebrated silhouettes feature "The Cubo." The Cubo is their easy packing line of luggage that is highly protective suitcase with high volume that features a clever flat-top opening with an expandable compartment that gives you full access without taking up space.
Besides the products they offer, LOJEL contributes new concepts about what brands should offer, one that goes past transactions and builds communities. "LOJEL finds inspiration for all designs through a transparent, direct digital dialogue with travelers. Unlike other travel-ware brands, LOJEL conducts an honest and forthright conversation that addresses the reality of modern travel and offers an interactive platform for travelers to connect in a more meaningful way." says the brand. Through this, they have continued the conversation surrounding travel through their "journal" platform. This platform creates a space for travelers alike to share their experiences about traveling, small hacks, and shortcuts to make this new age of traveling a whole lot easier.
Read our interview with the owner below.
How is Lojel redesigning and re-accommodating to travel after Covid?
To be honest, when travel became irrelevant overnight, so did we. However that massive shock turned out to be the perfect catalyst to question everything we thought we knew, and rebuild from the ground up for a significantly different future. So we’re not looking for a return to the pre-Covid world, but looking to be a part of shaping what’s to come.
What that means is that we no longer define “travel” narrowly. While we will surely see a temporary wave of “revenge travel” as the pandemic wanes, we’re designing for a different definition of travel, one that is more quotidian, more sustainable, more considered.
What are your main level of ethics, and how would you like to see the people who purchase your products exemplify them?
The name LOJEL is actually an acronym standing for “Let Our Journeys Enrich Life”. This past year allowed us to recognize and embrace a wider definition of what “enriching life” can be — one which goes beyond personal enrichment, and extends to as far as planetary health.
The way we approach this challenge is to not to look for easy, superficial gestures, but to find meaningful ways to change the culture of consumerism. For example, how do we help people “buy less, but better”, or how do we empower people to extend the life and value of what they buy from us?
Hopefully this inspires people to look beyond the posturing and ask difficult questions of themselves and other companies they buy from.
What makes Lojel stand out?
That’s ultimately subjective but there are several aspects of who we are and how we do things that make for unique results :
For one, we don’t come from a mono-cultural perspective, but create from a messy dialogue at the intersection of multiple cultures. Our team is in both Hong Kong and Vancouver, Canada and we’re made up of over 10 nationalities.
We’re privately owned so we’re not beholden to shareholders tor venture capital. That allows us to plan in a long-term way and ensure our principles guide the way.
There are many other factors for sure, but what makes LOJEL unique is our culture and perspective.
What is the inspiration behind the silhouettes and colorways?
Our silhouettes are driven by a desire for stylistic durability, so that they can live a long life above the ebb and flow of seasonal trends.
Our colorways are broadly categorized into three palettes: Earth, Shore and Urban, all of which represent different styles of travel, and are also informed by varying terrains around the world.
There’s a trend of technological advancements merging with luggage companies, are you following the lead as well?
Well, digital technology is merging with everything in our lives so what’s happening in luggage is just another manifestation of that broader trend.
We take an objective view of technology though — it can be cool, but it needs to be applied meaningfully, thoughtfully and definitely not as a gimmick. As far as objects go, luggage is something that is supposed to be durable, resist impact, and generally have a lifespan of 10 years if not more — so you need to question the logic of slapping on delicate electronics that can break or go obsolete in a few years. That doesn’t make sense to us.
Where digital technology plays a role for us is in the broader experience we can create. Our products are just one part this larger experience and that is a more meaningful way to make a “smart” product.
How do you feel like these technological advancements are going to help/ hinder “Smart traveling”?
What we make at LOJEL is about empowering people, and technology should be the same.
Digital technology has a growing role to play but “smart traveling” is more than than the latest gimmick. Ultimately, perfect conditions rarely exist in the world, so we prefer to create versatile solutions that anticipate and adapt to a wide range of uses and conditions.
Where would you love to see Lojel in 5 years?
Given all the turbulence in the world as of late, simply surviving would be a massive achievement!
Ultimately though, we want to be a part of shaping the world for the better. So if some of the work we produce can result in meaningful and positive impact, it would be very gratifying.
