How This Celebrity Approved Travel Brand Took Over London Fashion Week

A generic view at the Platinum House London Kick-Off Event with British Singer/Songwriter James Bay.Max Cisotti Getty for American Express

London Fashion Week may be home to some of the fashion industry's most exclusive events, but American Express in partnership with popular travel brand Away, Alexa Chung and more found a way to make it accessible in the chicest way. Last Week, American Express debuted its first-ever international Platinum House — which provided unforgettable luxury experiences for card members. To give us the lowdown of how it all came together along with details on her team's upcoming holiday collection, Forbes chatted with Away's co-founder Jen Rubio below.

Isis Briones: What was the inspiration behind your London Fashion Week luggage art installation with AMEX? 

Jen Rubio: "We’re thrilled to be working with an incredible local artist, Jay Kaes, to create a live-art installation with Away suitcases for Platinum House London. The mural is inspired by Brick Lane, and it’s also a nod to Jay’s style of using geometric shapes and colorful palettes." 

IB: How did this collaboration come about and is there more to come? 

JR: "As a Platinum Collective Member, we’ve been working closely with their team for several months to help shape the different experiences they create for their members. It was incredible to collaborate alongside so many other creatives and thought-leaders from the Collective like Tom Marchant of Black Tomato and Sarah Andelman of Just an Idea to make the first-ever international Platinum House during London Fashion Week, and I’m excited to continue to work with their team to bring other experiences to life." 

Away co-founder Jen Rubio rocking a stylish all-black look.Courtesy of Away, Daniela Spector

IB: Beyond the suitcases for fashion week, which destinations would you say have caught your eye as inspiration for an upcoming collection? 

JR: "I’m consistently inspired by the places I visit, and my travels (as well as the team at Away) have influenced so much about our brand, from the collections we’ve done, to the travel stories we tell and the way we’ve designed some of our stores. For example, we just launched Metropolis, a limited-edition collection that’s inspired by uniquely urban elements like street grids, neighborhood blocks and the speed of life in the most populated cities in the world. The collection features color blocking and tonal prints in supple leather on The Everywhere Bag and The Daypack, with contrasting zippers on gray suitcases.

Our holiday collection was inspired by the solstice, and the different ways that people around the world experience the holiday season during that time. We’re excited to introduce this collection to our community soon!" 

A snapshot of Away's new aluminum suitcase campaign.Courtesy of Away

IB: Can't wait! If your new Away suitcase gets scuffed, what's your biggest tip for fixing it up?

JR: "We usually recommend using a cloth with warm water and mild soap, but you can also try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for those peskier scuffs. If you have Away’s Aluminum Edition luggage, you’ll be able to see everywhere it’s been, which is a good thing — every scuff or mark is a reminder of where you’ve taken it!"

IB: Lastly, what’s the best packing advice you’ve ever gotten? 

JR: "I’m in the business of travel and do it often, so I’ve learned a few packing tricks over the years that help make my travels a little more seamless. Packing cubes are a lifesaver; I swear by them so much that we designed a line of our own at Away. They allow me to fit so much more inside, and I can organize my cubes based on different climates or destinations, so I’m not rummaging through my entire case looking for something."

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/isisbriones/2018/09/21/london-fashion-week-away-american-express-interview/