Shalom Harlow

David Chu's Chic Take on Tumi

With his newly-released Fall 2008 collections for Tumi, Nautica founder David Chu is continuing the revitalization of the travel brand begun when he was named its creative director last year. Since his appointment, Chu has launched various new collections including the Alpha, using Tumi's signature black ballistic nylon, and the upscale Townhouse Collection for men. He has given the company an image makeover as well with new high-style ad campaigns featuring supermodel Shalom Harlow and an array of classic sportscars (see above).

For Fall 2008, Chu has made an appropriately seasonal modification to the spring Townhouse line, which featured khaki cotton twill and saddle leather. The Fall collection is rendered in a gray covert cloth that's a hallmark of classic British tailoring. As a counterpart, he has introduced new designs for women as well. We're also big fans of Chu's eponymous luxury menswear line, which he started after VF Corp. acquired Nautica for $585 million in 2004. Obviously Chu, who personally made over $100 million on the deal, could have just retired then and there, but we're definitely glad he decided to keep working.

Gallery: David Chu for Tumi