In partnership with Samsonite
For RUSSH photographer and Creative Studio and Campaign Manager Olivia Repaci, overseas travel is all in a day’s work. But for RUSSH’s 20th anniversary issue, she found herself with an itinerary more jam-packed than most. So how does one pack for a whirlwind, eight-day trip to the fashion capitals of the world? With the ultra-light Samsonite C-Lite, of course. Below, find out exactly why this is the iconic suitcase she refuses to travel without.
In a series of events unlike me, I found myself packing my suitcase the night before my flight to New York City, where the first of RUSSH's 20th anniversary shoots was taking place. Amidst the chaos of planning outfits (that were equal parts glamorous for client meetings, and comfortable for days on set), sourcing props, and downsizing my beauty essentials — all while staying under multiple different airline luggage restrictions — my Samsonite C-Lite suitcase was a saving grace. Fortunately, the bag is super spacious and weighs practically nothing, which meant I didn’t have to limit my packing — a blessing, especially when you add bulky photography gear on top of the myriad travel essentials required for moving through four different time zones in eight days. Everything I needed weighed in at only 23kg which meant I didn’t have to take any extra bags.
Time is precious when your itinerary is as packed as mine was. With my days loaded with bookings and meetings, I didn’t want to waste time as I navigated busy airports. Thanks to the smooth rolling wheels on the Samsonite C-Lite I floated through check-in in Sydney, and was instantly able to spot the bold chilli red colourway on the baggage carousel at the other end. Travelling with fragile camera equipment is always nerve-wracking, but I was impressed with how the Samsonite C-Lite fared through each journey. I might have gotten off each flight feeling a little worse for wear, but my bag was always perfectly intact, and my gear safely stowed inside, thanks to the strong, impact-resistant exterior.
The first of our shoots took place in Manhattan's bustling Midtown, home to iconic landmarks like Broadway and the Empire State Building. Our studio was as chaotic as Times Square, with two models, stylists, and hair and makeup artists all bumping in simultaneously. Space is a premium on days like these, so I was glad to have my suitcase nearby, where I kept excess cables, cords, spare styling options, and (of course) some extra RUSSH issues for reference, safely stowed and out of the way. Later that evening, having all my belongings in the one roomy suitcase was again my saving grace as I made my way downtown to the Financial District for a late dinner booking.
Next on my itinerary was Paris where I headed straight to the 10th Arrondissement from the airport, to meet with some of our favourite local RUSSH talent. For my final shoot of the trip, the concept was fun and light. We captured our Parisian model in a sea of pastel balloons – very fitting for an anniversary issue! It was an all-hands-on-deck type of shoot, and the task of blowing up the balloons landed with me. 
Space and seating was limited to say the least, so I perched myself on the shell of my C-Lite suitcase (which is crafted from Curv Material making it incredibly strong but also flexible), where I was able to sit in comfort and bring our mood-board to life. After the shoot wrapped for the day, the bag was also the ultimate travelling companion when it came to my quintessentially Parisienne (read: tiny) hotel room, acting as a mobile wardrobe where I could easily access my pyjamas and fall into bed to get some much needed rest before the long trip home.
The last leg of my round-the-world trip was London, where I shot in a studio in one of my favourite boroughs, Hackney. I’d never caught the infamous Eurostar before, and so I decided to opt for the rail instead of the sky passage from Paris to London. This trip was no problem for me and my bag (which, thanks to an earlier visit to Casa Magazines back in Greenwich village was now, admittedly, quite heavy), with the solid straps and sturdy wheels making the trip a dream.
With the final shoot wrapped, there was still time to squeeze in one more client dinner, with so many chic restaurants and bars to choose from in East London. I was able to nip back to my accommodation beforehand, where the last of my more formal outfits was neatly waiting for me in my C-Lite bag.
