The FARINO Carrier: our journey so far…

AS THE FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUNCH OF MY LUGGAGE COLLECTION APPROACHES, I LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS ALONG THE WAY

My “Eureka” moment happened in Los Angeles!  Having bought a suitcase with spinner wheels for a business trip, I was so impressed that I was inspired to create a smaller – and definitely more stylish – version to move the often weighty paraphernalia associated with my work, as a theatrical agent, around London on an everyday basis.  To make things even easier, I had the bright idea of making it top-loading, with a handy laptop pocket fitted into the back. 

Although I launched the FARINO Carrier at the London Design Fair in September 2019, my journey started way before that.  Using a template designed by my father (a retired architect) from my initial clumsy drawings, I was lucky enough to be able to count on the vast experience of Innovate Design to explore a multitude of options and create various prototypes, which were tested rigorously before I decided on the final model.

FROM COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN IMAGES … TO THE FINISHED PRODUCT

What immediately became apparent to me was that its mobility (360° rollerblade spinner wheels) and top-loading capability, as well as its weatherproof neoprene exterior, make the FARINO Carrier unique in the luggage market.  The range currently includes two models: the GETAWAY, based on the original design, which complies with the cabin-baggage dimensions of most airlines; and the LOCAL, which is slightly taller, and is the perfect companion for today’s eco-conscious and stylish shopper.  I now have plans to create a bigger, deeper carrier for all the home-visiting podiatrists, hairdressers, beauty consultants and distributors (to name but a few professions) who have expressed an interest…

In 2022, I was delighted to join forces with international retail company Wolf & Badger, which has brought my collection to the attention of a whole new world of ethical and stylish consumers.  It’s been extremely rewarding to receive favourable reviews from contented customers, particularly those with mobility or back issues, many of whom claim that the unique manoeuvrability of my carriers has made a real difference to their lives. 

Last year I was invited to participate in season 20 of BBC One’s renowned televisions series Dragon’s Den, which was an experience, to say the least!  Alex Lee, in The Independent, called my appearance in Episode 1, which aired on 5 January “one of the most entertaining segments we’ve seen on Dragons’ Den”!  Although no financial assistance was forthcoming, the exposure has increased sales significantly, as well a provoking a plethora of positive press and online comments.  I felt particularly vindicated by Paul Godbold’s comment in Luxurious Magazine “Farino’s designers have thrown away the rule book and created something distinctly different, called The Getaway, a carrier perfect for work, leisure and travel.” 

IN THE DRAGONS’ DEN!

As if life wasn’t busy enough, I was invited to exhibit at the Concours Lépine in Paris in the spring.  Now in its 122nd edition, this inventors’ trade fair ran from 22 April to 8 May 2023.  It was absolutely fabulous showing ‘Le Chariot Farino’ to, arguably, the most chic customers in the world!

I’ll be sharing more news soon… 🤍