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Amanda Wachob x ROAM Release Beetle-Inspired, Hand-Painted Luggage

03.07.23 | By
Amanda Wachob x ROAM Release Beetle-Inspired, Hand-Painted Luggage

Well known in the tattoo world, artist Amanda Wachob is going back to her painting roots for a collaboration with ROAM. The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection includes just 100 suitcases, each hand-painted by Amanda herself, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces of luggage in gradient shades of blue, purple, teal, green, and gold. Four years in the making, the collection is the first, limited edition hand-painted luggage.

red-headed tattooist and artist Amanda Wachob standing with 3 hand-painted suitcases

Amanda Wachob

The idea for the design came to Amanda while she was tattooing a scientist who studied beetles. Their intriguing iridescence led her to translate that same luminosity to luggage. To make it happen, Amanda went down to ROAM’s factory in Georgia where she painted 200 shells (two shells make one suitcase) with five to seven layers of paint. The labor-intensive process was well worth it when you see the results, as each one is its own piece of art. To make each suitcase even more unique, ROAM allows the customer to choose their own trim colors from Carolina Lilac, Kyoto Black, Venetian Green, Como Blue, and Ibiza Sky.

iridescent beetle sitting on wood

Two colorways are available: Cerulean, with blues and purples highlighted by radiant teal-green, and Noctorne, featuring black and purples with gold and green accents.

two angled hand painted suitcases by Amanda Wachob

As with all ROAM luggage, each suitcase is made-to-order in the United States, which means no waste. Even the stitching is done by hand! The 100% U.S. virgin polycarbonate shells are durable and strong while also being lightweight – ideal for carry-on luggage.

open hand painted suitcase with iridescent lining

The interior complements the vibrant exterior with an iridescent shimmering lining that’s washable. An interior compression system on each side allows for maximum storage, while a laundry pocket and two accessory pockets keep your goods organized.

closeup of zippers and lock of blue suitcase

A TSA-approved lock and water-resistant zipper keep personal items safe.

two iridescent blue and green suitcases

The aircraft-grade aluminum handle can be set at four heights for easy handling, while four Hinomoto ball-bearing wheels make for seamless glides through airports.

Angled view of iridescent blue green suitcase

Angled view of iridescent blue green suitcase

Angled view of iridescent blue green suitcase

Angled view of iridescent blue green suitcase

Front view of iridescent blue green suitcase

Angled view of iridescent blue green suitcase

angled down view of open suitcase with iridescent lining

closeup view of gloved hands tattooing leather luggage tags

Each suitcase is numbered and signed by Amanda and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.

can of iridescent blue paint pouring

Mixing iridescent paint in the factory

angled down view of four iridescent blue green suitcase shells

Shells during the painting process

view of arm with triangular Amanda Wachob tattoo

An Amanda Wachob tattoo

Tattoo artist Amanda Wachob tattooing woman in chair

Amanda Wachob tattooing client

Works by Amanda Wachob:

Piece of art hanging on wall

Dimensional Transmutation, tattoo ink and temporary tattoo paper on canvas, 46″x 60″, 2019

Tsunami, tattoo ink and temporary tattoo paper on canvas,

Tsunami, tattoo ink and temporary tattoo paper on canvas, 46″x 60″, 2019

Two works of art hanging on white wall at museum

red-headed tattoo artist Amanda Wachob leaning on hand-painted iridescent suitcase

Amanda with a finished suitcase

For those of us that have longed to get a tattoo by Amanda for years (she’s always had a very long waiting list), perhaps carrying her art around in a different way could suffice. You’ll definitely be part of a small group of people – 1 in 100 – to own one! The Amanda Wachob x ROAM Limited Edition collection launches today at roamluggage.com with suitcases priced at $975. 

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.