Is There Such Thing as a Perfect Travel Bag?

Steven Alan thinks so. When Richard Branson’s newest international airline, V Australia, approached the fashion designer about creating a perfect vacation bag, Alan was instantly intrigued. “I’m always up for the challenge of creating the perfect blank—whether it’s the perfect flannel shirt, the perfect sneaker, or the perfect travel bag,” Alan says. “It all goes back to what’s either missing or can be improved.”

The bag evolved from V Australia’s “Perfect Project” vacation package, which includes a roundtrip airfare to Australia and visits to Sydney and at the Great Barrier Reef on specified dates. “My goal was to infuse my own Australian experience into the bag,” Alan says.So how exactly did the fashion designer improve the standard old suitcase? He used a resilient waxed cotton—a lightweight fabric often used in outerwear—for the top outside shell and a durable leather for the bottom. The outside pockets are lined with plaid cotton shirting (a signature Steven Alan element), while the inside of the bag is cased in a sturdy red nylon. The shoulder strap morphs into two straps that you can sling over your shoulders like a backpack. And there’s a zippered laptop pocket, which makes pulling out your computer in the security line just a little bit easier.

Although there are only a limited number of the perfect bags, they are good for travel anytime. They retail at Steven Alan stores in Los Angeles and New York for $777. What are you waiting for? Pick up a bag and start your perfect packing.