High fliers, suit up

DESPITE WAVES OF COVID-19 INFECTIONS, international borders are opening, vaccinated or not. Global travel is fast returning to pre-pandemic levels, but have things really gone back to normal or should we rethink our travel habits and learn to live better?

If travel we must, then start re-assessing the suitcases we use. Think lighter, sturdier and practical. Think hard shells, multi-wheel configurations and electronic luggage tags, along with true artisanal craftsmanship for that touch of luxury. This is where Rimowa rolls in on the baggage carousel.

There’s nothing like an origin myth to give your roller bag a precious glow and luxury. And Rimowa has an enviably authentic backstory. Not many people know that its ubiquitous grooved aluminium suitcases originated in 1898 in the saddlery of Paul Morszeck in Cologne, Germany. Morszeck had made a debut collection of luxury wooden trunks, which gained popularity, and the saddlery grew into a successful family business, which was passed on to his son Richard Morszeck. Rimowa only begot its iconic brand name in 1931, and is a contraction of Richard Morszeck’s name. The golden age of Rimowa only began after 1937, when Richard created a metal trunk that would define Rimowa’s archetypal bag. The story goes that it was a chance invention following a factory fire that incinerated everything, leaving nothing but a store of aluminium.

Always evolving with travel trends, Rimowa’s grooved aluminium suitcase was inspired by the world’s first all-metal aircraft, the Junkers F13, launched in 1950. The suitcase was made from duralumin, the same copper and aluminium alloy that composed the Junkers F13. The typical, trademarked grooves were also modelled after the outer skin of the aircraft. This sleek Modernist prototype laid the groundwork for Rimowa’s most enduring case, which was lighter, tougher and more spacious than suitcases of that era. It would subsequently experiment with lighter, more stable materials. In 2000, an even lighter version made of polycarbonate was presented.

Rimowa joined the LVMH stable in 2017 and to mark its 120th anniversary in 2018, it updated its visual identity with a more contemporary look and to better reflect the brand’s lifestyle experience – which has always been synonymous with functional luxury.

MAKING A CASE ON THE RUNWAY

ALUMINIUM ATTACHE – SILVER

This attaché case pairs a vintage sensibility with a minimalist design, and makes a case for the briefcase for the Instagram generation. It is a direct descendent of Rimowa’s original aluminium briefcase, favoured by business and aviation captains. By the 1990s, it had a new role – a quintessential accessory of Hollywood villains in action and spy films.

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This fall, Rimowa’s fresh look at this classic has retained the hallmarks of its predecessor. The smooth polished surface of anodized aluminium, rounded edges and sharply embossed grooves of the new design were first teased in a limited run in Gold in 2020, in anticipation of the return of the classic Silver. Its interior functionality is adapted to today’s needs.

THE ESSENTIAL SLEEVE COMPACT

In 2021, Rimowa launched the Essential Sleeve Compact, a work bag built for urban commuting or turnaround day trips. The new Essential Sleeve Compact is crafted to provide travellers with the freedom to determine its use; remove its interior accordion and integrated compression straps, and the lightweight business case transforms into a compact carry-on suitcase – an ideal companion for modern travellers.

With enhanced functionalities like a stage-free telescopic handle and smart solutions such as integrated elastic compression straps and snaps that are safe on fabrics, the compact polycarbonate suitcase fits in almost all train and plane luggage compartments. The case features an easy-access front compartment, ideal for 13-inch laptops, tablets, and flat-pack essentials like documents and files. Inside, a larger padded compartment accommodates larger computers up to 16 inches.

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SLATE IS THE NEW BLACK

Rimowa’s Essential Sleeve capsule collection takes on a new permanent colour, slate. Appealing to a unisex traveller, the elegant slate adds sophisticated polish to the line with its glossy finish whilst remaining perfectly functional.