Back in the 1960s, when air travel was an exclusive club with just 106 million passengers worldwide, the travel case had one singular function: to transport personal belongings to the next destination. Today, as about 9.7 billion people take to the skies annually, luggage has become a sign of distinction, combining technology and design. With ‘digital nomads’, influencers, and content creators melding work and leisure, modern travellers are increasingly seeking solutions that cater to their growing needs for comfort and functionality on the go. Aesthetics reinforce personal style, but what truly defines great travel gear is the seamless experience it provides.
Luggage has evolved to combine innovation with safety and style: smart charging via integrated USB ports, quick-access padded laptop pockets, easy security pass-throughs for cosmetics, removable suit hangers, monogrammed luggage tags, and luggage locator systems.
In Mad Men, the critically acclaimed TV series about the high-pressure world of 1960s advertising, the episode ‘The Suitcase’ uses Samsonite luggage to explore themes of ambition, dreams, and baggage – both literal and emotional. The show’s sharp storytelling captures how luggage is a simple object that can hold deeper meanings, reflecting the aspirations and struggles of its owners.
Heritage Pieces
When it comes to luxury luggage, few names command as much respect as Louis Vuitton (founded in 1854) and Goyard, which was established a year earlier. These iconic brands – almost considered pieces of art – launched leather trunks for the elite traveller, and today, their travel pieces are synonymous with authenticity and French savoir-faire. In 2018, a rare Louis Vuitton aluminium-bound Explorer Trunk was sold at Christie’s in London for a record-breaking price of R3 817 500, and the new Louis Vuitton store in Manhattan has been disguised during construction by a stack of LV trunks.
Goyard’s St. Louis Rolling Luggage, with its signature chevron pattern and meticulous design, remains a symbol of distinction. Available in selected stores, its exclusivity only adds to the brand’s allure. On the other hand, Louis Vuitton’s Horizon 55, adorned with the brand’s iconic monogram canvas, epitomises sophistication and timeless elegance with football legend Lionel Messi as brand ambassador.
Retro chic with a Modern Twist
“We love to make every trip a glamorous affair. It’s about embracing the romance of luxury travel and the gift of time, where the journey itself becomes a celebration of slowing down and savouring timeless sophistication,” says Sara Banks, founder and current CEO of SteamLine Luggage. A relatively new contender in the luxury luggage scene, SteamLine’s has quickly made its mark with its unique blend of vintage-inspired designs with a contemporary twist. Offerering top grain and vegan leather, each piece is meticulously handcrafted by a skilled team of artisans who have worked together for more than 15 years.
From a luxury cruise or train trip to a simple weekend getaway, the brand delivers on its promise: “SteamLine creates the world’s most photogenic high-performance luggage to enhance the joy of travel each step of their way”.
Durability and Design
German brand Rimowa and its American counterpart Tumi have redefined modern travel with their use of high-performance materials like aluminium, titanium, and lightweight polycarbonate. Rimowa’s Essential Collection is a perfect example, blending minimalist construction with sleek style in a range of bold colours, and is favoured by the likes of Rihanna, LeBron James, Roger Federer, and Kylian Mbappé.
Tumi is another powerhouse in the world of high-performance luggage. Renowned for its aesthetic, the 19 Degree Collection is as striking as it is practical. A unique wavy design minimises scratches and it comes with two-stage expansion, push-button locks, smooth manoeuvrability, and the TUMI Tracer® programme, which helps reunite travellers with their lost items.
The brand was founded in the late 1960s by Charlie Clifford, who spent two years in a remote Peruvian village, where he was inspired by the craftsmanship of local artisans. Determined to support them, he took their creations to the US market, where he established a small import business, named after an ancient ceremonial knife used by the Inca civilisation. In a 2022 podcast interview on How I Built This with Guy Raz, Charlie said, “Luggage is an infrequently purchased product. We discovered that most travellers didn’t want to buy a large leather suitcase because they felt that it might get damaged in transit when it was checked by the airlines, so we felt that moving into a synthetic fabric material would help us to penetrate this market. TUMI’s future was as a premium product.” Originally popular in business circles, TUMI has since broadened its appeal, connecting with the worlds of Formula 1, esports, and street art.
Pioneering the Future of Travel
Samsonite is globally renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. The brand pushes boundaries by creating alternative materials, such as Roxkin™ – a lightweight, multi-layered texture that rebounds after impact – featured in the Proxis Collection. “The Proxis Collection is made for frequent travellers, combining exceptional lightness with superior durability. Its sleek design features multidirectional wheels, ergonomic handles, and a dedicated compartment for a portable battery, allowing for convenient smartphone charging on the go,” says Sebastien Valette, general manager of Samsonite France. This collection offers a glimpse into the future of travel, providing impressive strength and scratch resistance.
The luggage we carry says a lot about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Whether for business or leisure, it’s an extension of who we are – stylish, strong, and ready for the next adventure.
