RIMOWA Celebrates 80 Years of a Design Icon

By Lauren Jade Hill

First established in 1898, the premium luggage brand RIMOWA has long proven its enduring appeal. And now the brand is celebrating the 80^th anniversary of its most iconic design, the distinctive aluminium suitcase. To mark this moment in RIMOWA’s history, close friends of the brand are inviting us into the world of their personal travel by presenting their own aluminium suitcase.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfield, award-winning director David Fincher, artist Anne Imhof, architect Annabelle Selldorf and designer Virgil Abloh will be among those telling their story, along with entrepreneur Martha Stewart, chef Massimo Bottura and the DJ and designer Nigo. Photos of each suitcase, taken by German photographer Frank Hülsbömer, will be presented on RIMOWA’s social media channels and website alongside quotes from the cases’ owners to give insight into how travel has given them character and helped shape their identity.

Chef Massimo Bottura tells us: “Traveling is not about where you go but what you bring back with you: life lessons, culture, and memories.” The writer and creative director Neville Wakefield says: “Travel is like art, you set out to find something even though you don’t always know what you’re looking for.” And the actress Fan Bingbing states: “Travel has been my education.”

The creation of this iconic case is a significant chapter of RIMOWA’s history. It was in 1937 that the aluminium case came to fruition after a fire burnt down the RIMOWA factory leaving this one material intact, and spurring the idea of creating a case that they knew would be lightweight and durable. Since then the aluminium case has continued to evolve, becoming RIMOWA’s signature item exhibiting the brand’s famous groove design.

In addition to launching this celebratory showcase of celebrities’ suitcases, RIMOWA has created a limited edition luggage sticker, which is available at select RIMOWA stores until the end of the year.