The epitome of luxury luggage, Louis Vuitton is a prime example of this surge in creativity. Its original “Damier” or chessboard pattern was designed in 1888 by Georges Vuitton: geometric, floral, with the initials of his father, Louis Vuitton, the company’s founder, who made trunks for Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie. An iconic design travelling down the ages and winning global applause for this exclusive brand whose limited production ensures sound long-term investments. Today, the imposing range of trunks “The World is Yours” has opted for an enticing matt or transparent finish while the “Soft Leather Goods” range imparts new life to classic models such as “Neverfull” or “Alma”, previously made of canvas. Appointed in 2024 as Artistic Director, Pharrell Williams, known for his musical career and close ties with fashion, invited his friend Tyler, The Creator, to work on a new set of Louis Vuitton ready-to-wear, wheeled cabin luggage and mini bags bearing the rapper’s name. Forging ahead with originality, notably thanks to designer Marc Newson, Louis Vuitton has also used huge trunks rather than boring scaffolding during renovation almost doubling the size of its flagship high-rise on Fifth Avenue, an awesome visual merchandising opportunity! With uncanny foresight back in 2017, LVMH acquired the German brand Rimowa, whose ultra-light aluminium models are seen as the summum of suitcases on wheels, now associated with top brands such as Off-White and Tiffany, and muses Roger Federer, Patti Smith, Rihanna etc. A far cry from the brand’s origins, dating back 127 years, when it crafted custom-made cases made of leather-coated plywood and cardboard! In 1920, Rimowa took a visionary step by adopting aluminium for its lightness, adding grooves in 1950, and introducing polycarbonate suitcases in 2000, which set a new standard for the industry. Inspired by the golden age of aviation and the first all-metal aircraft, Rimowa’s iconic grooves became its hallmark, now seen as timeless and perfectly natural. An uplifting tale of early craftsmanship, expertise and quality, dedicated to the evolving needs of travellers worldwide, since 1898. Other brands that are revamping their heritage luggage are Delsey, Samsonite, the colourful Lipault, and Gucci, with a new boutique on Faubourg Saint-Honoré dedicated to travel. Embodying luxury and refined taste in international hotels and airports – which can expect to receive 7 billion travellers by 2034* –, these essential travel companions include a hi-tech weekend bag and shape-memory sets by Ermenegildo Zegna / Maserati proposing discreet Italian flair. New tote-bags, shoulder bags and pouches signed Chanel, Hermès, Longchamp and Bottega Veneta then add constantly renewed appeal to the traveller’s wardrobe.