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From Globe-Trotter's classic cases to the new school of considered carry-ons, these are the pieces you need for a seamless trip Picnic Bag Cooler
It wasn’t too long ago when luggage largely fell into one of two distinct camps: purely functional and decidedly dreary, or supremely luxurious, if wildly impractical (if you’re lucky enough to own a Louis Vuitton trunk, you'll know they aren’t exactly made for stuffing into an overhead locker).
These days, however, the luxury luggage market is booming, with a host of new brands and old favourites delivering carry-on cases, luxe weekend bags and long-haul heroes that meld practical appeal with a refined aesthetic. Frequent travellers will love the new school of sleek, practical wheeled cases: Nere, already the number-one travel brand in Australia, crafts its vibrant designs with expandable sides, in-built locks and the smoothest, most silent wheels to ensure a seamless journey, while July’s Carry On Light, made from German polycarbonate, is the lightest suitcase in the world.
For something that feels as fun as it is functional, look to Crash Baggage’s pre-dented cases, or turn to Globe-Trotter for exquisite vintage-style luggage that pays homage to the golden age of travel. And for the ultimate investment? Meet Sterling Pacific: the brand taking craftsmanship to remarkable new heights.
Wherever you’re headed, we know just the thing.
German luggage brand Horizn Studios crafts suitcases in a more sustainable way than most. The new RE Series collection is the first in the world to be made almost entirely (97 per cent, to be precise) from recycled polycarbonate shell, diverting end-of-life products away from landfill. The production processes also involve 72 per cent less carbon emissions than a traditional suitcase, and the lining is 100 per cent recycled.
The best way to gauge a suitcase's quality? Ask a pilot. Eagle-eyed travellers will likely have seen captains and crew wheeling Sterling Pacific's polished carry case through the terminals, and for good reason.
Designed to withstand infinite trips, this no-holds-barred design triumph is made entirely from custom-cast aluminium (right down to the wheel casters – you won't find a pinch of plastic here) and trimmed with Italian leather handles. It may dent over time, but won't crack or collapse, unlike a polycarbonate case.
Yes, it's heavy, and the two wheels will take a little getting used to (they're a design move intended to eliminate the risk of breakage), but if you're after a case that'll see you through a lifetime of long weekends – and look ridiculously chic while doing it – this has to be the ultimate choice.
This month, The Vampire’s Wife reveals a very special collaboration with Globe-Trotter, comprising a limited run of traditional trunks, vanity cases and jewellery boxes.
An ode to the golden age of travel, these are pieces for those who want even their most practical purchases to be a thing of beauty, with each old-Hollywood design arriving leather-trimmed and lined in plush velvet.
The cream and blood-red Wedding Collection is inspired by a treasured vanity case given to founder Susie Cave’s mother by her father, while the Black Collection is an ode to her husband, Nick Cave’s affinity for taking the most refined luggage on his global tours. Both are finished with gold brass hardware and the brand’s calling card, a bat, embossed on the luggage tag.
Rimowa's sleek Classic luggage collection is crafted from aluminium with high-gloss reinforced corners and tactile leather handles. Now, you can personalise any piece from the collection via the brand's customiser tool, where you can select the colour of the handles, wheels, and even the leather luggage tag.
July is the brand to look to for fun, personalised luggage that doesn’t let you down when it comes to functionality. The brand began by unpicking all the traditional issues associated with suitcases, from corners that dent too easily to outer shells that scratch as soon as you check them in, then created innovative solutions to ensure its cases look good and work well for years to come.
That's the practical bit, now for the fun part: each of the brand’s cases can be personalised from top to toe: choose from a rainbow of contemporary colours, then make your mark with a message or monogram in a choice of bold fonts.
A long-trusted name, Antler makes a case for every travel situation, be it a quick overseas jaunt or a major trip. We love the classic Clifton, which is cleverly colourfast, meaning you won’t be left with shining silver scratches. The colour range runs from classic black to joy-inducing poppy, and the brand makes plenty of accessories to complete your travel line-up.
Modern design meets welcome simplicity in Nere’s vibrant cases. The brand’s signature Stori comes in carry-on, medium and large sizes, with an in-built TSA-approved lock, plenty of internal pockets, and an innovative self-repairing zip (once you’ve experienced the frustration of a broken zip once, you’ll know how beneficial this is).
The brand also makes a great line-up of travel accessories, from packing cubes (if you haven’t tried them, you must) to a hard-shell mini case that’ll keep your perfume protected in transit.
Proof that luggage doesn’t have to be boring, Italian brand Crash Baggage’s polycarbonate cases come deliberately dented, straight off the shelf. Combined with a host of vibrant hues, the result is something you’ll never struggle to see on the luggage belt.
A true heritage brand, Globe-Trotter has been in the business of hand-crafting exquisite luggage since 1897, with everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Kate Moss having carried one of its British-made cases. Masterfully combining its rich history with a modern sensibility, the brand is known for its high-fashion collaborations: past partners have included Gucci and Hermès.
Right now, we’re coveting the Centenary collection, which celebrates the brand’s biggest birthday with designs that pay homage to those elegant originals. These exquisite cases, made from the same vulcanised fibreboard as their predecessors, combine traditional touches – buckled straps, contrasting leather-wrapped corners – with modern practicalities, including carbon-steel locks and the smoothest base wheels.
Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano (or FPM, to use its abbreviated moniker) has been crafting luxury luggage since the 1940s, and remains a family-run label today. The brand’s trademark Bank series pays homage to vintage travel trunks and involves meticulous artisanal detailing, from hundreds of hand-inserted rivets to leather-wrapped handles. The aluminium body is as sleek as it is strong, while the supersized butterfly clasps lend a hint of old-world drama.
Now almost eight years old, Away was at the forefront of the post-pandemic luggage boom, thanks to its contemporary approach and sleek design. Now, the brand has collaborated with a number of burgeoning design talents to create cases that really make an impact. This vibrant yellow suitcase was reimagined by Palomo Spain – a brand that comes approved by Beyonce – with a vivid floral pattern.
In a nod to its travel-centric beginnings, Gucci has created the ultimate luxury suitcase. Crafted by the artisans at FPM Milano, this collector's piece features all the practical details – from a telescopic handle to rounded edges, and neatly divided interior compartments – and is finished with the house's inimitable GG Supreme monogrammed canvas.
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