RIMOWA is a company of firsts. Founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany , the name itself is an acronym for Richard Morszeck Warenzeichen (German for “trademark”). The RIMOWA name was first patented in Berlin (making it even more endearing to Highsnobiety's German roots) in 1931 by Richard Morszeck, the son of co-founder Paul Morszeck.
It began making its signature aluminum cases in the 1930s, and is still produced in Germany to this day in Rimowa-owned factories.
Of course, aluminum hardshells aren 't for everyone, so in 2000, the innovative luggage brand began producing polycarbonate versions of its trademark suitcases. Unlike aluminum, which gets character through the inevitable dings and dents the outer surface takes on over time, polycarbonate is exceptionally light yet maintains its shape.
It was only very recently (2016, to be exact) that LVMH bought an 80% stake in the company, becoming the French luxury conglomerate's first German maison. Under the helm of the youthful Alexander Arnault, the luggage manufacturer has reinforced its reputation as a luxury statement. Recent collaborations with OFF-WHITE and Supreme similarly speak to RIMOWA's provenance and status as the go-to brand for frequent flyers like Virgil Abloh, YOON from Ambush, and Roger Federer.
“RIMOWA's classic collection is classic for a reason. These mobile sculptures make your traveling experience chic, industrial, and efficient. No matter the length of your travels there should be no compromise on quality. The cabin size is the perfect option for quick, stylish trips.” — Noah Thomas, Assistant Editor
“My RIMOWA suitcase already has a ton of mileage on it. The only thing that I carry more often is my iPhone XS. In the same way my luggage doubles as a display piece when I'm not using it, the same could be said for the subtle beauty of the iPhone. So what better way to protect it than a coordinating iPhone case featuring RIMOWA's trademark grooves? Now all I need are more brands to make miniature stickers to put on this thing.” — Jian DeLeon, Editorial Director
“I used to ask myself: ‘What are those cases? I would love to get one of those!’ Fast forward ten years, and I've finally managed to get my grubby mitts on one. Simplicity in design, built to last. I’ve yet to personalize mine with stickers, but I really need to.” — Atip Wananaruks, Fashion Director
“It’s hard to refute that RIMOWA makes some of the best luggage out there. Whenever I see a RIMOWA hit the baggage carousel, I notice. It’s a flex because, as style-conscious as people are, many overlook investing in luggage. I’m a fan of the Essential Sleeve Cabin because of its design and because it’s the world’s first-ever polycarbonate suitcase, which means it’ll get the job done and last.” — Sachin Bhola - Branded Content Editor
“RIMOWA remains the top tier of luxury travel. Its classic Cabin aluminum suitcase is a classic and can be recognized at any airport you're at. CEO Alexandre Arnault is doing a great job at modernizing the brand for a younger, digital-savvy audience whose values are more aligned with many streetwear brands. The brand's recent collaborations with OFF-WHITE and Supreme are good examples of how it's driving a change in the global luggage sector.” — Christopher Morency, UK Editor-at-Large
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