GET INTO THE GROOVE WITH RIMOWA
Written By: William Buckley
The iconic luggage house, known for its cool aluminum exteriors that slide through airline lounges like olympian ice skaters, has expanded its offering
Born in Cologne in 1898, Rimowa’s luggage wasn’t always the aluminum icon everyone wants now. Early trunks were wood and leather, the luggage materials du jour, but as legend has it, a factory fire left only aluminum sheets behind, and so, in the ‘30s, the House made a metallic turn. These cases were resilient, lightweight, water-tight, and shined like newly-minted money. The signature grooves arrived in the ’50s, inspired by the ribbed exteriors of the era’s aircraft. Rimowa’s two-wheel rolling luggage in 1976 was widely adopted by luggage companies across the world, and became the standard for two decades. Then, in 1996, they introduced the four- wheel system. Imagine, before 1996, the four wheel system didn’t exist? It feels prehistoric now, like cavemen, dragging our luggage across the floor at an angle on two wheels – barbaric, honestly. But, bravo Rimowa, in 1996 we got fantastic four-wheel drive, and in 2006, the House developed its trademarked Multiwheel system. Luggage was transformed forever (again).
Courtesy of Rimowa
COLLABORATION
While the grooved aluminum was icon enough, collaboration further turned Rimowa luggage into cultural objects: Supreme stamped the shell in traffic-cone red and newly cemented luggage as street currency; Off-White translated transparency into a suitcase that made airport security trays look chic; Fendi and Dior wrote leather-goods logic onto metal and polycarbonate, fusing luxury ateliers with the architecture of airports; Moncler mirrored a case to the point of self-portrait; Tiffany & Co. gave the groove a gemstone accent, robin-egg cues included; Porsche focused on driving heritage and seat textures, then shrunk the format for hand-carry precision; Lufthansa returned as aviation muse, a heritage thread that keeps the brand fluent in flight; and Bang & Olufsen brought acoustic polish with travel cases that feel like industrial jewelry. Each partner brought a vocabulary, yet the grammar stayed Rimowa – proportion, hardware, movement. With each collaboration, the audience broadens, but the brand has never broken the codes.
Courtesy of Rimowa
Courtesy of Rimowa
THE NEWNESS
Rimowa has done daily carry before – backpacks and cross-bodies in crisp canvas, alongside the aluminum that made airports its runway. But the new Groove Collection might be the chicest crossover yet: its signature grooves reimagined in the finest Italian leather, with the resilience of their suitcase logic and a little touch of palladium pazzaz. There’s still the industrial vibe known and loved by the exclusive traveling fashion set, but now with high leather polish, still speaking its iconic vernacular, but in Italiano. While luxury leather is a crowded room, this line cuts through with tried and trusted engineering discipline, Italian craft and colorways that nod to the cases. If any newcomers edge toward It-bag status this season, these precise little machines masquerading as handbags are tipped for the win.
Courtesy of Rimowa
GROOVE SHOPPING BAG
A classic silhouette sharpened by oversized grooves and calm proportions. Made in Italy, it carries by hand or shoulder, with a removable 2-in-1 pouch and roomy pockets. The handle system slips neatly over Rimowa suitcase handles – city to terminal without fuss. Permanent in Black, with a two-year guarantee.
GROOVE SLIDING HOBO
Relaxed lines, rigorous build. Soft leather drapes, the adjustable strap finds your length, and a detachable pouch keeps essentials sorted. Interior layout is practical, not precious, and the handle architecture docks onto luggage for travel days. It wears casual but photographs luxe – the stealth wardrobe hero in Black.
GROOVE CROSS-BODY BAG LARGE
The suitcase becomes a shoulder piece.
Bold ribs, wide zipped opening, multiple carry options and a striking leather-to-palladium contrast. Available in Black and a seasonal Silver that salutes the brand’s aluminum icons, it’s a street-to-gate workhorse with editorial presence – structured, efficient, ande quietly assertive.
GROOVE CROSS-BODY BAG SMALL
Compact without compromise. The same grooved shell language, smart compartments and easy zip, scaled for hands-free days. Black and Silver anchor the palette, while Pink, Burgundy and Green deliver collector energy – the kind of micro-proportions that become conversation pieces. Did I mention it comes in pink?
Courtesy of Rimowa
Courtesy of Rimowa
Courtesy of Rimowa
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