Within This Existence with RIMOWA

The moment I acquired my first RIMOWA item comes to mind. It happened in May 2019 when my former chief editor invited me to visit the RIMOWA store at Mandarin Gallery following a client meeting. He was keen on exploring the latest offerings for an imminent trip—he already possessed a couple of aluminium RIMOWA luggage pieces at that time—and thought it was time for me to become acquainted with the brand.

“Consider it an investment,” he suggested, quite persuasively. He had a talent for convincing anyone to purchase that intricately embroidered Dries Van Noten top or those Celine boots that added a few inches to your height—all of which ended up in my possession, by the way.

To be honest, I was already contemplating the purchase. With a few business excursions planned and an extended winter holiday in the United States on the horizon, it wasn’t so much a push towards my initial acquisition as it was a gentle encouragement. I left with an Essential Check-In L in Gloss Green. The polycarbonate material was a clear choice due to its exceptional lightweight nature and durability, and the green shade… well, I wanted to strike a balance between being dull and overly flashy.

Over the span of five years, the suitcase has accompanied me through numerous cargo holds, the trunks of Uber rides, and various hotel rooms. It accompanied me to Italy during a period where entry and exit from the country necessitated extensive paperwork and Covid-testing; it was by my side during my first multi-stop flights to Egypt; and it witnessed my inaugural experiences at full-scale fashion weeks in Milan and Paris.

Since then, my personal assortment of RIMOWA possessions has grown. An Essential Trunk Plus in Gloss Slate Grey, and most recently, my inaugural aluminium suitcase in the form of an Original Cabin in Silver, have both become essential travel accessories. I may have unwittingly become part of a dedicated following; however, the extent of my commitment remains uncertain.

If it does turn out to be an allegiance; though it’s highly unlikely, this is simply a facetious declaration… I am committed for eternity. In 2023, RIMOWA introduced a lifetime warranty for all suitcases purchased after 25 July 2022. This implies that a RIMOWA patron can effortlessly visit a RIMOWA boutique and have any functional components of a suitcase repaired throughout its entirety.

“At the core of every RIMOWA creation lies a fusion of German engineering and the dedication of our community—the skilled craftsmen, devoted owners, and meticulous maintenance professionals. Together, we develop luggage that transcends mere functionality, becoming a medium for the enduring essence of those who traverse alongside us,” states Emelie De Vitis, the senior vice president of product and marketing at RIMOWA, highlighting the term “Ingenieurskunst,” a German phrase signifying “the art of engineering”.

RIMOWA doesn’t boast that its German engineering is the finest, but instead, views it as an artistic philosophy that permeates every RIMOWA suitcase. It’s this level of artisanship and expertise refined since the brand’s establishment in 1898 that enables each suitcase to stand as a life-long companion throughout any expedition.

There exists little uncertainty that a RIMOWA suitcase can survive multiple lifetimes, as evidenced by the brand’s various showcases exhibiting items dating back over a century that still retain functionality. A RIMOWA suitcase is crafted to last, enduring both natural wear and intentional customization, so the focus isn’t solely on the duration a suitcase can endure, but rather the experiences it can undergo. The lifetime guarantee aids in the pursuit of the ultimate luxury item, symbolizing a life lived to the fullest from the moment it departs from a boutique.

Similar to our journey through life. We encounter obstacles, recover, engage in reflection and mending what requires fixing, and then resume the journey—an applicable process for a RIMOWA suitcase.

As of now, I haven’t found the need to submit my suitcases for repair. They still perform as admirably as when I first acquired them. However, when the necessity arises, I am confident that any item from my RIMOWA collection will return to accompany me in navigating through life seamlessly.

“It’s an investment.” Reluctantly, he was correct.

This piece was originally featured on Esquire.Sg

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