Makings of the RIMOWA Authentic bag.
(RIMOWA)
When duralumin was first found by German metallurgist Alfred Wilm within the early 1900s, nobody may have predicted that the aluminium alloy would change the course of aviation. And definitely none may have foreseen it turning into the hallmark of a German model for many years to come back.
Efficiently claiming a color or a singular design or perhaps a motif is sort of frequent for manufacturers, however not many can declare a cloth like RIMOWA has.
Legend has it that within the Nineteen Thirties, a fireplace utterly engulfed a RIMOWA manufacturing facility leaving nothing save for the aluminium. This incident impressed second-generation proprietor Richard Morszeck to show to aluminium as a alternative for subsequent RIMOWA creations, as an alternative of its foundational picket designs. Morszeck had already toyed with the thought within the Twenties, having created the model’s first aluminium trunk.
The present RIMOWA manufacturing facility in Cologne, Germany.
(SIMON MENGES)
The factor about claiming one thing as a part of one’s branding is the necessity for fixed innovation to ensure that the affiliation to stay. A model could be recognized for one factor (let’s face it, RIMOWA isn’t nearly aluminium) however it doesn’t imply doing the identical factor again and again.
Very similar to how air journey has modified since, RIMOWA’s aluminium creations too have developed. Preliminary aluminium suitcases have been trunk-like with no wheels (the horror!) earlier than wheeled baggage turned mainstream in 1972; RIMOWA launched its first Curler suitcase with detachable wheels in the exact same yr. Finally, the model streamlined its aluminium choices into three collection: the tremendous modern Authentic, the Traditional with leather-based handles, and the polycarbonate-based (one other RIMOWA invention) Hybrid framed by aluminium accents.
The present RIMOWA manufacturing facility in Cologne, Germany.
(SIMON MENGES)
The model’s iconic grooves turned a part of RIMOWA’s design language in 1950. Taking inspiration from the all-metal (duralumin, in fact), made-in-Germany Junkers F 13 airplane that was a major aviation milestone, the grooves run parallel to the size of each RIMOWA piece. And whereas the grooved design stays as an figuring out aspect to a big majority of the model’s creations, it had experimented with different ornamental remedies for aluminium. The limited-release Hammerschlag assortment for instance, was impressed by a Hand-Carry Case from 1966 that featured a “hammer hit” exterior. The textured floor displays mild in methods its flatter predecessors don’t whereas on the similar time, minimises any apparent nicks and bumps of extended use.
Over time, RIMOWA’s presence in luxurious has been strengthened not solely by its distinctive aesthetic, but additionally by its steely dedication to stay to it whereas innovating. It’s now not only a baggage model; it’s a luxurious mobility model with the purpose of making items for each and any motion. The model’s use of aluminium developed from defending journey requirements to preserving absolutely anything that issues to a person. Aluminium has been formed into particular performance corresponding to self-importance circumstances, an attaché solely for mahjong, and a watch case match for 3 timepieces.
Aluminium’s extra wearable, on a regular basis capabilities have seen it being reworked into quite a few luggage and equipment. The crossbody Private luggage—a crossbody and a sling clutch iterations—have grow to be recognized for his or her mini-sized similarities to RIMOWA’s trusted suitcases, however cleverly designed with distinctive locking mechanisms tailored for heightened ease of use. The model has even crafted aluminium right into a modern cardholder that opens with a reasonably attractive swivel, and protects in opposition to RFID and NFC applied sciences.
And if you happen to’re questioning, RIMOWA hasn’t stopped innovating with aluminium. Within the final quarter of 2024, the model launched two new aluminium expressions. The Authentic bag is the model’s first unisex, multi-carry purse that takes on the form of a shrunken suitcase tailored to be carried as a top-handle, a shoulder bag or a crossbody. Then, there’s the limited-edition Authentic Cabin Optical with a brand new tackle the aluminium suitcase that includes a really mesmerising interpretation of the grooved design.
RIMOWA’s newest aluminium improvements: the Authentic Cabin Optical, and the Authentic bag.
(RIMOWA)
The place will RIMOWA go from right here? It has already constructed its aluminium legacy and can proceed to take action. Maybe, like its high-flying inspirations, the sky is the restrict.
This text was first seen on Esquire Singapore.
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