vBoutique

Gorgeous Globetrotter

by: Sacha Phillip | Feb. 05, 2007

 

Though it once carried with it a frisson of decadence, nowadays travel is…anything but. Thanks largely to the dressed-down fashions of Americans on the move (and the resulting dominance of the dull-though-utilitarian rolling suitcase), expressing one’s personal style while en route has become not only out of rigueur, but just plain difficult to achieve.

So, what are those of us, who feel that our style-savvy is sabotaged by our sensible “roll-ons”, those of us who are desperate to differentiate our luggage from the microfiber hordes, to do?

Thankfully, revered British luggage maker Globe-Trotter recently disembarked in the United States – and not a moment too soon.

Though a splurge, these old-fashioned suitcases, the first of which was manufactured in 1897, are the ultimate in simple elegance. Each Globe-Trotter, hand-made in England, is fashioned from vulcanized fibreboard, a “low-technology” textile designed long ago to “improve with the patina of age and use”. These elegant travel accessories are available in seven collections: sleek “Original”, regal “Centenary”, romantic “Orient”, recently launched “Phantom”, the vibrant current “Limited Edition” and the dreamy “Safari”.

Ever versatile, Globe-Trotter cases are durable enough to be used as permanent storage, and beautiful enough to be used as home décor accents. In between voyages, throw open the lid and pile in your favorite sweaters or scarves, or, place your highest, hottest heels, on fashionable display, while freeing up room in your closet. Snap the case closed (or layer a couple on top of one another) and you have instant, oh-so-chic seating.

Now that's what I call “utilitarian”.

Globe-Trotter luggage is available in the United States at Barneys New York, Moss, The Conran Shop, and globe-trotterltd.com