YOURS, NOW AND FOREVER

Nothing singles out discerning globetrotters more than their Rimowa. On the occasion of the German maison's 125th anniversary this year, we take a look at the luxury luggage maker's legacy in creating lasting memories

- YANNI TAN

Scratched, stickered, weathered and time-worn with patina... If there's ever a badge of honour for sophisticated jetsetters, a seasoned Rimowa suitcase is it. How did this premium German luggage maker attain its cult status - from its founding in Cologne in 1898 to the brand of choice for the well-heeled today? The answer: 125 years of exceptional design, innovation and savoir faire in the world of travel.

HERITAGE OF INNOVATION

The brainchild of founders Paul Morszeck and Heinrich Görtz, the company initially called Görtz & Morszeck made steamer trunks crafted out of wood and leather. It eventually came under the helm of the former's son, Richard Morszeck, in 1931, at the cusp of a radical new era that was buoyed by a new mentality on mobility and coincided with the arrival of consumer aviation.

In addition to registering the name Rimowa, which is an acronym for Richard Morszeck Warenzeichen (German for trademark), he would also take inspiration from the material of the first all-metal passenger plane Junkers F13-an aluminium alloy called duralumin - to craft the very first such trunk in the world. Finally, airline passengers could match this revolutionary moment in history with their metallic suitcases in tow.

While the use of this durable and lightweight metal for luggage takes its place in history's pantheon of amazing travel innovations, it isn't the only feat for Rimowa. Explorers the world over should know that the durable, temperature-resistant and featherweight polycarbonate, which is universally used in luggage now, was pioneered by Rimowa in 2000 after over three years of exacting R&D. This invention had debuted under the charge of thirdgeneration leader Dieter Morszeck, and also has its roots in aviation technology.