A bagful of luxury

Subodh Samuel

Back in 1997 when Titanic hit the silver screens, there was one scene that many luxury mavens around the world noticed with particular interest. Fashion lovers did not miss the labels stamped on the luggage of the protagonists travelling first class in the ship. The LV monogram embossed on the stunning bags made Louis Vuitton further popular. 

Carrying luggage with luxury labels long back became a status symbol. Who doesn’t like to flaunt bags made by the French and Italian luxury houses! From chic cases for the long-haul traveller to compact baggage for the elite commuters, there is a lot on the offer.

Zip it 

Designing high-end luggage is a multi-billion dollar market and global fashion houses like Prada, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Burberry, Gucci and others have made it a symbol of ultimate luxury. Trunks, bags and customised pieces of these brands are wheeled in and out of airports by high-rollers around the world.

Immaculate craftsmanship, attention to detail and updated features combined with creative designs are factors that make these luggage pieces must haves. These travel bags have separate slots for different stuff, another reason why these enjoy popularity among premium-class travellers. Though there isn’t a set definition of the right bag, for all the stylish people most of these bespoke pieces are a blend of art, craft and high fashion. 

A calfskin weekender bag by Ralph Lauren for Rs 4.95 lakh, a Safiano leather trolley by Prada for Rs 2.40 lakh, a classic Globe Trotter wheeled suitcase for Rs 2.30 lakh, a trendy Gucci beige suitcase with the iconic GG logo for Rs 1.40 lakh, a Burberry Duffel bag for Rs 1.20 lakh... it’s luxury all the way on two and four wheels.

Designer deals

What began as a huge tin trunk a few centuries ago has emerged as the 21st century’s most public and expensive consumer craving as the designer suitcase. Even as prices continue their dizzying ascent, love for strollers, duffels, bags, trolleys and backpacks is growing stronger. Even companies which were slotted among the more affordable names are now introducing high-end models.

While going for an extravagant trip, you not just want something that is practical, but also want it to ooze style. The ideal travel luggage should be contemporary, classic and chic, the materials high-quality and the workmanship extraordinary, preferably a work of master artisans. Traditional techniques such as hand-stitching and the use of high-grade leather or exotic skins like those of python and crocodile and top-quality trimmings justify the five-figure price tags of luggage pieces.

At your demand

Fitted luggage inside luxury cars has become another popular segment of the luggage-making and designing market. Owners of luxurious cars can specify trunks and cases that they want to be fitted into the boot of their Jaguars, Porsches, Lamboghinis and Aston Martins.

A growing number of fancy automobile companies are manufacturing luggage that is tailor-made to make the most of the limited storage space inside the luxury cars. When you buy a Ferrari, for example, you have an option of also buying a set of customised-leather luggage, comprising two golf bags, all made-to-measure to fit in the back of the car. 

Price, of course, is another matter. If you buy the German supercar Bugatti Veyron, you have the option of also buying dedicated luggage and interiors designed for it by renowned French couture house Hermés. It features interior leatherwork, as well as a wallet and a leather case that fit snuggly in the front-storage compartment. The car has the luggage price factored in.

So, driving a $1.3 million (around Rs. 7.80 crore) Bugatti Veyron or flying first class and staying in the most prestigious hotels may no longer be enough to make you the ultimate luxury traveller. If you want to be known as a true-blue traveller,  your luggage must promise style, elegance and an eye-watering price tag!