RIMOWA, the renowned German luggage manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation: The Original Bag. This groundbreaking accessory marks the brand’s first significant foray into the competitive handbag market, combining RIMOWA’s iconic design elements with modern urban mobility needs.
Crafted from the same grooved aluminum that has made RIMOWA suitcases instantly recognizable, The Original Bag offers a unisex appeal and timeless aesthetic. Its design reflects a deep understanding of today’s urban lifestyles, where individuals navigate multiple modes of transportation throughout the day.
Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert, CEO of RIMOWA, highlights in the interview with WWD the changing landscape of travel and mobility. With business travel still recovering, there’s a growing focus on local and personal travel. This shift has created new opportunities for RIMOWA to develop products that meet different lifestyle needs, from going to the gym to commuting by bike.
Available in silver and black, the Original Bag is priced at 1,750 euros. Its launch is accompanied by a campaign featuring high-profile creatives, including model Liu Wen and rapper Central Cee, to showcase the bag’s versatility across different lifestyles.
RIMOWA’s move into handbags builds on the success of its Never Still and Signature lines, which include backpacks, totes and cross-body bags. The positive reception of these products, along with the popularity of the aluminum Personal Bag, paved the way for the development of The Original Bag.
Creating The Original Bag presented unique technical challenges. RIMOWA’s engineers had to adapt suitcase components to a smaller scale, including the aluminum frame and a one-finger opening mechanism. The result is a bag that combines RIMOWA’s luggage expertise with handbag functionality.
The Original Bag features a hand-crafted leather handle, leather-lined interior, credit card slots, and a zippered pocket that divides two compartments. Its versatility allows it to be carried in hand, over the shoulder or across the body, adapting to different situations from daily commuting to evening events.
RIMOWA’s expansion into the handbag market is in line with its long-term vision to redefine mobility. While luggage remains the company’s primary focus, The Original Bag is an important step in expanding RIMOWA’s relevance in everyday life.