German luggage brand Rimowa has been crafting high-end travel cases since 1898. For the last 10 years, the brand has invited a designer to collaborate on a special edition luggage collection and this year is no different. For 2023, Rimowa has partnered with British designer, industrial designer and artist, Stefan Marx, creating a series of unique pieces for its ‘Never Still’ collection.
The collaboration is showcased in a new exhibition at the Haus der Kunst museum in Munich, titled ‘Since 1898.’ The exhibition tells the story of the brand’s heritage, its key collaborations, and its latest innovations – including suitcases made from recycled polycarbonate.
FashionNetwork.com spoke to Emelie De Vitis, Rimowa’s chief marketing officer, about the importance of the brand’s heritage and the significance of these collaborations.
FashionNetwork.com: Why is it important for Rimowa to keep reminding people of its heritage and to highlight its history?
Emelie De Vitis: When you look at our history, it’s a constant reinvention of the suitcase, it’s a constant evolution of our products. We really stand for something, which is very unique. We are always trying to push boundaries, and for many years we did that through innovation in materials. We were the first to use aluminum, and then polycarbonate, and so on.
We are proud of our heritage, and it’s important to showcase it because it gives context to our brand. It gives context to our products and it gives context to the collaborations we do today.
FashionNetwork.com: How important are collaborations for Rimowa?
Emelie De Vitis: Collaborations are very important for us because they allow us to reach new audiences and to tell our story in a different way. They also allow us to stay relevant and to keep our brand fresh.
In this case, the collaboration with Stefan Marx was particularly special because he’s not just a designer, he’s also an artist. He brought a fresh perspective to our products and he helped us to see them in a new light.
FashionNetwork.com: How would you describe the latest ‘Never Still’ collection?
Emelie De Vitis: The ‘Never Still’ collection is all about movement and travel. It’s about the idea that we’re always on the go, and that our luggage should be able to keep up with us.
The suitcases in the collection are made from lightweight and durable materials, and they have a variety of features that make them easy to pack and transport. They’re also stylish and modern, so they’ll look great wherever you go.
FashionNetwork.com: What are Rimowa’s plans for the future?
Emelie De Vitis: We have a lot of exciting plans for the future. We’re going to continue to innovate in materials and design, and we’re going to continue to collaborate with new and exciting designers.
We’re also going to be expanding our retail presence, and we’re going to be launching new products and services. We’re very excited about the future of Rimowa, and we can’t wait to share it with our customers. .
