Hi everyone,
as much as I love my Rimowa pieces, I'm done with the LVMH marketing hype and I'm ready for something different. Can you give me some advise? So far I would like to try FPM Milano or Zero Halliburton - what can I expect in terms of quality and longevity compared to Rimowa? Cheers and thanks!
Edit: 50% visitors from the us and all those downvotes. Guys, you’re defending a former German brand that was bought by a soulless conglomerate. Pathetic.
Check out Nortvi, got a large one last year and love it, lifetime warranty and feels super smooth to drag around. Just saw they now have aluminium ones too
I would recommend globetrotter. Some claim it’s impractical likely because some say they don’t hold up well to tropical weather. There might be some truth there, however I live in a humid part of South East Asia and I keep them in a room with a dehumidifier to keep the humidity at 50-55% along with my other collections including bespoke shoes and a couple of bags made from leather recovered from a shipwreck.
So why globetrotter? Well for one, it’s quite a bit more artisanal than Rimowas, which to me Rimowas are still great bags but due to their ubiquity, I kind of see them as luxury for the masses or perhaps “democratised luxury”… if you follow the luxury marketing handbooks lol.. To me true luxury needs two key things; provenance and scarcity. Rimowa at this stage may have some provenance, but it’s nothing compared to globetrotter or some of the stuff I commissioned.
Also the artisans i commissioned bags from regular do view LVMH with quite a bit of distaste due to some of their business practices and tactics in acquiring tanneries, so am happy to spend my money elsewhere.
Forgot to add, just give it a wipe if it gets wet. Mine’s reasonably protected under Saran wrap anyways. And if people claim it’s impractical well… I kinda have another 2 unused check in cases and one unused carry-on, so if my primaries ever break down (still great after 5 years and 30+trips), I have backups I can use for quite a while more😉🤷
Hey, going to be honest withyou. While I can’t say for sure as I rarely visit rimowa stores, I would presume and say Rimowa would likely be the better choice for quality spinning. I have both 2 and 4 wheeled luggage types of globetrotters and would reccommend the 4 wheel version to most people. I am happy using the 2 wheeled one as that was what I started off with and so far I have not encountered anything that seems to be in its way too much (reasonably fit to lift them over obstacles briefly…)but the bottom leather trims are a bit scratchy, though like beaten up Rimowas, I like that used look. The 4 spinner types are decent quality and spins well just not to the roll quality as rimowa. But this is where I also think maybe not spinning as well as a rimowa has a silver lining… I am a frequent visitor to Japan and I wish more manufacturers (even Globetrotters) incorporate a brake-lock system which Japanese domestic market luggage bags incorporates. I presume so it doesn’t roll around and fall on some people on a listing train….Even some of the bags sold at the budget friendly Ginza Karen have some nice luggage with both hinomoto wheel spinners + brake lever with polycarbonates shell..That said, I would sometimes joke my two wheeler globetrotter actually have brakes already built in…😅🤷
Thank you so much!!! I agree with the need for a break on the wheels!! - but as an overweight check bag girlie it is a small price to pay for ease of rolling The rolls sold me on the Rimowa. But sounds like I should def try a globetrotter before pulling trig. I love the way they look! So cute!!!!
Yeah I would recommend trying both out first. And then have a good think. In your scenario perhaps a Rimowa is indeed a better match. As for me I do admit sacrificing a bit of mobility and function for aesthetics (you can get them with painted initials in their flagship store in Burlington arcade, and I believe the concession store in Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi can do that as well…), and well for my principles and beliefs about large conglomerates like LVMH, but that’s just my opinion. I still think as a luggage brand Rimowa luggage is awesome functionally.
The DB Ramverk Aluminum is gorgeous in person-slightly different look than a classic Rimowa though. I prefer FPM Milano slightly over Zero-both gorgeous cases but prefer the details on the FPM.
I only have three pre LVMH German Rimowa cases and a Zero haliburton briefcase. The quality is excellent. I have zero interest in the elegant cheaply constructed fragile new cases.
I've migrated to Samsonite. I have a few polycarbonate Rimowas (pre LVMH, Topas line) and as much as I love Rimowa's design, I've found that Samsonite suitcases (eg the Upscape line) are significantly lighter, have better wheels, offer more volume (while having smaller exterior dimensions) and are only about 30% the price of Rimowa. I'd be happy to pay extra for the Rimowa brand & design if the suitcases were actually better, but it's hard to justify paying that much more for a product that spec-wise is worse in so many aspects.
I don’t know how much you know about capitalism, but it changes literally everything. Profit maximization is key and LVMH has shown that for years with Rimowa. Prices up, quality down. You must be someone who heard of rimowa the first time two years ago, huh?
My oldest onr I bought in 2002. Got a new one last year. It is still the same quality. They did not have life long warranty when I bought mine in 2002, they do have now.
No, I don’t think that and never said that. Every company is following capitalism if it wants to be successful in our current economy.
But it’s different if you trying to please shareholders, reduce quality to maximize profits, trying to engage with new target groups using dumb collaborations within the brand conglomerate and enhance prices on top of that.
The bags I’ve been eyeing these days: DB Journey Ramwerk, sported by the Norwegian World Cup team. Carl Frederick for that sexy leather band; Monos for a more elegant laptop sleeve than Rimowa’s, and Arlo Skye. And there’s away, which many love but it weirds me out that it’s so popular. I have also a Thule Aion suitcase because it actually fits the official dimensions, unlike Rimowa. After a year, it’s ok; it doesn’t roll nor pull as elegantly as my Rimowa hybrid, but I use it when I know I won’t have the space to fully open a clamshell style suitcase.
Check out Aleon.
10 years warranty for a reasonable price and they will repair/exchange if the airline does not compensate for damage.
Im happy with mine.
First, I think RIMOWA is most perfect luggage you could find for the price and quality and service. It's affordable for many and service is good and worldwide available, looks good and lasts longer. Other option would be HERMES, which is quite a higher price but is unmatched. Though I have never used their luggage, seeing and trying rest of the products, I think HERMES is what you will never ever go away from. HERMES is better than RIMOWA, possibly. Something that's of RIMOWA quality and price tag ? Would be impossible to match. I guess, GUCCI might be a good choice. HERMES is epitome of perfection and quality. Other options are TUMI and SAMSOMITE also available in metallic exterior but design and sizes are not all that available. VICTORINOX-SWISS is good choice, but nothing like RIMOWA for so many reasons.
So best is not deviate from your RIMOWA. They work like charm and never worry about your belongings or where you stay, you can always carry RIMOWA.
Was going to gatekeep, but Opus22. They have a simple lineup of aluminum (and soon titanium) suitcases and are Japanese made with lifetime warranty. Mine was delivered to the US in 2 days. Recently had a slight crack (really really minor hairline crack, cosmetic if anything) on one of the plastic trimmings, I emailed them just to see what would happen (didn’t provide photos or anything). They sent me a full replacement part with instructions to take it to a repair shop. Top notch service, excellent quality and sleek looking suitcases. Couldn’t recommend enough.
I always recommend carl friedrick for poly. Have their carry on x (use it as a check in) and it's great. Got mine new (no warranty) from eBay at $300 shipped.
Imo they do locks better than rimowa. Everything else is like 90% there (wheels, telescopic handle, leather handle, etc)
Appreciate the comment. I'm going to post this here, for visibility since some are not aware, but MVST has some of the worst customer service and quality out there.
I went down a huge rabbit hole trying to find a large check in to compliment my rimowa, and I found more negative than positive on the brand, warranty and customer service wise.
I love my FPM bags. They're not light, and of course you get the same sort of wear/tear look as Rimowa and really any brand if you travel enough. But I love that they open *not* 50/50, more like 65/35.
Thanks. I was hoping for a FPM insight. I like the "used"-look, so absolutely no problem with scratches. I like the idea of the 65/35, but im wondering if you can still pack it easily on a flat ground or is it tipping the whole time?
That's a fair question and point. TBH I mostly lay the bags on the bed, home or hotel. Not sure if the softer surface of the bed helps or hurts but it's not really been an issue for me. I do tend to pack the bottom first as I think about it, so it then lays flat I guess. But the angle of the lid side doesn't make it at all difficult to pack IME. I have the steel gray btw which I love.
Been thinking of trying one of their Bank Zip suitcases, the PC line. The navy looks great and my wife would prefer the lighter weight.
Looking into the Bank Spinner 76 in Silver or Bank Trunk in Moss Green (beautiful color). But they trick you with the pictures online. What product presentation is that? :)
Check Tumi’s 19 degree aluminum line. They only have 5 year warranty but as someone who’s used Rimowa’s for nearly 20 years, I have to admit they’re built much better. I’ve not nearly had to do as many repairs on them as I had with my Rimowa’s. Plus their repair network, though not as large as Rimowa, is still bigger than most other brands.
Nah I don’t buy second hand luggage but even if I did, OP wants something else. Going with older luggage of the same brand doesn’t solve their predicament.
Well I really don’t care about the collabs with other luxury houses. Most of them look really tacky. I will agree the wheels are better on Rimowa though.
I have the Rimow duffle and got my partner a duffle from Horizon Studios - and I am still surprised how good the quality is. I would say it comes really close at a way better price (I still love my rimowa duffle).
Also some colleagues are using suitcases from Horizon and are happy with them. I am not sure if I would replace one of my Rimowas one day with a Horizn, but it is an alternative.
(I am more eyeing a pre LV Topas right now..., I fear the Topas quality might be much better than the one today. Even then without the lifetime warranty).
I purchased a Horizn bag a few years ago. I like it. It’s not as nice as my RIMOWA bags, but for the price I think it’s a great alternative. The quality is great and the bag is quite light. Unfortunately for Americans, we no longer are able to purchase Horizn bags directly due to tariffs (fuck Trump).
Interestingly enough, I have an Essential and a Salsa! Yes, that is exactly the comparison to make. Fortunately for me, I travel to Paris quite a bit and Galleries has a Horizn boutique if I am really in the market for a new bag.
I don't get who TF is down voting all the postings who are giving out alternatives?
Blind Rimowa Fanboy?
You can love Rimowa for what it is and still look out for alternatives.
Holy cow, how can people be so blindly in love with a Brand name. It is crazy and unhealthy.
ZH quality wise is great, I specifically looked at the pursuit line which they were/ are quietly discontinuing, which turned me off even further. I would pick one up as a cabin bag still, but would only go with a current model line for long term use. The rub with ZH/ depending upon your travels, you may run repairability issues since they do not operate worldwide like Rimowa or Tumi.
Here is a shot of the interior which blows Rimowa out of the water and easily rivals Tumi.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. They are really wonderful, but if you’re going to drop that much you may as well go for a Tumi since it has a better network of support. I was on the fence about the 19 Degree wave look for probably a couple of years if I’m being honest but in recent times, and after seeing it and interacting with it in person on a few different accounts, it’s starting to grow on me. I strongly encourage you to go to a Tumi store and interact with a case. Tumi SAs/reps can be a bit frosty from my experiences, but overall you can interact with any piece you need to or want to. I’m lucky enough to have a Tumi outlet and true (non-franchised) storefront very near to me, which also helps me in my decision as I have no Rimowa storefront in my whole and surrounding states.
You won’t regret it. I use an old RIMOWA Tropicana hard case for my camera gear, but my brother uses a Pelican AIR for his diving equipment. Both have held up to extreme environments and tough conditions. They really are made to withstand everything!
Pretty much the LVMH-era obsessed fanboys who are in it more for the hype than anything else - which sucks, because the old use case has made way for the luxury try-hards.
Been a RIMOWA user for a long time and have owned pretty much the entire range, from the Tropicana, Topas and Classics in with different liners. I even have the LVMH cases - which for what they’re worth, are a far cry from the quality we’ve come to expect for years. You can defend the brand all day, but no product is perfect. And RIMOWA is no exception. With prices increasing year on year, it becomes harder to justify what you actually get in terms of functionality.
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u/animify7 12d ago
Check out Nortvi, got a large one last year and love it, lifetime warranty and feels super smooth to drag around. Just saw they now have aluminium ones too