luggage

Nancy Gonzalez Launches New Travel Collection

Filed under: Handbags

We've admired the Nancy Gonzalez handbags many times before as a handbag of the day. Now Nancy Gonzalez will launch her first ever crocodile travel collection exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. The colorful 11-piece collection includes trolleys, hat boxes, iPad cases, passport holders and other accessories just in time for the holidays. The vibrant iPad cases shown above are $1800. More items in the gallery below.

Gallery: Nancy Gonzalez Travel Collection

Tags: iPad cases, luggage, Nancy Gonzalez, passport holder, travel collection

Travelteq Suitcase Goes Where None Have Gone Before

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

It looks like a suitcase, but looks are about the only thing the Trip by Travelteq has in common with genus Carryonus Baggus. Two years in the making, it is from the Transformers school of usefulness: a kangaroo compartment in front makes retrieval of your laptop easy, and then you can work on it by turning the hardshell into a chair, extending the wheels, raising the handle and sliding the padded top section forward. It can also be had with its own integrated sound system – detachable speakers that turn the Trip into a go-everywhere iPod dock that can go 12 hours on a charge. There's a USB port for charging your other portables, to boot.

Those features haven't been left to wither in a poorly built enclosure, either. The Trip, all of just 14 pounds, is built of aluminum honeycomb, with aluminum legs on gas springs and an aluminum honeycomb seat, and can support a fatigued traveler weighing more than 300 pounds. Stainless steel pins keep it closed when you need, and the rubber wheels run on skate bearings and can be swapped out for different colors. If you can't imagine why you'd need a suitcase seemingly built for a mission to Andromeda... maybe you just haven't gone far enough afield yet. The Trip is €795 ($1,039 U.S.) at www.travelteq.com.

Gallery: Travelteq Trip Suitcase

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Tags: luggage, suitcase, travel, travelteq, travelteq trip

The Classicist: Bespoke Leathergoods from Norton MacCullough & Locke

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style, The Classicist

Norton MacCullough & Locke, the new London firm committed to producing the finest custom-made trunks, jewelry boxes and homeware in the essence of 1920s bespoke British luxury which The Classicist first wrote about earlier this year, is introducing a new collection of custom-made small leathergoods. Founded by veterans of Hermès, Claridge's and Patek Philippe, Norton MacCullough & Locke creates only individual, hand-crafted pieces. NML's Head of Design Lester Ng and CFO David Manchee developed the collection to incorporate both function and practicality whilst retaining the Norton MacCullough & Locke aesthetic and principles. Ranging from iPhone and iPad cases to card holders, document wallets and passport covers, each piece in the new collection is hand-crafted in England by specialist leatherworking artisans, utilizing the finest materials and traditional techniques.

The firm offers a range of leathers, colors, finishes and personalization options to ensure that each bespoke piece is both unique and exclusive, giving the consummate bespoke experience. There's no need to travel to London to commission them however; the luxe accessories can be purchased by downloading the bespoke order form from the Norton MacCullough & Locke website. Following approval of a visual sample (and payment confirmation), the pieces will be created and delivered within 4-8 weeks. In addition to the styles, materials and personalization options offered via the site, Norton MacCullough & Locke will source specific leather types and colors for your piece upon request, specializing in exotics ranging from ostrich, crocodile and lizard skin.

Gallery: Norton MacCullough & Locke Bespoke Leathergoods

Tags: bespoke, crocodile, exotic leather, humidor, iPad, iPhone, leather, leathergoods, London, luggage, luxury travel, mens style, Norton MacCullough Locke, travel, trunks, UK

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Louis Vuitton Celebrates Keith Richards' Lush Life

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Books, Luxury Shopping

Louis Vuitton is celebrating legendary rocker Keith Richards' "personal journey" with the sale of his hotly-anticipated new memoir LIFE. Described as "the definitive rock autobiography," the book will be available on the Louis Vuitton website and at key stores across North America, including Fifth Avenue (NYC), Rodeo Drive (L.A.), Bal Harbour (Miami), Union Square (San Francisco), and City Center (Las Vegas). The relationship between Richards and Vuitton began in 2008 when the Rolling Stone stalwart was featured in an ad for the brand (above) photographed by Annie Leibovitz, which pictured him posing with a custom Vuitton guitar case. LIFE (published by Little, Brown) covers Richards' early days listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, his meteoric rise to fame with The Rolling Stones, and the rockstar lifestyle that made him an icon of elegant debauchery along with bandmate Mick Jagger.

Gallery: Keith Richards LIFE

Tags: ad campaigns, Annie Leibovitz, autobiography, Keith Richards, Louis Vuitton, luggage, luxury goods, Mick Jagger, music, rock and roll, rock star

The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

This season Argentina-based design house Etiqueta Negra, known for its modern take on masculine, equestrian and sporting style, is launching a new men´s collection inspired by one of our favorite things: classic cars. The company's Classic Cars Collection features casual wear such as sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, down vests and leather jackets characterized by clean lines and neutral colors - black, white and dark gray - with a touch of yellow in the detailing designed to evoke traditional motor racing livery. The sporty and sleek pieces range in price from $40 to $1,200 for a leather motorcycle jacket.

"I've had a passion for automobiles since I was a child and am an avid car collector," explains the label's founder Federico Alvarez Castillo. "This appreciation for beautiful cars has played a central role in the design and aesthetic of Etiqueta Negra as a brand from its inception. It was only appropriate to integrate the vehicles into the design of the clothes." Etiqueta Negra, which means "Black Label", is committed to impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics, from Pima cotton to fine denim, cashmere and merino.

They also offer a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for them by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear begin at $2,500 a pair. Etiqueta Negra also sponsors a polo team in Argentina called Ellerstina, ranked as one of the country's best, which serves as the mascot for its Polo Team Collection comprised of chic sporting classics. Both collections are now available in the company's stores, including the recently opened New York outpost. The stylish spaces (above) are decorated with vintage leather luggage, racing helmets and handmade riding boots set against a background of dark wood paneling, iron beams, black and white photography and vintage-inspired industrial lighting.

Gallery: Etiqueta Negra Classic Cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Argentina, car, classic cars, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, Ferrari, horses, leather, luggage, Maserati, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, New York, polo, Prince Charles, Sienna Miller, sporting

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Leather Luggage from Galt, Handmade in Italy

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Galt is a new company based in Pennsylvania specializing in luxurious leather luggage hand-crafted in Italy by skilled artisans using the finest natural leathers and Swiss-made hardware available. Unadorned by logos of any kind, the quality of the pieces is allowed to speak for itself. The firm's first collection consists of several different styles and sizes finished in classic black full-grain leather. The elegant, understated pieces range from a hardsided suitcase trunk to a doctor's bag, weekender, messenger bag and backpack, and are priced from about $800 - $1,450 each. The premium price is justified by the high quality and Italian origin, the company says.

Gallery: Galt Luxury Leather Luggage

Tags: bags, Galt, Italy, leather, luggage, Pennsylvania, trunk

The Classicist: Ralph Lauren Re-Launches Famed Rhinelander Mansion in NYC

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style, The Classicist, Architecture & Design, Luxury Shopping

Ralph Lauren has relaunched his famed flagship in the historic Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York, transforming it into the world's foremost mecca of men's style. Spanning nearly 16,000 square feet, the Mansion, originally converted into an opulent retail palace by Lauren in 1986, now exclusively houses the designer's various men's collections with the company's first Women's and Home flagships due to open across the avenue later this fall. Originally designed in the 1890s by Kimball & Thompson, the the large French Renaissance Revival Mansion is an architectural treasure as well with a classic Beaux Arts façade exemplary of the the Upper East Side's grand architecture.

The new space showcases the Purple Label, Black Label, Polo, RRL and RLX Ralph Lauren collections of men's apparel and accessories, with an emphasis on the most luxurious elements. Service has been stepped up as well, with butlers to serve snacks and drinks on silver trays and a fleet of Mercedes-Benzes to chauffer important clients on shopping trips. The store features a full range of impeccably crafted made-to-measure suits, dress shirts, trousers, topcoats, sport coats and formalwear customized to exacting measurements, and made-to-order accessories and leather goods. Every room in the Mansion has been updated with cinematic decor in keeping with the neoclassical style of the original grand residence, from antiques and fixtures to furniture and art, including 18th- and 19th-century oil portraits and noteworthy photographs from Ralph Lauren's personal collection.

Gallery: The New Rhinelander Mansion

Tags: antiques, architecture, Beaux Arts, boutique, decor, designer, furniture, Gilded Age, Harvard, interior design, Ivy League, leather goods, luggage, luxury shopping, Madison Avenue, mansion, New York, photographs, Polo, Princeton, Purple Label, Ralph Lauren, retail, Rhinelander Mansion, store, suits, Upper East Side

Continue reading “The Classicist: Ralph Lauren Re-Launches Famed Rhinelander Mansion in NYC”

Asprey Londoner Luggage by Globe-Trotter

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style

Famed London luxury goods house Asprey has come out with a luxurious new line of luggage created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter, makers of fine travel cases since 1897. The five-piece Londoner Luggage collection, manufactured by hand in England, was designed by Bruce Hoeksema, Asprey's newly appointed creative director. The luggage comes in Asprey's signature royal purple with purple genuine crocodile handles and trim, and matte black with oxidized metallic corners and black crocodile handles and trim. The cases are lined in durable hemp linen with a leather hand stamped Asprey label and signature Asprey locks. The hand stitched crocodile corners were chosen to complement the classic regimental stripe of the removable webbed luggage straps that secure the suitcases.

Tags: alligator, Asprey, briefcase, crocodile, England, exotic leather, Globe-Trotter, leather, London, luggage, suitcase, UK

One Hundred Legendary Louis Vuitton Trunks [video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Books, Video

In November Abrams Books will publish an incredible volume showcasing 100 legendary trunks made by the famed French luxury goods house Louis Vuitton since the firm was founded in 1854. The luxe luggage includes bespoke trunks made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst. The trunks have been designed to hold everything from beds to bicycles, desks and iPods. Illustrated with 600 images taken from the Louis Vuitton archives in France and new photographs made especially for this book, Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks is designed to be the "definitive history of personalized objects of both practicality and luxury." The book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, meanwhile you can check out this incredible video preview.

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Tags: Abrams Books, Damien Hirst, Ernest Hemingway, France, Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, luggage, luxury goods, Sharon Stone, travel, trunks

The Classicist: Celebrating Tumi's 35 Years of Luxe Luggage

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, The Classicist

When President Obama selected a black leather Tumi laptop bag as his briefcase of choice, it was just the latest confirmation that the chic brand has become the leader in premium business and travel accessories. The company is celebrating its 35th anniversary this fall with with several new collections reflecting its heritage and authenticity. Limited edition collections, including Tumi Originals, a special line of 35 iconic city leather luggage tags and a collection of Boston bags, honors both the brand's past and the future. The origins of Tumi can be traced back to 1975. While stationed in South America, ex-Peace Corps member Charlie Clifford became captivated by the authentic raw leathers produced in Colombia. Motivated by the desire to introduce fine leather bags for business, he set about importing them to America.

Today the brand has an established reputation for its ballistic nylon, but in the beginning, leather was the material of choice. Tumi Originals, launching holiday 2010, is a modern day reinterpretation of some of the first styles from Tumi, as seen in the company's first ad campaign above. With classic silhouettes and detailing, the collection pays tribute to the "firsts" from the brand. The five-style collection will include silhouettes such as the first tri-fold garment bag, soft satchel and tote. The pieces are crafted from washed Malaga leather with antique brass hardware and unlined leather front pockets, both which are direct references to the styling details of the "first" collection. Available in black and sienna brown, Tumi Originals incorporate styling details and elements first used by the brand 35 years ago but with an innovative approach.

Gallery: Tumi 35th Anniversay

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Tags: bags, Barack Obama, briefcase, garment bag, leather, luggage, travel, Tumi

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Hemingway's Great-Granddaughter Stars in Louis Vuitton Safari Campaign

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Earlier this year we told you about model Dree Hemingway, 22, daughter of Mariel Hemingway and great-granddaughter of famous author Ernest Hemingway, who's making a name for herself among the fashion crowd. Now the willowy blonde is starring in a luxe new safari-themed ad campaign for Louis Vuitton (above). Reminiscent of Hemingway's African tales such as The Snows of Kilimanjaro, the casting choice is a fitting one as the author is often credited with introducing the Swahili word "safari" into common parlance.

The new Vuitton campaign, highlighting the famed French luxury goods house's handmade travel items, was shot on location in Africa. Photographed by Carter Smith, the ads feature Dree and a handsome young fellow enjoying the dramatic scenery of the African veldt. Items on display include bags, trunks, journals, watches, blankets, sunglasses, jewelry, clothing and even a few items of vintage Vuitton luggage. The campaign comes on the heels of Dree's selection as the face of Italian fashion house Gianfranco Ferré earlier this year, following appearances for Abercrombie & Fitch and DKNY.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Dree Hemingway for Louis Vuitton

Tags: advertising, advertising campaign, Africa, celebrity, celebrity offspring, Dree Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway, French fashion, Gianfranco Ferré, Louis Vuitton, luggage, Mariel Hemingway, models, safari, sunglasses, travel, trunk

Mini Rolls Out Rooftop, Black Jack and Shout Luggage Collections

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos

Until now, one of the biggest conundrums a Mini owner has faced is how to find a range of luggage that's as insouciant and brash-with-a-smirk as the car they stow it in. No longer. Mini has finally addressed the needs of the hip traveling hordes by coming up with three luggage collections called Shout, Black Jack and Rooftop.

The Rooftop set comprises two rolling hardshell cases called Cabin Trolley and Pilot. The Cabin Trolley comes in Union Jack or black-with-white-racing-stripes motifs, and bears a telescoping handle and two carry handles, a nameplate and integrated lock. Inside is a main compartment fitted with packing belts, a net divider and two side pockets. The Pilot is a smaller affair with compartments for clothes, documents and gadgets, and it swallows a Mini laptop case perfectly.

The Black Jack collection is dressed in – wait for it – all black and adorned with the Union Jack. There are seven options in the range: trolley, cabin trolley, duffle, briefcase, ammo bag, wallet, and toiletries bag. The Shout does just that be bearing large vintage prints of the original Mini and the slogan, "Swinging London." We suppose a "Yeah, baby!" should go here... They'll be available from the Mini shop and select dealers as of next month.

Gallery: Mini Black Jack, Rooftop and Shout Luggage Collections

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Tags: luggage, mini, mini black jack, mini blackjack, mini rooftop, mini shout, travel

Rolls-Royce Custom Luggage & Picnic Set For $30,000 - In The Flesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

We covered the custom Rolls-Royce picnic set previously here as part of Rolls-Royce's new Bespoke Program. The Bespoke Program allows Rolls-Royce customers further access to customization features on the cars, as well as a series of accessories. I met with Rolls-Royce at car festivities for 2010 at Pebble Beach for some hands-on with the new picnic and luggage set along with some addition information. My first question was "who is making this stuff for Rolls?" According to the spokesperson - no one is. Roll Royce is making it all themselves at their special wood and leather shop. I thought that was pretty cool. Would have been pretty easy to go to a custom maker of such stuff and ask them to put the Rolls Royce name on it.

The luggage set is beautiful. Retro in design (what, no shoulder strap?), it features very soft leather and serious looking zippers! No plastic here, "luxury hate plastic!" The picnic set is too nice to actually use. Unless you travel with a caravan that will delicately clean it for you after each use. All the silverware is polished like a brand new wedding ring, while the glasses are crystal. If only I ate this well at home! The picnic case looks as though it weighs a ton, but owners will likely have spare people form their palanquin carrying team to move it to their picnic spot. Or maybe you can say "tailgate Rolls Royce style!"

Together, the set is said to cost about $30,000, of course with varying prices as this is the "Bespoke Program." Makes a great addition to your new Drophead Coupe.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Rolls Royce Luggage and Picnic set

Tags: 2010, bespoke, car, luggage, pebble beach, picnic, rolls-royce

The $35,000 Zebra Safari Chair from Fine English Company

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Architecture & Design

The Fine English Company, dedicated to the best in bespoke British luxury, has unveiled the newest addition to its collection of luxe furniture, luggage and lifestyle accessories reminiscent of Britain's colonial past with a contemporary flair. The company's new $35,000 zebra safari chair (above) took two years to complete and was a personal mission of the firm's founder, former financial consultant Benedict Wormald. It will be produced in a limited edition of only 10 pieces which are bound to appreciate in value; two of them have already been spoken for. The chair is called the "Percival" after the great British hunter and safari leader Philip Hope Percival, whose famous clients included Baron Rothschild, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, Ernest Hemingway and Gary Cooper.

Wormald and his team spent several months sourcing materials and locating and commissioning the finest artisans in the world to see the project to fruition. The completely handmade, hand-stitched chair is finished in full aniline brown distressed leather from Scotland and trophy grade Burchell's zebra skin. It features unrivaled, exquisitely hand-carved black walnut ball and claw feet, a beechwood frame, horsehair stuffing and a canvas interlining. Wormald calls it "the absolute pinnacle of English Handmade furniture," noting, "there is absolutely nothing to touch this product."

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Fine English Co. Zebra Safari Chair

Tags: Benedict Wormald, bespoke, British style, Ernest Hemingway, exotic animals, Fine English Company, furniture, handmade, luggage, safari, Scotland, UK, zebra

Bespoke Luggage for the Lexus LFA by Tumi

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

Buying an exotic supercar isn't a practical decision. But if you want to use yours more frequently than the odd Sunday drive, you're going to encounter a rather cramped, and often irregularly-sized trunk. Call it the byproduct of an afterthought. That's why they make bespoke luggage to fit the baggage compartments on such exotica.

Companies like Ferrari and Porsche may be well accustomed to offering such custom luggage, but for Lexus, this is new territory. So they've turned to established luggage-makers Tumi to develop a set specifically for the LF-A.

The set of hard-shell suitcases is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. Each has a specific purpose, and carries the Vehicle Identification Number from the car its made to accompany for that added bit of exclusivity.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Luggage by Tumi