To mark its 120th Anniversary, Globe-Trotter is launching a limited-edition 20in Carbon Fibre Trolley Case. The material is as contemporary as it gets, though its origins date back to the 1860s, while Globe-Trotter’s unique image is based on the use of an entirely different, proprietary material. What links the past and present is a form that’s unmistakably Globe-Trotter’s.
Instantly recognisable, Globe-Trotter luggage has a look that’s both timeless and retro, made distinctive and secure by the use of circumferential leather straps and reinforced corners. The basic design dates back to 1897; impossible to improve upon, it attests to the genius of the original concept.
Offered in a variety of colours, Globe-Trotter luggage is often enhanced by straps and corner protection in hues that contrast with the main panels. Equally, one can purchase the luggage in a single, all-over colour for ultimate discretion.
Traditionalists might be shocked by the thought of a Globe-Trotter case in a “modern” material – and carbon fibre’s appearance in the mainstream has taken the last 50 years – because the cases have always employed a highly durable vulcanised fibreboard. introduced by the company’s founder, David Nelken, 120 years ago. It has served the manufacturer and its clients well, Globe-Trotter famously advertising the material’s strength in 1912 with a 2500lb elephant standing on one of the company’s cabin trunks.
Moving from its birthplace in Germany in 1932, Globe-Trotter hand-crafts all of its suitcases and travel accessories in Hertfordshire. Its team of highly skilled artisans uses the original manufacturing methods and machinery the established the brand, techniques dating back to the Victorian era. The company’s longevity has graced it with a provenance of enviable gravitas.
Globe-Trotter counts among its satisfied customers explorers Scott of the Antarctic and Everest-conquering Sir Edmund Hilary, and Sir Winston Churchill, who used a Globe-Trotter Dispatch Case while was Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1924. HM Queen Elizabeth II selected Globe-Trotter as her honeymoon luggage in 1947 and continues to use it to this day. Among Globe-Trotter’s cinematic achievements was serving as James Bond’s luggage in Spectre.
For the anniversary edition, Glove-Trotter turned to Hypetex, the F1 engineers who developed the world’s first coloured carbon fibre brand.
The company provided the super-rugged material for Globe-Trotter’s limited run of only 120 silver carbon fibre cases. The model chosen is the Centenary, launched in 1997 for the brand’s 100th anniversary, but in the new 20in size, in line with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) regulations. This is down one inch from the traditional 21in to allow for recent reductions in the dimensions of allowable cabin luggage for the majority of airlines worldwide.
Contrasting with the silver-coloured Hypetex material, with its distinctive, visible weave, are leather corners and straps in burgundy shade or black. Inside, the case is finished with a plush quilted microfibre lining, with two internal straps to secure the contents.
Says Charlotte Seddon, designer at Globe-Trotter, “we were really impressed with the durability of the Hypetex material. It was easy to integrate into our existing design and offers our customers the option to have the highest standard of protection for a suitcase in our much-loved classic style. We’re certain our founder would have chosen this cutting-edge carbon fibre material if he were alive today.”
Globe-Trotter’s Carbon Fibre collection will be available from the end of September, from £3,500.
Source: The Telegraph