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RIMOWA Exhibits Its Archive for the First Time at Sotheby’s New York
As pioneers of engineering, premium luggage company RIMOWA epitomizes its motto: “No one builds a legacy by standing still.”
T his September alongside Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction (26 September, New York) RIMOWA will unveil its first historical retrospective from the brand’s burgeoning archive to be on view from 20–25 September. Sharing the iconic German luggage company’s distinctive 121-year contribution to the material culture of travel, the show features 40 luggage pieces dating back over a century, many of which have until now been left unseen in private collections around the globe.
Each piece acts as an ambassador for the eras of travel and various modes of transport that have defined the twentieth-century and carried us into the present day. From heritage steamer trunks and specialized instrument cases to iconic grooved aluminum luggage inspired by the fuselage of classic aircraft and contemporary designs conceived of in collaboration with the likes of Off-White and Supreme. Also featured is a numbered, limited-edition “eroded suitcase” by Daniel Arsham, one of which Sotheby's sold in a single-lot online auction for $14,000 (against a $3,000–4,000 estimate) during May 2019.
"Heritage is a key component of what RIMOWA stands for. With the public unveiling of our archives, we’re proud to be sharing the story of our origins, our innovations, challenges and overarching contribution to engineering and travel that has been in the making for over 120 years. There is no better partner to begin this retrospective journey than Sotheby’s, an institution marked by its authority in the appraisal and appreciation of culture as a whole."
Alexandre Arnault, CEO, RIMOWA
Decades of travel tools come together to trace the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic luggage manufacturers. Since 1898, RIMOWA has placed quality and innovation at its core, creating luggage for the discerning, purposeful traveler. In 1937 RIMOWA introduced aluminum into the manufacture of its suitcases revolutionizing the industry and creating its iconic design with parallel grooves. In 2000, the company created the first polycarbonate case on the market. In 2017, RIMOWA joined LVMH Group.
Pioneers of engineering for over a century, RIMOWA has always been and continues to be a forward thinker, ever at the forefront of luggage and travel innovation.
