GLOBE-TROTTER

The History of The Globe-Trotter Suitcase Company



Globe-Trotter was founded in Saxony, Germany in 1897 by a Englishman called David Nelkin. At the turn of the century in 1901 he moved to London with the company and since then it has been “The Quintessential British Suitcase”.

The basic fundamentals in the original design concept of the Globe-Trotter suitcase, is that it is immensely strong, yet simple and unfussy. This has not changed over the last one hundred years. Why change something that has appealed and continues to appeal to celebrities, professional explorers and many international travellers who rely on the suitcases’ practicality, reliability and endurance?

The choice of royalty and popular icons

Globe-Trotter has been chosen by many members of the Royal Family.

H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II chose Globe Trotter for her honeymoon luggage, as well as the late Princess Diana. The Duke of Edinburgh has a set of Globe-Trotter cases along with Viscount Linley, now a leading interior designer.

Sir Winston Churchill always used the 18” suitcase, as well as a smaller attaché, which served as his Despatch Case when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. The durability combined with its light construction made it the choice of countless explorers. Scott of the Antarctic and Roald Amundsen both carried Globe-Trotter to the North and South Pole.

Sir Edmund Hilary found Globe-Trotter suitcases ideal to take up to first base camp during his conquest of Everest, in 1951. Furthermore, many other twentieth century pioneers who used them to pack their wardrobe and other travelling necessities, and not just on land. Many of the great steam liners’ holds were full of Globe-Trotter cases and trunks, sturdily built to withstand the roughest voyage! In the air, British Airways made Globe Trotter cabin cases the luggage of choice for their pilots and cabin crew.

Now in the twenty first century, iconic names continue to favour Globe-Trotter such as Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Bjork, Sir Terence Conran, Sofia Coppola, Dita von Teese, Daniel Craig and Kate Moss.



Erdem.

Celebrated LFW womenswear designer Erdem brings his latest A/W09 print ‘Massine Sky’ to this chic Centenary edition in Red with Globe-Trotter Navy leather detail. This modern floral design, created exclusively by Erdem, is produced in fine silk satin to powerful effect.

“I wanted the prints for this season to feel really dynamic, but also feel quite handmade and artisanal. In a way, very traditional. It’s about contrast and movement. I also love the idea of very bright, saturated color, which is why we chose red for our suitcase. Just like Globe-Trotter it’s about taking something out of context and mixing something new with something very traditional.”