A reflection on Globe-Trotter’s past, present and future, as well as the value of hand-craftsmanship in the modern world
It’s hard to remember the days before the world turned “smart”; before everything from booking a holiday to tracking sleep was done at the click of a button. Not to mention the alarmingly rapid rise of AI.As much as technology arguably simplifies our lives, it also raises the question of where the kind of traditional skills and craftsmanship championed by Globe-Trotter fit into an increasingly digitised world. But while mass-production is more prevalent than ever, artisanal products are also enjoying a renaissance. Once undervalued in the auction house, for example, ceramics are now setting record prices, while designer fashion giants such as Chloé and Alexander McQueen have been showcasing traditional craft techniques such as embroidery and broderie anglaise in recent collections.
A reflection on Globe-Trotter’s past, present and future, as well as the value of hand-craftsmanship in the modern world
It’s hard to remember the days before the world turned “smart”; before everything from booking a holiday to tracking sleep was done at the click of a button. Not to mention the alarmingly rapid rise of AI.As much as technology arguably simplifies our lives, it also raises the question of where the kind of traditional skills and craftsmanship championed by Globe-Trotter fit into an increasingly digitised world. But while mass-production is more prevalent than ever, artisanal products are also enjoying a renaissance. Once undervalued in the auction house, for example, ceramics are now setting record prices, while designer fashion giants such as Chloé and Alexander McQueen have been showcasing traditional craft techniques such as embroidery and broderie anglaise in recent collections.
Globe-Trotter has been championing artisanal craftsmanship for 129 years. Even today, our iconic suitcases, luggage tags, watch cases, vanity cases, jewellery cases and pieces from the home collection is made by hand in the UK factory. The luggage is made from VULCANISED FIBREBOARD, a material patented by the company founder, British inventor David Nelken, back in 1897. Vulcanised Fibreboard is made from several layers of compressed paper. It’s lighter and stronger than aluminium – a product of innovation when it was first invented and, indeed, today.
Globe-Trotter has been championing artisanal craftsmanship for 129 years. Even today, our iconic suitcases, luggage tags, watch cases, vanity cases, jewellery cases and pieces from the home collection is made by hand in the UK factory. The luggage is made from VULCANISED FIBREBOARD, a material patented by the company founder, British inventor David Nelken, back in 1897. Vulcanised Fibreboard is made from several layers of compressed paper. It’s lighter and stronger than aluminium – a product of innovation when it was first invented and, indeed, today.
The Vulcanised Fibreboard is cut to precise measurements using both high-tech CNC machinery and a traditional guillotine dating back to Victorian times – a machine that predates Globe-Trotter itself. Perhaps this best demonstrates the sweet spot of where craftsmanship and the digital age meet. Globe-Trotter’s vintage style and authenticity are never compromised, but modern innovation is embraced with open arms. After all, innovation has always been an integral part of the Globe-Trotter story.
The Vulcanised Fibreboard is cut to precise measurements using both high-tech CNC machinery and a traditional guillotine dating back to Victorian times – a machine that predates Globe-Trotter itself. Perhaps this best demonstrates the sweet spot of where craftsmanship and the digital age meet. Globe-Trotter’s vintage style and authenticity are never compromised, but modern innovation is embraced with open arms. After all, innovation has always been an integral part of the Globe-Trotter story.
Globe-Trotter began by making hard-shell suitcases that were robust yet lightweight with a simple, no-frills design that can be seen in today’s ORIGINAL collection. Then came vanity cases, briefcases and large steamer trunks.In 1997, to mark its 100th anniversary, Globe-Trotter launched the CENTENARY suitcase, now one of the brand’s most iconic collections. The Safari colourway, with its handsome ivory, brown and natural combinations, has since become a global bestseller and an enduring emblem of the company, with an aesthetic callback to trunk styles of the past. However, the design has evolved over time, along with Globe-Trotter's product output, which has recently grown to include home accessories, handbags and leather pieces ranging from key trays to coasters.
Globe-Trotter began by making hard-shell suitcases that were robust yet lightweight with a simple, no-frills design that can be seen in today’s ORIGINAL collection. Then came vanity cases, briefcases and large steamer trunks.In 1997, to mark its 100th anniversary, Globe-Trotter launched the CENTENARY suitcase, now one of the brand’s most iconic collections. The Safari colourway, with its handsome ivory, brown and natural combinations, has since become a global bestseller and an enduring emblem of the company, with an aesthetic callback to trunk styles of the past. However, the design has evolved over time, along with Globe-Trotter's product output, which has recently grown to include home accessories, handbags and leather pieces ranging from key trays to coasters.
The modern Centenary suitcase features four wheels for effortless 360-degree movement and a lightweight retractable leather-topped handle. It is unmistakably Globe-Trotter down to the finest details: the hand-stitched leather straps and matching hand-moulded corners finished with brass rivets put in place by eye using a technique that takes years to master.COLLABORATION has also played a major role in the evolution of Globe-Trotter. The British luxury luggage brand has attracted a slew of creative talents keen to put their unique spin on the Centenary design. These range from maverick British artist David Shrigley to designers Comme des Garçons, Paul Smith and, in more recent times, cult Japanese streetwear label A Bathing Ape® and American rapper Tyler, the Creator.
The modern Centenary suitcase features four wheels for effortless 360-degree movement and a lightweight retractable leather-topped handle. It is unmistakably Globe-Trotter down to the finest details: the hand-stitched leather straps and matching hand-moulded corners finished with brass rivets put in place by eye using a technique that takes years to master.COLLABORATION has also played a major role in the evolution of Globe-Trotter. The British luxury luggage brand has attracted a slew of creative talents keen to put their unique spin on the Centenary design. These range from maverick British artist David Shrigley to designers Comme des Garçons, Paul Smith and, in more recent times, cult Japanese streetwear label A Bathing Ape® and American rapper Tyler, the Creator.
Craftsmanship isn't just about producing beautiful objects. Beauty is only skin deep, after all. Whatever style a customer chooses (and that could be one created from scratch using the revolutionary digital CUSTOM tool), a Globe-Trotter is designed to last a lifetime and be passed from one generation to the next. The case not only attracts admiring glances in the airport but inspires a lifetime of wanderlust and adventure. And this journey starts at the hands of the artisan, where the suitcase may pass throughout its lifespan. Globe-Trotter offers a first-class repairs service, no matter the age of the case. This not only means that you can send your suitcase to the factory for any bump or scrape it may endure, but the repairs team at the UK factory have the skills and knowledge to bring an older, long-forgotten suitcase back to life. On many occasions, someone has found a Globe-Trotter suitcase belonging to an older relative and sent it to the team to be lovingly restored for a new lease of life. That is the beauty of a heritage brand.By keeping tradition alive and preserving the magic that makes Globe-Trotter unique and collectible, while looking to the future, time-honoured craftsmanship not only remains relevant in the modern world, but continues to thrive.
Craftsmanship isn't just about producing beautiful objects. Beauty is only skin deep, after all. Whatever style a customer chooses (and that could be one created from scratch using the revolutionary digital CUSTOM tool), a Globe-Trotter is designed to last a lifetime and be passed from one generation to the next. The case not only attracts admiring glances in the airport but inspires a lifetime of wanderlust and adventure. And this journey starts at the hands of the artisan, where the suitcase may pass throughout its lifespan. Globe-Trotter offers a first-class repairs service, no matter the age of the case. This not only means that you can send your suitcase to the factory for any bump or scrape it may endure, but the repairs team at the UK factory have the skills and knowledge to bring an older, long-forgotten suitcase back to life. On many occasions, someone has found a Globe-Trotter suitcase belonging to an older relative and sent it to the team to be lovingly restored for a new lease of life. That is the beauty of a heritage brand.By keeping tradition alive and preserving the magic that makes Globe-Trotter unique and collectible, while looking to the future, time-honoured craftsmanship not only remains relevant in the modern world, but continues to thrive.
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