I was recently given a room upgrade while checking into a hotel in India's desert city of Bikaner. Instead of the base-level room I'd paid for,I was ushered into a Regimental Room,two rungs higher up the posh ladder. The only rationale I could think to explain this happy turn of events was that I'd just finished an expensive tour of other parts of India,staying in hotels with crisp linen and room butlers,and my luggage handles were aflutter with hotel labels that suggested a premier league traveller and the illusion of modest wealth. It set me wondering. If I travelled with expensive luggage,would it get me upgrades? Better rooms,or even an entree to the gilded uplands of the business class cabin? Does luggage convey status? Here's what a 21st century Sherlock Holmes might deduce from your luggage.
Louis Vuitton
Genuine Louis Vuitton? It's the ultimate in damn-the-expense,make-a-statement travel. You're probably no stranger to the red carpet. Expect enquiring glances wondering who you might be because you're in A-list company.
Kim Kardashian is a big fan of the supersize Louis Vuitton hat box,as is the rest of the Kardashian Klan,so too is Dita Von Teese (rolling suitcase),footballer Wayne Rooney has been spotted pushing his wife's Louis Vuitton Keepall on a baggage trolley,Kirsten Dunst (Louis Vuitton Pegase) and – gasp – Wolverine Hugh Jackman (Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Keepall Bag).
I get it too,nothing beats high quality leather (hand-stitched of course). It's an heirloom,last for years. Any rough treatment can be repaired by skilled craftworkers. Properly cared for it will appreciate with each passing decade,and probably never know the rough and tumble world of the baggage carousel. If you own one,you're likely travelling on a private jet and being collected in a Mercedes Maybach.
The Rimowa
You're a bit of a connoisseur,you like stuff that works well and lasts,especially if it comes from a German-speaking country,and when it comes to aluminium cases Rimowa is the best of the best. There's probably a Rolex on your wrist and that shiny,ribbed Rimowa is another status symbol,inspired by the Junkers F13.
Your modus operandi is quality rather than quantity,maybe just a couple of high-end purchases per year,and this is an investment. You're looking to get around 20-30 years of hard travel out of your case,and since Rimowa has around 200 repair centres around the globe that's a safe bet.