Globe-Trotter, Tumi & Filson Luggage & Suitcases
Globe-Trotter, Tumi & Filson Luggage
Gone are the days when one could easily charm their way out of paying excess baggage fees at the airport. I remember vividly how back in the day, all I had to do was plead, smile and wink to airline staff just to get away hauling my crap to the plane without paying a single cent. Fast forward to the present and all the airlines now are a bunch of penny-pinching, nickel-and-diming retards who would balk at you to pony up the greenbacks even if you're a few kilos overweight. I was shocked when I got a copy of my report from my accountant earlier this week. I know I did a bit of traveling this year compared to previous years (which still isn't a lot compared to other people), but holy Manolo Batman, I cannot believe how much I ended up paying to fly my garbage around!
You know you're back home in the third world when everything that comes out on the luggage carousel are in boxes!
Click click click!
I know I have the tendency to over pack sometimes, especially things I don't end up using, but part of the problem is that I carry heavy luggage. I know in this day and age it's absolutely impractical, wasteful not to mention pretentious but please spare me the holier than thou attitude because I don't travel often so I enjoy the luxury of splashing out here and there when I have the (rare) chance. I also like having choices etc etc etc. Let's not even go there because it would take forever for me to come up with excuses for my habits. Oh how difficult it is to have champagne wishes on a coca-cola budget.
MEANWHIIIIIIIIIIILE...
I've been looking at light luggage alternatives. Yes... luggage that actually don't weigh more than what's inside. I have a Globe-Trotter suitcase which I bought on a whim at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong ages ago. I love it. I always get comments from people how beautiful it is. Some people even use it to decorate their humble abodes. Although it's light compared to others, I think it's still quite heavy. I would love to buy more pieces from Globetrotter but:
a) it's inappropriate to spend so much on luggage especially at this time of global financial turmoil
b) I so can't afford them now
and
c) they jacked up the prices in the past few years ever since more people "discovered" them.
Earlier this year, Globe-Trotter (who's been around since 1897) collaborated with American preppy superstore J. Crew to bring these amazing hand-crafted luggage to the American masses. These beautiful hand-crafted luggage come in different sizes but the biggest one is the 33-inch suitcase which retails for US$2,400 apiece and comes in three colours - black, sour lemon and centenary ivory.
Priced at US$1,800, the 21-inch trolley case is something I want for myself.
J. Crew isn't the only one selling these wares online. Luxury emporium Vivre has the brand in their roster. They're selling pieces from Globe-Trotter's Candy collection in Vivre's special signature colour, hot pink and orange. The 28-inch suitcase retails for US$2,145 apiece.
Beautiful eh? I'd buy them all in a heartbeat if only I had the money.
Going back to the real world...
Now.
Like what I said earlier (it's funny how I've totally lost the plot), what I'm after is light luggage. Affordable light luggage.
The first brand that came to mind is Tumi which I've heard so many positive things about over the years. Although Tumi is priced more affordable than the old houses, they don't come very cheap. Suitcase on the left is US$1,395 and the one on the right is US$1,595.
A lot of Tumi's pieces are made out of their signature ballistic nylon. I'm kinda wary now of black luggage, especially black nylon luggage. I dunno. I guess I'll forever associate black nylon with Prada and most of my Prada luggage are now gathering dust and mold somewhere.
Anyway.
I came across this American brand called Filson a few months ago from Elle magazine's blog. One of their staffers went on vacation to Machu Picchu. Thank god I wrote it down on my journal.
Filson has been around since 1897 just like Globe-Trotter. They specialize in goods made for hunters, fishermen, miners and more. I love it when companies have a very rich history and tradition. They served as outfitters during the Gold Rush years back in the dark ages.
It seems that in Europe, all these fashion big wigs invest in brands with a bit of history in em and give them a make-over. They spend a bajillion dollars on advertising and marketing while capitalizing on this so-called "history" and "tradition". In return, they make money selling goods that are produced in mass quantities with sky-high, absurd price tags.
I wouldn't be surprised if some highfalutin fashion conglomerate discovers Filson one way or another sometime in the future.
But for now, check these bags out at prices that won't break the piggy bank.
Large Wheeled Duffel Bag - 28-inch width (US$385)
Extra Large Wheeled Duffel Bag - 34-inch width (US$435)
The Pullman Bag - 21 inch width (US$335)
Most of Filson's travel luggage are made out of sturdy and tough rugged twill. The outdoorsy, rugged feel is sooo chic!
They're not hard luggage alright but I think they're perfect for packing non-fragile bulky things like clothes, shoes, etc.
I really love them. I have a trip coming up (no, not work this time but a real personal vacation) but I don't think they'll get here before I leave. I have Filson on my little "must-buy in 2009" list though. We'll see.
What do you think? Gorgeous eh?
Which luggage makers do you use or personally recommend? I'm so totally over heavy luggage and hard cases...
Answers on a postcard!
photo credit: j. crew, vivre, world traveler, filson
