Rimowa’s Re-Crafted line takes pre-owned luggage and refines it for a new generation of travellers
Rimowa‘s indestructible aluminium luggage carries a lifetime guarantee. But the brand’s newest programme underlines that they weren’t necessarily talking about your lifetime.
Just recently, the German luggage maker formally launched its Re-Crafted service in the United States. The offering, previously only available in Europe and Japan, buys back unused (but still usable) aluminium cases and other luggage and refurbishes them for a new generation of travellers. Sellers receive a credit of up to US$300 toward the purchase of their next new case or other item over US$600, while collectors get the opportunity to pick up bygone designs at a relative discount. What’s more, because of the age of the cases (the oldest one available dates back to 2004), many carry the “old” Rimowa logo that was used before its acquisition by LVMH—a straight shot to bragging rights the next time you’re in a business-class lounge.
While there are only 30 cases available in the first U.S. drop, the programme has sold over 5,000 of its pre-loved products across the E.U. and Asia, where the programme launched silently last year. It makes Rimowa the first LVMH Maison to re-sell its used products and signifies a major commitment to the brand’s sustainability strategy.
“The Re-Crafted programme is a testament to Rimowa’s emphasis on circular design and our mission towards sustainability, offering a designated path towards the reuse, recycling and repair of aluminium suitcases,” the brand said in a statement. “Each suitcase undergoes multiple inspections by Rimowa experts to determine whether it will be repaired or recycled. Repairable suitcases are meticulously refurbished, preserving Rimowa’s distinctive craftsmanship and engineering.”
But the refurbishment process doesn’t go so far that it removes the character and patina the cases have accumulated. Some of the items on offer still have the stickers applied by their previous owners. So while they’re not exactly a blank canvas, they are a reminder that each of us is on our own personal journey.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
