RIMOWA x Rick Owens Collaboration Reshapes Travel with a Fusion of Avant-Garde Style and Heritage

Emma Hodgson   |   24-01-2025

In an industry constantly reinventing itself, certain collaborations manage to capture the zeitgeist with an elegance and audacity that linger long after their debut.

 Enter the RIMOWA x Rick Owens partnership—a limited-edition collection that merges the storied German Maison’s mastery of craftsmanship with the singular vision of fashion’s high priest of dark glamour.

With roots dating back to 1898, RIMOWA has built an enviable reputation for creating innovative and enduring solutions for the modern traveller. Now, in collaboration with Rick Owens, the brand has unveiled the Original Cabin Bronze—a suitcase that is as much an art piece as it is a functional travel companion.

This partnership is no fleeting dalliance but a deeply considered union of aesthetic and technical excellence. Owens, celebrated for his unapologetically bold approach to design, has transformed RIMOWA’s iconic grooved aluminium suitcase into a tactile masterpiece. The Original Cabin Bronze is a showcase of innovation, featuring a patinated aluminium finish that recalls the timeless beauty of bronze sculptures by Giacometti or Brâncuși. Each suitcase, painstakingly finished by hand, boasts a unique character that deepens with age—a nod to both brands’ appreciation for timeless design.

As Owens himself puts it: “No matter how far or long, I only bring one carry-on. I wanted the outside finish to recall a bronze from Giacometti, Brâncuși, or Richard Serra, and I wanted the interior to feel like the touch of a black leather glove. I don’t need much, but I like my bare necessities to be as supernatural as possible.” This philosophy resonates deeply in the collection, where every detail has been imbued with a sense of purpose and artistry.

RIMOWA’s first-ever fully leather interior is a standout feature of the suitcase. From the lining to the Maison’s signature Flex Dividers, Owens’s distinct influence is evident, with leather sourced directly from the designer himself. Complementing this is a unique luggage tag crafted in Italy from genuine hair-on cowskin, its coarse texture serving as a tactile counterpoint to the smooth aluminium finish. Branding is understated but unmistakable, with both logos subtly placed on the leather straps and embossed on the interior.

Limited to just 500 numbered pieces, this exclusive creation is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration when executed with conviction. Backed by RIMOWA’s unconditional Lifetime Guarantee, the Original Cabin Bronze is as functional as it is covetable, available from January 30th, 2025, at select RIMOWA and Rick Owens boutiques and online.

This partnership transcends the boundaries of fashion and travel, presenting a statement on individuality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The RIMOWA x Rick Owens Original Cabin Bronze isn’t merely a suitcase—it’s an invitation to journey with intention, a reminder that even in a fast-moving world, the essentials of style and substance remain eternal.

RIMOWA.com