The material success of Globe-Trotter suitcases

There is plenty of strong, functional and practical luggage around, but what about luggage that is beautiful as well? This is why I first got involved in Globe-Trotter – I don’t know of any other suitcase that has the ‘wow’ factor.

Our whole DNA begins with the vulcanised fibre. It was invented in the 1860s and comprises 14 layers of paper that are chemically bonded together before going through dozens of heavy rollers under thousands of gallons of water. As the material dries, it becomes an incredibly light and strong fabric. It’s also enormously difficult to work with, as you can’t glue it, mould it, weld it or stitch it. But I’ve been in the luggage business for 35 years and I don’t know a better material for making a suitcase with, partly because of its strength-to-weight ratio and also because it takes 10 years for it to fully cure. There are not many products you can say are actually improving while you use them.

Naturally, I’m a bit of a specialist at packing now. My top tip is to keep the humble polythene bags you get with your dry-cleaning – pack any formal garment into it and it will stay crease-free. And all soft garments should be rolled rather than folded – even polo shirts. The enemy of the traveller is sharp creases.

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globetrotter1897.com

Jeff Vaughan has been chairman of Globe-Trotter since 1997. The Albemarle Street boutique has a bespoke lounge where customers can select the boards, linings, locks, leather and fittings of their case, and choose the size and shape.