Did you ever wonder how luxury luggage came alive? The concept of premium luggage seems to have existed ever since people were going around in horse-drawn carriages. But we are travelling in cars and planes now, and the luggage is still around. This shows that it is not a mere accessory or bag, it’s a symbol of status and a way of expressing oneself. Let’s go through the story of how this accessory evolved through the centuries.
The Luggage of The 19th Century
It is the age of revolution and of enlightenment. And it seems that one of the revolutions of the century was the premium luggage. Travel happened by carriage, railway or steamship, and it was reserved for the wealthy. They usually travelled with big custom-made trunks. The trunks were made by artisans, who created wooden frames that were later covered with leather or canvas. The interior of the trunk was covered with silk or paper, and it could be customized to have different compartments.
The aristocrats of the time had a few brand options that created these trunks. The flat-topped trunks appeared, which allowed stacking. Waterproof canvas was also born in the 18th century. As you can see, it’s not known as the age of revolution for nothing. So, the better your trunk looked, and the more customization you had done to it, the richer you were. At that time, luxury luggage was a social symbol of class. If you were an important or rich person, you had to show it by having an expensive trunk. If you want to see trunks from that time, check out this article by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Premium Luggage in The Early 20th Century
The most important thing about the 20th century is that it made travelling more accessible to the masses. Travelling was now associated with curiosity and exploration, not only with money. And as more people were now travelling, more premium luggage was needed. The beginning of the 20th century is actually known as the golden age of travel. The luggage needed to be available for everyone, in one way or another. People were traveling on both short and long distances, which created a need for different-sized and shapes luggage.
The concept of luxury luggage was still alive and well. The rich people of the time chose to travel with custom-made trunks or luggage, even if there were more affordable options available. The regular materials were used for the common luggage, and the expensive materials for the luxury luggage. The customization was even kicked up a notch. Family crests could be seen on every premium luggage piece, along with unique colorways. It’s safe to say that the Orient Express was full of crests and silk.
The Late 20th Century
As it was natural, air travel became widely accessible, but business class travelling also started gaining popularity. Luxury luggage quickly reinvented itself too. More practical, more beautiful and better fitted for each person’s lifestyle and fashion style. The late 20th century is characterized by rapid globalization. It’s also the time when social movements about gender equality and civil rights have gained momentum. Along with the political changes, the fabrics that were used for luggage also changed. The Science Museum refers to the late 20th century as the age of plastic. This led to plastic being used for different parts of luggage, not for luxury luggage, of course.
The early 2000s were all about customization and being yourself. But the premium luggage remained classic, with a focus on craftsmanship. Fashion started playing an important role when it came to the creation of luggage. Whether you were middle-class or high-class, you wanted to have luggage that was in trend. Thinking back, the early 2000s were the years when the idea of trend really took off. It’s also when the first fashion and travel bloggers appeared. So, with all of these social changes, the luggage had to evolve too.
The Craftsmanship and Technology Mix
The 21st century forces every brand and manufacturer to combine craftsmanship with technology. People fly from one city to another for a business meeting. This means that they need a smaller bag that allows for the safekeeping of a laptop. You also need a biometric lock or a smart tracking system. So, this compelled companies to create a bag that can combine beauty with technology. Usually, the saying goes that you have to choose one of the two, either beauty or brains, but a few brands managed to create a combination of the two.
Sustainability is another element that is highly discussed today. People want recycled materials, and things that will last for many years, so that they won’t have to throw away luggage every few years. In the year 2025, people want to have luggage that fits their lifestyle, whether they travel for business or for pleasure. There is no need to choose between a beautiful seam and safety. The 21st century somehow managed to blend two concepts that seemed completely opposite, and created something that just works. You might now be a fan of smart luggage, but you have to admit that they are useful.
Conclusion
The concept of premium luggage has a very long history, longer than the one we managed to talk about today. It’s essential that we look at how it evolved across several centuries. It went from a wooden trunk, to bags with compartments and smart tracking systems. What changes will occur? Maybe the next century will bring fabrics that will make luggage fly around the airplane, so one will not have to pay any more luggage fees. Jokes aside, luggage is one of those accessories that will exist as long as humans exist.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. We do not own or claim any historical images, facts, or museum links mentioned. All brand names and trademarks belong to their owners. We have tried our best to share correct information, but some details may change over time. Please check official sources if you need exact or updated information.
Dorothy I. Johnson is the heart and soul of Flash Flyer Blog’s writing team. Dorothy loves storytelling and finds the extraordinary in everyday life. She has a unique voice for sharing travel stories, tech trends, wellness tips, and food finds. Her relatable style makes complex ideas easy to grasp. She also turns simple moments into captivating stories. Dorothy’s background and curiosity inspire her to make content that connects with readers. They can find either practical tips or new viewpoints in her work. When she’s not writing, she likes to explore new places. She experiments in the kitchen or dives into a new personal growth book.
