Globe-Trotter makes luggage, but not as you know it. The British heritage brand is steeped in old-school craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury. Beloved for its iconic designs and the unsurpassable quality of its cases, bags and travel accessories, it has counted the likes of Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Edmund Hillary as fans. It also happens to be the official luggage of James Bond. Read on for everything you need to know about the 124-year-old label.
A brief history of Globe-Trotter
Globe-Trotter was established in 1897 by British entrepreneur David Nelken in Saxony, Germany. In 1901, the brand patented the use of vulcanised fibreboard, a lightweight yet durable material that it still specialises in using today. In order to test the strength of the material, an experiment in 1912 at the Zoological Gardens in Hamburg saw a one-tonne elephant balance its entire weight on a Globe-Trotter suitcase. The results were triumphant, driving home the strength of Globe-Trotter.
In 1932, Globe-Trotter relocated to the UK, where it has remained ever since.
What is Globe-Trotter's luggage made from?
The main material used for Globe-Trotter's luggage is vulcanised fibreboard (also known as vulcan fibre), which was invented in 1859 by Englishman Thomas Taylor. This super tough yet lightweight material is produced from paper, cotton and wood pulp, 14 layers of which are specially bonded together (or ‘vulcanised’) and saturated in a special solution, then compressed to the desired thickness.
Globe-Trotter's vulcanised fibreboard uses paper that is a mixture of recycled paper and virgin wood pulp from sustainable forests. The finished boards are free from any glues, resins or binders.
Where is Globe-Trotter's luggage made?
All of Globe-Trotter's luggage is handcrafted at its factory in Hertfordshire, England using methods and machinery that have gone unchanged for over 120 years.
Does Globe-Trotter offer an initialling service?
Yes, you can personalise your luggage with Globe-Trotter's special initialling service: A choice of typefaces, sizes and colours are available to choose from at Globe-Trotter's flagship store in London. The order is then placed with the brand's Bespoke team based at its workshops in Hertfordshire. Using traditional craft techniques, the initials are hand painted directly onto the front position (lid) of the Globe-Trotter suitcase to create a traditional yet contemporary, durable effect to last a lifetime of use. The initialling service generally takes from 2-3 weeks for completion.
Where can you buy Globe-Trotter?
You can purchase Globe-Trotter's luggage and travel accessories from the brand's own website or any of its stores around the world.
Discover more at globe-trotter.com.
