The Rimowa Classic Cabin: Why We Chose the World’s Most Iconic Suitcase
Some brands just feel different. Rimowa is one of them.
Sleek, silver, and instantly recognisable — it’s the suitcase that says, “I’ve arrived” (literally and figuratively). And while we’ve always admired it from afar, it’s finally landed as our newest Fifty20 prize.
Tickets are just 76p, which is wild considering a Rimowa Classic Cabin usually costs over £1,000. But before we get into how you can win it, here’s why we picked it — and why it’s become a cult icon of travel.
From Wood to Aluminum — A Legacy That Started in 1898
Rimowa’s story goes all the way back to Cologne, Germany, in 1898. Before the sleek metal cases you see today, they were crafting wooden trunks and chests for travelers and professionals.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that Rimowa became the brand we know now — after a factory fire wiped out their inventory. When they rebuilt, they did it using lightweight aluminum, a material that was cutting-edge at the time.
These metal cases weren’t luxury accessories — they were serious tools, used by photographers, scientists, and filmmakers who needed protection for their gear in harsh environments. Even Leica partnered with Rimowa for limited camera kits.
That mix of durability and design? Just like Rolex, It’s in Rimowa’s DNA.
Those Grooves? Straight Off a Plane
The Rimowa’s signature grooves aren’t just for looks. They were inspired by the Junkers F13, the world’s first all-metal commercial aircraft — also German, also groundbreaking.
That’s why Rimowa still leans so hard into its aviation roots. The design feels timeless, technical, and perfectly engineered for people who actually move.
Built by Hand — Still
Even with all the tech and hype, every Rimowa case is still hand-assembled in Germany or Canada. Each Classic Cabin goes through more than 90 individual steps, from rivets to polish.
It’s that obsessive craftsmanship that keeps them in a league of their own — and why collectors and frequent flyers swear by them.
The Wheel That Changed Travel
Before 2001, even luxury luggage brands used clunky two-wheel rollers. Then Rimowa dropped the multi-wheel spinner system, and suddenly airports got smoother.
It was quiet innovation — the kind that makes you wonder how you ever traveled without it.
Details That Prove It’s the Real Deal
Every Rimowa suitcase carries a unique serial number, discreetly engraved near the hinges. It’s linked to a digital authenticity record, so spotting fakes is easy.
They also back every case with one of the best repair policies in the business. Walk into almost any Rimowa store worldwide and they’ll fix or replace parts on the spot — some boutiques even have in-store repair benches. That’s the kind of service you only get from brands that take their craftsmanship seriously.
Tech Meets Travel
In 2016, Rimowa became one of the first luxury brands to introduce digital luggage tags. Their Electronic Tag system lets you check in your luggage via Bluetooth — no paper tags, no queues. It syncs with airlines like Lufthansa and SWISS, keeping your journey (and your bag) smooth.
Oh, and They Made a DJ Case for Louis Vuitton
When LVMH (yep, Louis Vuitton’s parent company) bought a majority stake in Rimowa in 2016, the collabs began. One of the wildest? The Rimowa x Louis Vuitton DJ case — a £3,000 aluminum turntable case built for style and sound.
It looked insane. But honestly, everything Rimowa makes kind of does.
Why We Chose Rimowa as a Fifty20 Prize
Simple — because it’s a piece of design history that you actually use. It’s not just about looking good in the airport queue (though, let’s be honest, it does). It’s about owning something built to last a lifetime.
I’ve always wanted one — but could never quite justify the price tag. Now that I’ve actually held one in my hands, I get it. The craftsmanship, the feel, the sound when it closes — it’s all pure quality.
And if I could win it for 76p?
Yeah, I’d enter in a heartbeat.
If you feel the same, click here to get your tickets now and be in with a chance to win the Rimowa Classic Cabin — the suitcase that defined modern travel.