Globe-Trotter Luggage

As the new Head of Design at Globe-Trotter Luggage, Chris Reid shares with us a deep dive in the luggage brand's storied history, highlighting the responsibility of preserving the past while looking ahead to new, sustainable measures. From celebrating the dizzying heights these trunks have summited to sharing his personal travel strategy, Chris and Globe-Trotter will have you dusting off your own go to travel bag, ready and inspired to tackle your next adventure.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND GLOBE-TROTTER?

“Globe-Trotter have been the pioneers of handmade, luxury British luggage since 1897.”

Vulcanised Fibreboard (Globe-Trotter’s core material) has played a major role in our success, due to its unique characteristics of both strength and light weight benefits. There aren’t many British companies left that have stayed true to their ethos and continued to innovate for over 120 years.

As an industrial designer, I am intrinsically involved in understanding the whole process of how someone travels with our products and enjoy discovering how my design experience can hopefully improve their journey. 

Our products are beautifully simple; each one handcrafted by our talented team. Our factory in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, is home to both traditional and modern processes, which has allowed us to adapt to the increase in demand for global travel.

WHAT MAKES GLOBE-TROTTER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LUGGAGE BRANDS?

“Globe-Trotter has stood the test of time.”

You just have to look at one of our cases which has travelled the globe and is still functioning how it was intended to. You can’t say that for many other luggage brands. I personally believe there has been a big shift in people’s lives, when most of us view products having a short life span. Globe-Trotter really is the total opposite, with our products lasting a lifetime... and more.

WHAT ARE SOME MOMENTS OR DESIGNS THAT YOU’VE BEEN ESPECIALLY PROUD OF?

I joined the company at a very exciting time, where the business has had to adapt to the current situation. It is safe to say a pandemic restricting all travel is not good for a luggage company however, this has allowed us to branch out into new product line, like our new luxury watch boxes and miniature cases.

AS A PRODUCT MANUFACTURER, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS AND THE FUTURE OF CONSUMERISM?

Sustainability is probably the most talked about topic at the moment and it is changing the way we perceive the products we buy and the services we use. Design plays a pivotal role in creating environmentally conscious products before they have even been created. Manufacturers also need to take ownership of how this product is used across the whole life span and not end up in landfill. I am a firm believer sustainability doesn’t just relate to how a product is made but how long it lasts. 

“Globe-Trotter has subconsciously been doing this since 1897 with our products lasting a lifetime.”

It’s inevitable some of our cases suffer one too many drops, however these cases are returned to us and repaired by hand in our Factory. This in turn makes every one of our cases unique and is a true representation of their owner. 

DOES GLOBE-TROTTER WORK WITH ANY INITIATIVES ON REDUCING THEIR TRAVELLER’S CARBON FOOTPRINT?

It’s not something we have tackled yet, but recognise as a luggage company it’s a hugely significant thing we need to address. While we can’t measure our customer’s individual carbon footprint, our focus is to encourage them to enjoy the actual experience of travelling with beautiful luggage, rather than only thinking about getting from a to b; you can sometimes lose sight of the consequential impact on the environment.  As manufacturers, we try to use suppliers based in the UK so as to minimise our carbon footprint as much as possible.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN THE GLOBE-TROTTER BRAND?

If you travel with a Globe-Trotter suitcase you quickly become aware of the love and appreciation for the brand from fellow travellers. It’s not a product you see every day and although we don’t see ourselves as an exclusive club…

“our luggage is trusted by some of the most influential and well-travelled individuals.”

You find yourself connecting to those also travelling with a Globe-Trotter suitcase, and I believe good design has the power to connect people through a shared interest for that product.

DOES YOUR BRITISH HERITAGE PLAY A ROLE IN THE DESIGN AND DNA OF THE BRAND?

Every project is injected with our strong heritage and passion.

“WE AIM TO creatE QUALITY PRoducts to help our clients on their journeys around the world.”

It’s safe to say our cases turn heads in the airport, maybe this is due to the unique shape, or that people appreciate the attention to detail in every product we make.

HAVE YOU PERFECTED THE ART OF THE PACK? WHAT ARE SOME MUST HAVE ITEMS IN YOUR SUITCASE?

I can’t say I have perfected packing, although I do class myself as a very organised packer (probably down to family holidays where everything was unpacked into the hotel drawers).

“Packing cubes are my go-to, as I tend to travel with hand luggage only.”

This allows me to move through the airport swiftly as well as organising my items when I arrive to the hotel.

WHICH CASE IS YOUR GO TO?

It has got to be the Centenary 4-wheel Carry-On case in our new Orange, Brown, Brass. This suits my short travel and business trips to Europe. The silent 4-wheels are also a breeze when traveling through many airports and hotels.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE RITUALS OF TRAVEL?

“Firstly, I make sure I’ve done my research of the best local spots away from the tourist areas.”

I find Cereal and Monocle magazine the best for local tips. This is the best way to get to know a location and truly immerse yourself in their food and culture. I also take my camera everywhere and like to focus on architecture and street photography. 

WHERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACES GLOBE-TROTTER BAGS HAVE BEEN?

It’s hard to imagine that some of our cases have reached all the corners of the world.

“The one that stands out for me is Sir Edmund Hillary’s quest to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.”

It’s a nice thought to think that Globe-trotter played a small part in their race to conquer the highest mountain in the world.  

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GLOBE-TROTTER?

It is a very busy time in the design team at the moment. Lots of cool collaborations dropping this year as well as a new range of soft goods which will also be released this year. Personalisation has also been an important part of our luxury service and this year we are ramping things up with our new website and further options for customisation across all our product ranges.

@GLOBE_TROTTER1897 →

Accompanying the
well-travelled for 123 years and counting