Marilyn Monroe once said, “it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." So we’re taking her words and applying them to our luggage collection.
Retro
The steam engine starts to rumble, lovers kiss goodbye, the conductor shouts, “all aboard”… ah, yesteryear, you were so classy. Just because the days of cross-country train rides and voyages on the Atlantic are over, doesn’t mean we can’t look the part. Steamline Luggage’s (US $95-$295) posh natural linen trunks scream sophistication, even in 2009.
Hardcore
Bulletproof luggage may seem a bit extreme, but with our worldly possessions packed away, indestructibility is a must. Globe-Trotter’s 110 (US $3,500) is made of super tough fibre from Japan that’s said to endure any impact (including angry baggage handlers), and it still weighs in at only three pounds.
Multi-Functional
For those long departure delays and inadequate gate seating, ZÜCA luggage has a built-in chair. The ZÜCA Pro (USD$285) fits in overhead compartments and comes with five pouches for easy organization. The ZÜCA Sport (USD $145) offers a variety of colourful inserts (show your true patriot love with the Oh Canada! pattern), and the dual wheel system makes going up stairs a breeze (the wheels also light up!). Both models can withstand 300 pounds and the inserts are machine washable.
High Tech
Put a motor on an object, and you’ve got our attention. Live Luggage’s PA Series Suitcase (power assisted) (US $1,026) takes the “lug” out of luggage with its anti-gravity feature that transfers 85% of the luggage weight to the motorized wheels. The perfect accessory for those exhausted post-vacation airport treks.