Rogue.ph

A Journey in Luxury

Posted on Apr 16, 2009 by L.A. Consing Lopez / 1080 Views

In lieu with the April “Travel-Bacolod” issue of Rogue, I thought this would be an opportune time to write about the lost art of travel.

Jetting off to some far, exotic locale has always been indelibly linked to the world of fashion and luxury– from the clothes one packs in a suitcase to the outfit worn while traveling, down to the quality and look of one’s luggage.

It has always been quite important to me to look at least presentable when travelling, whether you’re boarding a plan or sailing on a cruise ship. It is really a question of propriety and looking put-together. I’m always slightly thrown off guard when I see people in baggy sweats, flip-flops, and ratty shirts on international flights. Not that I’m saying one shouldn’t be casual and comfortable. A pair of jeans and a nice crisp shirt and sweater is just the right balance in my opinion. Got a smart looking sport coat or blazer? Better.

Paparazzi and the general public always look up to celebrities to see how they dress whilst vacationing. And they almost never fail to disappoint. Big shades, designer luggage sets, a hurried where’s-my-limo look–what could be a more fantastic mental traveling peg.

Yesterday: Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland

Today: David and Victoria Beckham

Age old brands like Louis Vuitton, Globe-Trotter (which is featured in this month’s edition of House of Style), and Hermés have recently pushed the “travel” aspect of their branding to the top of their marketing strategies and imaging. And why not? Their heritage and long, prestigious tradition of luggage craftsmanship is a cherished fact, one that’s especially unique in a time of a synthetic, mass-produced concept.

Louis Vuitton is perhaps the foremost name in luxury travel-gear. This re-rendering of a vintage Louis Vuitton illustrated travel poster featuring a steamer in a monogram patterned canvas is the perfect example of the brand’s presence during the Golden Age of travelling.

Modern day LV’s steamer bags, trunks, and cases are made with the same precision, excellent quality, and dedication to design and detail as they were decades ago.

Similarly, French leather and luggage brand Goyard boasts similar craftsmanship and prestige. Check out this vintage trunk from the 1930s from http://www.mantiquesmodern.com

Also from http://www.mantiquesmodern.com is this exquisite vintage Giant Hermés Birkin travel bag from the 1940s. I absolutely love how the tan leather is preserved, but beautifully beat-up and rugged. It looks incredibly rich but down to earth. It has an old money feel as opposed to a tacky I-just-bought-this nouveau rich vibe.

One new travel brand that I’m really fond of is Billykirk. This American company was founded in 1999 by brothers Chris and Kirk Bray. I love their classic, vintage inspired duffel and steamer bags. They use the coolest weather-proof canvas fabrics and leather straps. “Our brand name came from our father who often calls me “Billykirk” because my full name is William Kirkland.  This is also probably due to our Southern roots and the melding of the first and middle names,” says Kirk in a recent interview for Flash Film. The brand eschews contemporary designs and manufacturing techniques for a more home-grown and authentic process. “Now that we have relocated to the East Coast, much of our collection is made by a group of Amish leather workers in Pennsylvania.” Chris adds, “They are not distracted by anything the world’s marketing machine is currently pumping out.  They have no idea who the Rolling Stones are or that we are at war.  It is essentially the 1870’s, aside from the hum of a large Honda generator looking out of place in one of the corners.  They are allowed to use gas since it is from the earth.”

I particularly like this striped canvas and black leather steamer bag:


And this large overnight travel bag in olive waxed cotton:

http://www.billykirk.com