Wednesday 8 August 2012

The Sad Dearth of Stylish Luggage


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I've been trying to find a suitably generously sized but at least somewhat pretty suitcase for my upcoming extended holiday to Australia. What I want to know is why they don't make them like this as standard anymore...

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I guess travelling is an entirely different experience these days. Vintage luggage appears to be largely vanity cases and overnight suitcases for short trips, or massive steamer trunks for long voyages aboard ships. Neither of the above is really appropriate or feasible for catching a plane for a two-month holiday. The small suitcases aren't large enough and, as much as I would love to have some men on hand to lug a trunk around for me, sadly, that's not possible.

This luggage is too small!

This luggage is too big! (Image source)

In reality, I need something modern with wheels. But sadly, all the options are so deeply dull and unstylish... Except this!

This luggage is juuuuust right!
(Except, maybe not pink?)

Unfortunately, the Steamline luggage above is, ahem, just a tad more expensive than I was hoping to pay... Dammit, don't you just hate having to spend money on functional things when there just isn't the realistic option of choosing something at least a bit personalised or fun and stylish?

I definitely think that someone more entrepreneurial than me should start a more affordable repro vintage luggage line. I really think it would take off... no pun intended.

14 comments:

  1. I agree with you! Vintage luggages are either too small or too big.. That's such a shame. That Steamline luggage looks so cute!

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    1. It's annoying, isn't it? I suppose maybe people didn't go away for a few weeks' holiday in the past - it was more for long weekends or months... Which would explain it, I suppose...

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  2. Oh my I want them all, I have some crappy chanel knock off from Matalan as my luggage. Big leather suitcases are not practical but boy are they pretty! Very intrigued to see what you do find for your two months jols! (jealous) xxx

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    1. I have an awful feeling I'm going to leave it too late and end up having to improvise with the random luggage I currently have as it's getting quite late in the day... But I won't give up hope yet!

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  3. I had the same problem, i saw a couple of cool cases at boot fairs recently but I was worried how hardy they would be.

    But I love the pink ones and the repro luggae would be such a good idea!! I think your on to a winner!

    India
    x
    The Marilyn Adventures

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    1. Hardiness is definitely another part of the equation - after all, they have to be able to travel, as they were designed to do. Actually, one of the heartbreaking things about my research is the fact that so many of the old beauties that are being sold are being promoted for use as coffee tables, inevitably to furnish some "shabby chic" room. I don't know, it just seems sad that they're no longer travelling the world, as they should be.

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  4. Check etsy. I remember seeing beautiful hand made canvas+leather holdalls and similar on there the last time I was luggage searching.

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    1. Thanks for the tip! Will check it out... Though I don't know if I'll be able to order and receive anything by mail this late in the day!

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  5. Sadly, I think nobody carries them anymore because they're just so darn cumbersome! Having said that, I'm wholly impractical and would snap some vintage cases up should I find any! x

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    1. I've actually pondered whether they could be strapped to some metal-framed luggage trolley or something, to make them actually transportable without burly men to lift them. Not sure though...

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  6. Wow,I'm going away soon and that is just what I need! xx

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    1. Definitely would make the travelling experience more glamorous! Enjoy your trip away. x

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  7. Very interesting conversation, observations and ideas everyone. I have a wonderful vintage trunk in which I keep a few things, the most interesting here being my wedding dress and chiffon/juliet cap veil. It was my mother-in-laws when she travelled to Australia from England on a bride ship at the end of the Second World War. I saw some cute luggage at, I think, Melbourne International airport on the weekend. I guess you don't have time to check out the airport.

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    1. I love your luggage trunk, especially the story that goes along with it (not just an ebay buy, that!). I guess giving it a permanent home, rather than having it constantly transient, has the advantage of keeping it in better nick!

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