The Best Designer Luggage for LGBTQ+ Travellers

Discover the best luxury designers working today

When it comes to luxury travel, every detail counts — and that includes your luggage. For LGBT+ travellers seeking the perfect blend of style, durability, and individuality, designer luggage offers more than just functionality; it’s an extension of your personal brand.

The concept of personal branding might be insufferable but it’s real. Consider the iconic photo of Joan Collins at the airport, peak Dynasty fame, with five cases of Louis Vitton luggage. A porter in a red jacket gamely wheels the luggage as Collins gazes into the camera, looking like she just left a booze luncheon in San Tropez. It’s a fierce image and it’s firmly on-brand for Collins: the image screams 80s excess. André Leon Talley, Vogue editor-at-large, once said “I came to Paris with 13 unmatched pieces of luggage. By the time I left, I had 34 matched sets.” It’s all about the details. Here are the luxury luggage brands that will elevate your airport game. It’s time to say goodbye to unmatched luggage.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is synonymous with luxury, and their luggage collections are no exception. Known for their signature monogram canvas and leather details, Louis Vuitton bags are statement pieces that elevate any travel ensemble. Their suitcases and travel bags are crafted from high-end materials designed to endure the test of time, making them a true investment for any frequent traveller. Although it might be an obvious choice for luxury luggage, it’s a brand that lives up to the hype.

Paravel

Paravel is a luxury luggage brand that prioritizes sustainability without compromising on style or functionality. Known for its eco-friendly approach, Paravel creates high-quality bags, suitcases, and accessories using recycled materials such as upcycled plastic bottles and sustainable leather alternatives. The brand’s minimalist designs are both sleek and practical, ensuring durability while reducing environmental impact. Whether you’re heading on a quick weekend escape or a long-haul journey, Paravel’s luggage provides a perfect balance of elegance and sustainability. Paravel comes with a hearty Vogue endorsement.

Gucci

If you’re looking for a bold statement piece, Gucci has a range of designer luggage that fuses luxury with high fashion. Known for their iconic GG monogram and the distinctive green and red stripes, Gucci’s luggage is a perfect reflection of the brand’s flawless style. The Gucci Savoy Trolley is one of the definitive luxury luggage pieces. It’s as distinctive as Lady Gaga’s “Italian” accent in House of Gucci.

Gucci made its name in luxury luggage by combining craftsmanship with a distinct, high-fashion flair. Founded in 1921, the brand initially gained fame for its leather goods, and by the 1950s, it had expanded into luxury travel accessories. Gucci’s luggage pieces quickly became coveted for their elegant designs, premium materials, and iconic motifs like the GG monogram and green-red-green stripes. The brand’s commitment to quality and its ability to merge functionality with style helped solidify Gucci’s reputation as a leader in luxury luggage, attracting wealthy travellers who sought both sophistication and exclusivity in their travel gear.

Bric’s

Bric’s is an Italian luxury luggage brand renowned for its stylish and functional designs. Known for its rich leather accents, durable polycarbonate shells, and timeless style, Bric’s luggage often features vintage-inspired designs, such as the iconic green canvas or leather trim. The brand’s aesthetic is both refined and practical, with an emphasis on creating luggage that not only looks beautiful but also performs well under the rigors of travel. Their collections include everything from sleek rolling suitcases to stylish weekend bags.

RIMOWA

RIMOWA is a German luxury luggage brand renowned for its precision engineering and premium craftsmanship. Since its founding in 1898, RIMOWA has revolutionized the travel industry with its innovative use of aluminium and polycarbonate, creating luggage that is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. The brand’s signature grooves and sleek, minimalist design have made RIMOWA an instantly recognisable name in luxury travel.
The luggage is designed with an emphasis on practical features, including smooth-gliding wheels and TSA-approved locks. Whether in their signature aluminium cases or polycarbonate variants, RIMOWA’s luggage provides a sophisticated, high-tech look that’s perfect for discerning travellers.

How luxury luggage became a key fashion statement

Luxury luggage became a status symbol in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely driven by the rise of travel and the growing affluence of the upper class. The emergence of luxurious travel goods was closely tied to the development of steamships and trains, which made long-distance travel more accessible to the wealthy. As people began travelling more frequently, particularly for leisure, the need for durable, stylish, and practical luggage became apparent.

The iconic brand Louis Vuitton played a significant role in this shift. In 1854, Louis Vuitton opened his first store in Paris and revolutionized the luggage industry by creating the first flat-topped trunks that were easy to stack and were more practical for travel. The brand’s reputation for craftsmanship, combined with its association with high society, cemented luxury luggage as a symbol of wealth and status.
As air travel became more widespread in the mid-20th century, luggage brands like RIMOWA and Tumi began gaining popularity among travellers who wanted not only durability but also to display their affluence through high-end, well-designed luggage.