Elite Traveler July-August 2018

elite traveler JULY/AUG 2018 33

Luxe luggage It might be difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when the glamour of traveling transitioned to bumbling discomfort. Maybe it was around the same time when sartorial choices favored tracksuits and sweatpants over elegant suits and hats, but that aesthetic has also trickled down into baggage that’s anything but elegant. Let’s buck the trend by hailing the return of refined luggage. Louis Vuitton spent two years to develop its Horizon Titane collection by Marc Newson, which it claims features the first genuine titanium case in the world. Typically reserved for the aerospace industry, titanium is immensely durable but can be incredibly difficult to shape, which perhaps is why it hasn’t been used in luggage before. Parisian luggagemaker Goyard returns to its roots with the Malle Armoire, a glorious steamer trunk with a rack for hanging items and separate compartments for accessories and shoes. Modern travelers will appreciate the contemporary design of Tumi’s 19 Degree aluminum worldwide trip packing case, which now comes in an ember colorway. If you prefer soft luggage, then Lotuff and Ralph Lauren have beautiful options. Lotuff took its signature duffel and crafted it in American alligator with a luxurious finish. It features an extended solid brass zipper that allows for easy access. Ralph Lauren’s Cooper 50 bag is an iconic silhouette made in Italy from vachetta leather and lined in suede.

1. Lotuff American alligator duffel travel bag, $10,000, available at lotuffleather.com 2. Goyard Malle Armoire in Goyardine canvas with leather detail and palladium hardware, $86,125, available at Goyard in New York, +1 212 813 0005, goyard.com 3. Ralph Lauren vintage vachetta Cooper 50 bag, $5,950, available at Ralph Lauren in New York, +1 212 606 2100, ralphlauren.com 4. Louis Vuitton made-to-order Horizon Titane rolling case, from $13,000, available at Louis Vuitton in New York, +1 212 758 8877, louisvuitton.com 5. Tumi 19 Degree aluminum worldwide trip packing case, $1,495, available at Tumi in Beverly Hills, +1 310 623 1186, tumi.com

TAKE THREE/// IN THE SHADE

The easiest way to change your look on a trip without overloading your new luxe luggage is to pack several pairs of sunglasses. And when all you’re wearing for days on end is a pair of swim trunks and shades, they make up 50 percent of your ensemble, so make them count

GENTLE MONSTER THE NEW AVIATOR

RAG & BONE BLACK FRAMED This year Rag & Bone introduced an eyewear line that nicely complements its popular sportswear collections. These Hawke acetate-frame sunglasses offer polarized lenses and a retro style. Also

SALT. MIRRORED

Creativity and experimentation are the hallmarks of Gentle Monster. It has collaborated with downtown brands such as Hood By Air and Opening Ceremony. The Jumping Jack is a mod take on the classic aviator with flat, gray-tinted lenses. $320, gentlemonster.com

Salt. stands for sea, air, land and the timeless connection of the three. The brand started in 2006 in California, but the products are crafted in Japan. These resin aviator-style sunglasses are made from titanium with mirrored lenses that aren’t too extreme. $490, saltoptics.com

available in tortoiseshell. $295, ragandbone.com