RIMOWA ventures beyond functional elegance debuting its latest Essential range in two evocative shades: Ginger and Nautical. And for the job, the brand joined hands with British artist Ptolemy Mann. Drawing inspiration from Copenhagen’s historic charm and the seafaring legacy of the Nordics, the collection fuses architectural precision with maritime allure. However, the true showstopper lies in its artistic collaboration where Ms. Mann lends her colorful magic into the pieces.
Ms. Mann is celebrated for her masterful use of color and dynamic abstraction. The result? A limited-edition series of RIMOWA Essential Cabin Threshold cases, each adorned with an exclusive iteration of the artist’s ‘Threshold’ artwork. This collaboration imbues the RIMOWA Essential Cabin Nautical with a fresh artistic edge, seamlessly blending Ms. Mann’s bold, gradient designs with RIMOWA’s iconic craftsmanship.
Ms. Mann’s distinctive touch adds a new dimension, infusing each piece with a story of movement, transition, and creative expression. With a career spanning over 25 years, the artist has carved a distinct niche in the art world, celebrated for her large-scale works and pioneering use of color.
Rooted in chromatic minimalism and abstract expressionism, her early pieces—hand-dyed and woven canvases—explore the emotive dialogue between thread and pigment. Ms. Mann’s artistic evolution led to her iconic ‘Thread Paintings,’ expansive, gestural works that exemplify her abstract expressionist flair.
The RIMOWA Essential Cabin Threshold cases are capped at 1,000 numbered pieces, offers RIMOWA’s signature lifetime guarantee. The design layers intricate ink patterns, capturing the texture and brushstrokes of Ms. Mann’s originals, while unprinted sections of the grooved shell add depth and dimension, echoing her textile roots.
The artistic journey continues within the suitcase. Inside, the RIMOWA flex divider features a blue-tinted brushstroke, extending the artist’s exploration of color. This detail imbues the suitcase with emotional resonance.
RIMOWA has long been influenced by the world of art. The brand’s collaborations with artists like sculptor Daniel Arsham and the digital collective RTFKT have transcended traditional luggage, elevating suitcases to museum-worthy pieces. Their commitment to artistic expression extends beyond function, as seen in custom-designed, climate-controlled suitcases for a renowned violinist, designed to protect both the instrument and its cultural significance.
The RIMOWA Essential Cabin Threshold, priced at €1200 (RRP) is available at RIMOWA stores globally and online.
