Fashion
Inside the New Generation of Luxury Travel Trunks
Written by Mariana Lora
For years, luxury travel was dominated by sleek carry ons, soft sided luggage and minimalist designs. In 2026, however, the travel trunk is making an unexpected return. Once associated with the classic old world glamour, trunks are finding a place again among luxury travelers who value craftsmanship, heritage and pieces designed to last for decades.
Image by Louis Vuitton
At the center of this revival is Louis Vuitton, a brand whose history is deeply tied to trunk making. Long before it became known for handbags and ready to wear collections, Louis Vuitton built its reputation on travel trunks. The company's flat topped trunk, introduced in the 19th century, changed luxury travel by allowing luggage to be lightweight making it easier to be stacked efficiently during journeys. Today, that same spirit of innovation remains visible in trunks handcrafted at the brand's historic Asnières workshop outside Paris, where artisans continue to use traditional construction techniques refined over generations.
Image by Louis Vuitton
The appeal goes beyond nostalgia. Modern luxury consumers are increasingly interested in objects with a story behind them. Louis Vuitton's trunk collections have become symbols of heritage craftsmanship, combining wood structures, hand applied canvas, leather detailing and metal hardware. In 2026, the house continues to celebrate its trunk-making legacy through special collections and custom creations that reinforce the trunk's status as one of luxury fashion's most enduring icons.
Image by RIMOWA
Meanwhile, RIMOWA is giving the trunk a distinctly modern interpretation. Founded in Cologne in 1898, the German luggage maker built its reputation on engineering and durability. Its aluminum trunks, recognizable by their signature grooves, have become a favorite among travelers seeking functionality without sacrificing luxury. The company's latest releases continue to emphasize premium materials and long term durability, positioning the trunk as an investment piece rather than a disposable travel accessory.
Image by RIMOWA
What makes today's luxury trunks different is their versatility and perfected lightweight. Many owners use them far beyond the airport. Trunks are increasingly appearing in dressing rooms, private residences, yachts and vacation homes, serving as both storage solutions and statement pieces. The trend reflects a broader shift toward buying select items for higher quality instead of consuming multiple pieces, particularly among affluent consumers who value craftsmanship and longevity. Heritage luggage makers are benefiting from renewed interest in products that can be repaired, passed down and collected.
The resurgence of travel trunks also mirrors a growing appreciation for craftsmanship in an age of mass production. Whether it is Louis Vuitton artisans carefully assembling a custom trunk by hand or Rimowa engineers refining aluminum construction techniques developed over a century ago, the focus remains on skill, precision and permanence.
As luxury travelers continue to seek experiences rooted in authenticity and heritage, the travel trunk has become a symbol of enduring craftsmanship, a collector's item and, for a new generation, a reminder that that items should be timeless, not disposable.
Image by Louis Vuitton
