How fitting then that almost a century and a half on, these two brands, revered equally for their old-school elegance, spirit of adventure and quest for innovation, should collaborate to create a unique piece of luggage for a new generation of sophisticated adventurers.

The late 19th century was travel’s gilded age - a distant but forever glamorous era of grand hotels and Pullman trains, liner trunks and bell-hops, porters and butlers. The spirit of those Belle Epoque years continues to cast a spell on today’s sophisticated travellers.

Of course, luggage at its finest does much more than transporting the things we’ll need at our destination. A handsome case also signals to us all the excitement and glamour of travel that our forebears discovered. And never more so than with Globe-Trotter, surely. Yet as the name suggests, practicality has also been at the heart of Globe-Trotter’s appeal. In our own fast-moving era of business trips and city breaks, that often means travelling simply with carry-on luggage.

"Exceptional luggage should combine craftsmanship with purpose”, is how the company describes its mission – exemplified in the Globe-Trotter x Raffles suitcase, part of The Butler Did It collection. True, that deep-green hue is beguiling; likewise the lining in Raffles’ dreamy, signature palm print. But this is also seriously practical luggage, admirably fit for purpose.

“Our signature Vulcanised Fibreboard offers a remarkable balance of strength and lightness, allowing each case to remain both resilient and effortless to travel with,” Globe-Trotter told us. 

“The way we travel continues to evolve, but the desire to discover new places and experience different cultures remains unchanged. Globe-Trotter reflects a spirit of curiosity, craftsmanship and adventure – connecting the heritage of Globe-Trotter and Raffles with a contemporary traveller who values meaningful experiences as much as the destination."

And while some of the maison’s luggage comes with protective covers, for many Globe-Trotter fans – in which we could include everyone from Winston Churchill to Kate Moss – along with a life well-travelled comes luggage with its own stories to tell. 

“A Globe-Trotter case is designed not only to travel, but to evolve. Over time, the leather softens, the corners acquire character and each case develops a patina that reflects the journeys it has undertaken. 

“Many of our customers embrace these natural signs of travel. They become part of each piece's individuality and a lasting record of the places it has been."

Just like the steamer trunks of yesteryear, whose faded labels told their own stories of distant lands visited and adventures enjoyed. Almost a century and a half on, the spirit lives on.