Newest ‘it’ fashion accessory is a functional suitcase with wheels

It’s become part of our pre-holiday ritual – but the “hot” snaps we take at the airport reveal the latest ‘it’ item is one you’d never expect.

Forget designer handbags and high-heels, the latest “it” accessory is a functional suitcase with four wheels – and there are scores of photos to prove it.

Luxury luggage has boomed in recent years, with the global market estimated to be worth almost $26 billion according to recent data.

It’s not just pretty colours either, with consumers often paying extra to have their case monogrammed or adorned with a unique personalisation.

The spike in popularity sparked a stream of collaborations between designer fashion houses and heritage luggage brands such as the coveted collaboration from Tiffany & Co which saw an ordinary suitcase transformed into silver design that mimicked a diamond.

As a result, baggage carousels now resemble a catwalk show, with travellers watching on as cases parade by.

Luxury luggage has become the must-have fashion item post-pandemic. Picture: Instagram/tessshanahan

Samsonite chief executive Kyle Gendreau said the change from necessity to fashion accessory has been in motion for years but it ramped up after the pandemic, which proved an incredibly tumultuous time for the industry.

However, Mr Gendreau said function will always be the foundation of the brand, which recently celebrated 113 years in business.

“We are not pretending to be a luxury brand that puts fashion over function,” Mr Gendreau said. “Function is the foundation of what we are. Then we incorporate fashion into it.”

Baggage carousels have become the newest form of catwalk show. Picture: Instagram/sapir_gadasi

Change may have been triggered by an unexpected global lockdown, but consumers have welcomed it with open arms, embracing the stylish new look of the classic Samsonite, Mr Gendreau said.

This sentiment has been echoed on social media where many share snaps alongside their hot wheels and rave about its appearance.

“This baddie bag makes me look hot,” one satisfied customer declared on TikTok recently.

“My carry on really elevates my airport outfit,” another stated.

Samsonite explained luggage changed from necessity to fashion accessory to survive global lockdowns. Picture: TikTok/KristineFernandez

Former Australian flight attendant turned fashion influencer Kristine Fernandez even shared a video with her 555,000 followers detailing how they can style their outfits with their suitcase for a “chic” airport look.

As part of Samsonite’s evolution into a “must-have” fashion item, the prestigious brand has also moved into the handbag space, selling a range of crossbody and shoulder bags as well as wallets and purses.

On TikTok, shoppers have been praising Samsonite’s non-luggage offerings, with many stating they had no idea the brand sold handbags.

“Samsonite doesn’t just make great luggage, they also make great bags,” one user declared in a video.

“New bag brand unlocked: Samsonite,” another shared.

“The crossbody bag is SICK,” someone else agreed.

Samsonite has also branched into handbags as part of its brand evolution. Picture: TikTok

Samsonite welcomed consumer feedback, adding one of the brand’s best features is its quality and durability, a detail celebrated at a recent exhibition in Singapore to introduce three new collections to its global customers: the Evoa Z, SBL Major-Lite and New Streamlite.

Visitors were able to attend three installations at the ‘Destination Samsonite’ exhibition which highlighted its commitment to being “best-in-class” – including showing off the brand’s “ultimate test” for its products.

Samsonite celebrated 113 years in business with an exhibition in Singapore recently. Picture: Supplied

The heritage luggage brand unveiled three new global collections at the event: the Evoa Z, SBL Major-Lite and New Streamlite. Picture: Supplied

“Suitcases go through a lot,” Samsonite explained recently, alongside a clip of a popular case being kicked and stomped on.

Viewers were left in disbelief when the case – a Curv – instantly bounced back from its beating and returned to its former glory.

Another test involves packing precious items such as glass inside a case and throwing it against a wall for over an hour, while another saw the bag being left out in the rain to prove the contents weren’t water damaged.

Wheels on bags are also put through their paces, with the design tested on different terrains to ensure manoeuvrability.

The brand explained products undergo extensive testing to ensure quality and durability. Picture: TikTok

Of course, this level of technology doesn’t come cheap, with a standard size case costing between $250 to $1500, but judging from the scores of 5-star reviews many argue it's a worthwhile investment.

Despite this, nothing truly cements a brand or product’s status on the “it” list more than the influencer seal of approval, with designer cases regularly featuring on the feeds of our biggest social media stars.

Airport photos and pre-holiday selfies with our chic cases are a habit we’re all guilty of – and prove the trend is here to stay. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

Sydney-based fashion designer Pip Edwards, who co-owns Aussie activewear brand P.E. Nation, recently shared a pre-holiday selfie of herself sprawled across on her statement Samsonite cases.

Others prefer to share the classic boarding pass beside their carry-on shot.

The airport trend has become so popular, we’re now all guilty of doing it, proving this fashion “must-have” is here to stay.

The journalist travelled to Singapore as a guest of Samsonite.

Originally published as Newest ‘it’ fashion accessory is a functional suitcase with wheels