Luxury brand Rimowa and Vitra join forces, transforming Rimowa's renowned aluminum luggage into high-end living room accessories.
Going Against the Grain in German Design
Two powerhouses of engineering, Rimowa and Vitra, have demonstrated that pushing boundaries and refusing to play it safe results in some of the most stunning collaborations. By blending Rimowa's iconic aluminum aesthetic with Vitra's furniture mastery, they've created a two-piece collection that defies expectations. Let's dive in!
A Heritage of Aluminum
These brands' reputations were built on an aluminum foundation, though their paths diverged significantly. When a fire consumed Rimowa's other materials in 1937, they turned to aluminum, a change that evolved into the legendary grooved look we associate with aviation's golden age. On the other hand, Vitra's relationship with aluminum was cemented through the release of the Eames Aluminum Chair, a game-changer in office seating that debuted in 1958.
Rolling Storage Reborn
This collection's pièce de résistance is undeniably the Aluminum Stool. Essentially a compacted Rimowa suitcase with a seating functionality, it maintains the grooved aluminum exterior and the reliable Multiwheel system for effortless movement around your living space (let's not get carried away, though! We wouldn't recommend using it as airline cargo).
The stool's top lid reveals Vitra's eco-friendly Laser RE fabric lining and two flexible leather dividers for efficient organization. Available in a trio of chic colors—Emerald Green, Ice Blue, and Papyrus Brown—the detachable cushion boasts snap buttons for easy removal and cleaning.
It's no surprise, given the brands involved, that the execution exudes a premium feel. All aluminum components are crafted at Rimowa's headquarters in Cologne, while the textile aspects are carried out on Vitra's architectural gem of a campus in Weil am Rhein.
Desktop Opulence
The collection's second piece is the result of Rimowa treating Arik Levy's 2010 Vitra Toolbox design with the full aluminum treatment. Once a humble desktop organizer made of recycled plastic, it now boasts Rimowa's signature anodized aluminum shell and laser-recycled polyester lining, showcasing the transformative power of high-quality materials on utilitarian objects. The Aluminum Toolbox also adopts the same color options used in the Stool.
Though this collaboration excels conceptually, the pieces are incredibly limited, with only 1,000 stools and 100 toolboxes available worldwide. With their premium price tags reflecting each brand's positioning, we can only hope for a wider release of these exceptional items.
Specifications
Product: Rimowa x Vitra Aluminum Stool & Aluminum ToolboxMaterials: Anodized grooved aluminum exterior, Laser RE recycled polyester lining, Premium F cowhide leather detailsStool Dimensions: 19.3" x 15.4" x 15.8"Stool Weight: 12.6 lbsColors: Ice Blue, Papyrus Brown, & Emerald GreenLimited Edition?: Yes, 1,000 stools & 100 toolboxes
Availability & Pricing
The Aluminum Stool retails for $2,700, while the Toolbox is priced at $625. Launching June 18 at 6:15 PM CET, the collection will be available exclusively on Rimowa.com and Vitra.com. The stool will also be sold at select Rimowa flagship stores starting June 19. A special exhibit at Zaha Hadid's Fire Station on the Vitra Campus will commemorate the launch through June 27.
Behind the Scenes
This collaboration represents a unique bridge between industrial precision and domestic use, reflecting both companies' commitment to design and the shared passion for innovative materials.
The partnership between these two titans of German engineering showcases a blend of elements rarely seen in collaborations, offering a unique amalgamation of industrial precision and comfortable living spaces. With a common passion for design and high-quality materials, the limited-edition collection offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of home furnishings and travel-friendly essentials.
The Rimowa x Vitra Aluminum Stool, with its chic colors and efficient organization, is a testament to the fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden, as it transforms a compacted Rimowa suitcase into a stylish seating solution for modern living spaces. Meanwhile, the Aluminum Toolbox, once a humble desktop organizer, now donning Rimowa's signature aluminum aesthetic, epitomizes the seamless merging of style and practicality—a perfect embodiment of the brands' commitment to quality and innovation.
