SEIT 1898

RIMOWA is born in Cologne, Germany. The brand’s rich legacy of craftsmanship and innovation spans over 125 years and across several generations.

Part I

A Legacy Forged by Visionary Pioneers

In 1898, RIMOWA founder Paul Morszeck opens his first workshop in Cologne’s Bechergasse 16 near the Cathedral. What began as a saddlery company expands to craft custom suitcases for travelling professionals made of leather-coated plywood and cardboard.

RIMOWA Workshop, 1912

With a growing cosmopolitan clientele, Paul Morszeck develops beyond trunks and suitcases. The workshop begins to specialise in smaller and more durable boxes and cases to suit their evolving lifestyles.

Portrait of Paul Morszeck

1920sA New Era Begins

RIMOWA’s pursuit of aluminium mastery starts.

During this period, Paul’s son, Richard Morszeck, becomes involved in the company, inheriting his father’s visionary approach. Inspired by the early days of aviation, he recognises aluminium as the ideal choice for crafting lightweight suitcases.

Photography by Gregor Kaluza

Archives Hammerschlag Hand-Carry Case

A symbol of modernity and resilience, aluminium cases endure the rigours of travel like never before, becoming trusted companions for explorers and discerning travellers alike.

Photography by Gregor Kaluza

Archives Hand Wardrobe Trunk

The company abbreviates its name to adopt its current brand name, RIMOWA.
(RIchard MOrszeck WArenzeichen*)

* warenzeichen = trademark

Archives Grooved Hand-Carry Case

In 1950, RIMOWA adds the now-iconic grooves to its aluminium shell, establishing a design element that remains a hallmark of the brand.

Photography by Christian Hagemann
Photography by Christian Hagemann

1970sContinuously Shaping the Future of Travel

Photography by Gregor Kaluza

Waterproof Camera Case, 1978

Richard Morszeck’s son, Dieter, joins the company, inheriting his father and grandfather’s innovative mindset. He develops the first waterproof camera case in 1978, revolutionising equipment for filmmaking and photography professionals.

In 1979, just a year later, he propels RIMOWA onto the global stage by expanding into the Japanese market, bringing the German-crafted suitcases within the reach of a wider audience of discerning travellers.

RIMOWA Marunouchi, Japan, 2008
Salsa Cabin, 2000

Ever attuned to their evolving needs, and driven by his innovative spirit, Dieter Morszeck develops polycarbonate suitcases in 2000. Further reducing weight while offering maximum strength and resilience, this new material’s introduction sets a new standard in the luggage industry, quickly influencing the rest of the sector.

Sharing common values of craftsmanship, character, excellence, expertise, and quality, RIMOWA joins a larger family in 2017: the LVMH Group.

Beautifully Aged RIMOWA Cabin

Embracing greater versatility, the brand expands its range to meet diverse mobility needs with the introduction of daily and travel bags. Perfectly complementing RIMOWA’s suitcase collections, they offer functional solutions for every journey.

RIMOWA Original Bag

On July 25, 2022, a few years after celebrating its 120th anniversary with a refreshed visual identity, RIMOWA introduces a Lifetime Guarantee on all suitcases, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to crafting durable travel companions.

Part II

Timeless Design Codes​

Junkers F13 Airplane

The first suitcases featuring the hallmark RIMOWA grooves are produced in 1950. These iconic grooves, inspired by the golden age of aviation and the first all-metal aircraft, would go on to become a defining feature of the brand, shaping RIMOWA’s core design codes across all product categories.

Beautifully Aged RIMOWA Suitcase

The monogram reflects RIMOWA’s design philosophy, drawing inspiration from the soft radial shapes of our cases.

The two vertices within the mark reflect the iconic spires of Kölner Dom, a nod to our German origins.

Our Craftsmanship and Savoir-Faire

RIMOWA products embody a commitment to the Art of Engineering, for a lifetime of travel.