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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.
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.
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.
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.
Archives Hand Wardrobe Trunk
The company abbreviates its name to adopt its current brand name, RIMOWA.
(RIchard MOrszeck WArenzeichen*)
* warenzeichen = trademark
In 1950, RIMOWA adds the now-iconic grooves to its aluminium shell, establishing a design element that remains a hallmark of the brand.
1970sContinuously Shaping the Future of Travel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.