Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

The Best Luxury Luggage Pieces for Fall

A look at a variety of high-end travel pieces, all from iconic brands

Louis Vuitton Rolling Trunk / Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Some of the world’s most celebrated luxury luggage brands are rooted in a history of glamorous travel. Guccio Gucci worked as a luggage porter at London’s Savoy hotel before he decided to return to his native Florence and open his own leather-goods firm. By that time, Louis Vuitton already had been in Paris for roughly half a century, crafting the watertight trunks that became the must-have luggage among the society set. But François Goyard had them both beat, opening his French trunkmaking firm in 1852.

Luggage that bears a designer name often is accompanied by an incredible legacy—and in many cases, the assurance of durability, if the lengthy life span of coated canvas can serve as a reliable indicator. (Case in point: My Goyard Saint Louis PM tote looks just as new as the day I bought it years ago, even though it has been hastily shoved under the aircraft seat in front of me dozens of times since.) With that in mind, here’s a look at a variety of high-end travel pieces, all from iconic brands.

Louis Vuitton Rolling Trunk

Louis Vuitton’s best-known motif, its Monogram coated canvas, was introduced in 1896, and 127 years later it’s still a sought-after status symbol. If you’ve ever carried a coated canvas tote by Louis Vuitton or another designer, you know it’s a highly durable material, making it perfect for luggage that gets a workout. Fold in the brand’s exceptional history in trunkmaking, and this newly released Rolling Trunk is sure to rank high for anyone who appreciates the blend of style, handcraft and heritage. Much like Louis Vuitton’s oversized trunks, this carry-on is crafted with reinforced corners, wooden slats, cowhide-leather trim and rivets, while its slim trolley handle is built outside the case to maximize space in the main compartment. Other features on this four-wheeled case include two TSA-approved locks, a removable divider with zippered pocket, and a luggage cover.
$9,250, at louisvuitton.com

Dior Small DiorTravel Suitcase

Anyone who’s a fan of Dior’s hugely popular Book Tote will recognize the Blue Dior Oblique Technical Jacquard also used to create this DiorTravel carry-on suitcase. Like the status tote, the waterproof fabric on this two-wheeled, soft-side piece is likewise embellished with “Christian Dior Paris.” It is ideal for quick trips, standing 18.5 inches tall and weighing just six pounds. Other features include a retractable telescoping handle, interior zip pocket, TSA-approved lock and dust bag.
$3,900, at dior.com

Ferragamo Embossed Hand Luggage

Salvatore Ferragamo started his career as a shoe designer, crafting footwear in Hollywood for silent-film stars including Gloria Swanson, before returning to his native Italy in 1927 to establish his firm. He first employed the Gancini, which translates to “little hooks,” as a design emblem in the 1950s, having been inspired by the ornate ironwork on the gates of his company’s headquarters. The Gancini has found its way onto everything from Ferragamo belt buckles to handbag clasps, and here it’s used as an overall embossed motif on this calfskin carry-on. Standing 21.6 inches tall, the ultralight, semirigid case with telescoping handle features four wheels and a TSA-approved lock.
$2,950, at ferragamo.com

Goyard Bourget PM Trolley Case

Goyard named its latest trolley case for Paris-Le Bourget Airport, which is the preferred terminal for private jets flying to and from the City of Light. The Bourget PM Trolley was indeed crafted to meet the standards of private flight, but that’s not a prerequisite for bringing this chic piece on your next trip. Standing 19.7 inches tall, the trolley is crafted using the same standards as Goyard trunks, including its Goyardine-coated canvas, cowhide-leather trim, steel locks and the stylish strap that encircles the case. Featuring four 360-degree wheels, the Bourget PM Trolley is available in 11 colors, including the Sky Blue seen here.
$9,440, at goyard.com

Gucci Savoy Large Trolley

In recent years Gucci has been putting a spotlight on its travel collection, collectively known as Valigeria, even opening a Paris boutique solely dedicated to its luggage, trunks and related accessories in 2022. Among the latest styles is this Savoy Large Trolley, a checked-luggage size crafted in the house’s iconic GG Supreme beige coated canvas, introduced in 1969 and, when combined with the label’s signature red and green web stripe, integral to Gucci’s popularity among jet-setters in the 1970s. The Savoy Large Trolley stands 28.7 inches high and offers a 68.3-liter capacity. Features include four 360-degree wheels, top and side handles to accompany the telescoping handle, a front exterior pocket, and two linen-lined compartments, one zippered and the other featuring elastic straps. A small carry-on and medium-sized checked piece are also available in the Savoy Trolley style, which also is offered in a navy motif.
$3,980, at gucci.com

Hermès Odyssee Terre Duffle Bag

Traditional waxed canvas bags used by French sailors served as the inspiration for the Odyssee Terre Duffle by Hermès, undeniably a romantic jumping-off point for anyone embarking on an “earth odyssey,” as the name of this piece suggests. This roomy duffle measures 17.7 inches in length, meaning it will fit in the overhead compartment with ease, and is sustainably crafted of recycled cotton and polyester. Features include an adjustable shoulder strap and an exterior zippered pocket, both seen here in a rose-orange hue dubbed Capucine by the brand. Paired with the navy canvas, it’s the height of nautical chic.
$4,300, at hermes.com

Prada Symbole Embroidered Fabric Trolley

Even the most casual fashion fan recognizes Prada’s triangle-shaped metal logo, which Mario Prada first employed in 1913 for a trunk design. Fast-forward 110 years, and Prada Symbole is now a wide-ranging collection designed to honor that heritage. Among the pieces showcasing the geometric motif is this travel bag, which blends black and beige fabric with Prada’s minimalist styling. Standing 22 inches high, this four-wheeled case features Saffiano leather detailing and an interior with buckled leather straps and a zippered pocket, while the lining is crafted in Prada’s proprietary and sustainable Re-Nylon.
$6,300, at prada.com

Saint Laurent ES Giant Travel Bag

Bronze-toned metal hardware is the perfect detail to offset the black quilted calf leather on Saint Laurent’s ES Giant Travel Bag, introduced as part of the French house’s Spring 2023 collection. Designed as an ultrachic carry-on or everyday tote, the bag features the brand’s iconic YSL Cassandre signature logo on its front, emblazoned in an oversized placement that can’t be missed. Measuring 22 inches in length, the bag includes a pair of top handles, detachable shoulder strap, a lock in a detachable leather case, and an organic cotton lining featuring a zip pocket and flap pocket.
$4,700, at ysl.com