Inspired by Japan – the new RIMOWA catalogue

INSIDE
News and information from RIMOWA No. 6/2015
Inspired by Japan –
the new RIMOWA catalogue
This time our journey took us to Japan, the land of the
rising sun. The new RIMOWA catalogue for 2016/2017
will be presented in January, containing details about the
entire RIMOWA product range as well as some stories
about the people and places that make the character of
Japan so unique. We are also very pleased about the part­
nership between RIMOWA and National Geographic
Germany, which added a little extra something special to
our trip.
Dear RIMOWA Friends,
2015 is slowly drawing to a close, and we can look
back on what has been one of the most eventful years
in the company’s history. We have already reported on
the return of the Junkers F13 in a special edition of
INSIDE, and we will continue to keep you abreast of
future developments. After all, the long-awaited maiden
flight of the RIMOWA F13 is scheduled to take place
next year.
It was also another active year in the world of music:
the Grooves United Festival got off to a marvellous
start in Germany before moving to Brazil with all the
musicians involved. The second concert series was met
with equal enthusiasm by the Latin American audience.
We will start looking for new artist collaborations for
the next edition of Grooves United in the near future.
The past few weeks have also been a busy period in
the world of RIMOWA. I am especially proud of our
new catalogue, the photographs for which were taken
in Japan. This is much more than just another product
catalogue! On the pages that follow, you can also
read about our store opening in Abu Dhabi, the F13
exhibition in Kuala Lumpur and our special collection
for Japan.
Much like RIMOWA, Japan combines tradition and mod­
ernity in an unparalleled way. The product pages of the
catalogue vividly reflect these contrasts, as do the stories
about the land and its people. We set out on an exciting
quest to find a connection between our suitcase ranges
and individual people from Japan. Photographs of the
cases were taken at special Japanese locations and are
presented in the catalogue with explanations of the back­
ground or details about interesting national figures.
In the world of RIMOWA, a passion for discovery and
travel are central aspects of the corporate philosophy.
They are also important values for National Geographic
Germany. By creating fantastic photos and exciting stories,
the reporters of this magazine aim to foster a love of
travel as well as an interest in the beauty of nature. It was
therefore only logical for the suitcase manufacturer to
work with National Geographic Germany in its search
for inspirational images that would spark the imaginative
spirit of readers. The stories make it clear that Japan is
a country of contrasts and definitely worth a visit.
EDITORIAL
I wish you all a merry Christmas and all the best for the
New Year!
Production of the new catalogue is a project close to the
heart of Dieter Morszeck, RIMOWA CEO: ‘I’m extremely
proud of the result. We hope that this catalogue will inspire
our customers to discover something new. Japan is an impressive country, and it has been a crucial market for
­RIMOWA for many years. We are especially pleased to
have found a strong partner in National Geographic Germany – an organisation that shares our vision.’
RIMOWA hopes you enjoy reading the new catalogue!
Enjoy reading the final issue of our newsletter in 2015!
Dieter Morszeck
RIMOWA INSIDE
No. 6/2015
Grooves United
in Brazil
After a successful start in Germany, the
Gentleman and band
Grooves United tour began its second
round in late October with three events in
Brazil. The first was in São Paulo – a high­
ly exclusive event for 180 invited guests
who were able to experience the artists up
close. The intimate jam session featured
exceptional Brazilian artist Seu Jorge, pop­
ular reggae band Cidade Negra and Ger­
man reggae artist Gentleman, each deliv­
ering a solo set before performing together.
What made the evening so special was the closeness between the musicians and the
audience: there was no raised stage or any other barrier. The guests were thrilled by this
unique musical experience. They danced
and sang with the artists for three hours.
Seu Jorge was convinced of the Grooves
United concept from the outset and ex­
plained its success as follows: ‘Music is a
universal language, regardless of its origin.
When it is made with passion, dedication
and energy, music can take you to different
places.’
Cidade Negra in São Paulo
From left: Toni Garrido (from Cidade Negra), Gentleman and Seu Jorge
The following evening Gentleman played his debut concert in Brazil. This first perfor­
mance in front of some 2,000 reggae fans was a real highlight for the musician from
­Cologne. The joint set with Cidade Negra was also a very special moment for everyone
involved. On the last day, the two reggae giants gave a final concert in Rio de Janeiro.
For Cidade Negra, it was a unique concert in their home town, playing to fans who could
sing along to all the lyrics by heart. Fired up by the enthusiasm and energy of the audience,
Gentleman dived from the stage a little later. He continued to sing among the crowd, pos­
ing for selfies with visitors from far and wide in Brazil.
That was the end of Grooves United this year, and what an exciting year it was! Thousands
of fans were made very happy, and a good friendship was born between reggae artists –
once again confirming that music can connect cultures.
Traditional meets
colourful
To celebrate 35 years of RIMOWA
in Japan, we have launched a spe­
cial collection that reflects the rela­
tionship between the past and
future. The exclusive alumin­
ium collection is based on
the Classic Flight model and
stands out for its amber lea­
ther handles. The specially cre­
ated logo on the aluminium shell is also
guaranteed to turn heads. When you open the suitcase,
a modern and colourful pattern represents the fun as­
pect of travel.
A selection of stickers is included to allow a personal
Store opening in Abu Dhabi
On 26 October, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan opened the first RIMOWA store in the Middle East with
CEO Dieter Morszeck. His Excellency Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier, German Ambassador to the UAE, was also invited
to celebrate the grand opening in Abu Dhabi Mall together with many other guests.
Located on the first floor, the 185 sq m store contains the entire
­ IMOWA luggage range as the well as leather accessories. The new
R
store has expanded the regional network of retail outlets.
CEO Dieter Morszeck was very pleased by this development: ‘Abu
Dhabi is a city that is changing very quickly. Our suitcases are not only
items of luggage, but a statement of quality. This new store bring us into
direct contact with our customers, allowing them to choose from our
complete collection.’
touch: individual decoration can be added to the outer
shell of the case to customise its appearance. In addition to
an attaché case and cabin case, there are three larger suit­
cases to choose from. A limited number of the special edi­
tion cases went on sale at the
end of November in Japanese
RIMOWA stores.
RIMOWA INSIDE
No. 6/2015
The RIMOWA
Junkers F13 BOOK
by Bernd Huckenbeck
Dear Readers,
For everyone involved, the replica Junkers F13 is not just any
project, but a real labour of love.
Back in October 2013, it was already clear that we should
not build this aircraft behind closed doors. For that reason,
we searched for a creative team to make a book and docu­
mentary.
We described the work of Alice Häuser and her production
company ah-tv in the previous issue of INSIDE. With Gregor
Kaluza, we also had the right photographer on board for the
film and book.
Finding a suitable publisher for the book proved to be a little
more challenging. Which company was a good fit for us and
our project? Or rather which publishing house was interested
in working with us?
A miniature RIMOWA F13
After all, the aim was not to create technical documentation
describing every single rivet and screw, but to present the story
of the most important aircraft in aviation history (now already
forgotten!) as well as the development process, intensive
­research work and members of the project team.
In October, visitors to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur were able to experience the fascinating world of aviation his­
tory. An exhibition in the main hall of the shopping centre presented the return of the legendary Junkers
F13, which was built for the first time in 1919. The main point of focus was a miniature replica of the air­
craft, unveiled by RIMOWA in the summer. The details are an exact match of the original, inspiring people
of all ages. The plane was positioned on a rotating platform so that it could be seen from every angle. The
exhibition also featured an overview of the company’s development with museum-worthy suitcases sym­
bolising milestones in the history of RIMOWA. The entire exhibition area and the way leading there were
designed like a runway, allowing visitors to become immediately immersed in the atmosphere of aviation
and travel.
In autumn 2014, publisher Hendrik teNeues showed real
­enthusiasm for the book. Then, in early 2015, a group of
­authors was set up to work with the team at teNeues.
For the section on history, we were able to recruit Lennart
Andersson from Sweden and Gunter Endres, who lives in
the UK. Stefan Bitterle, an aviation journalist and pilot
from Cologne, was commissioned to write the rest of the
volume.
As project director, it fell to me to coordinate the work of the
authors and to source historical photographs from various
archives.
Although the RIMOWA F13 is not yet up in the air, the book
will be available in shops before Christmas. What’s more, an
app will keep readers up to date during the upcoming test
flight phase for the F13.
Happy reading!
The first store in Spain
The first RIMOWA store in Spain has opened its doors in Salamanca, an
exclusive area of central Madrid. Calle de Serrano is one of the busiest shop­
ping streets in the city, popular with locals and tourists alike. The store
­covers around 90 sq m and presents the complete product range, including
leather accessories. A real highlight of the modern design is the black room
at the back of the store, where the aluminium cases are lit up by small spot­
lights. The wall next to the till area also has a special feature: a series of
photographs and short texts documents an impressive 117 years of com­
pany history.
RIMOWA INSIDE
No. 6/2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas traditions
Black in fashion
The favourite suitcases of the stars say it all. Actors Jared Leto, Donald Sutherland and Cara Delevingne show real
style, putting their black RIMOWA suitcases on display at international airports. Salsa, Bolero or Salsa Deluxe –
polycarbonate cases from RIMOWA are timelessly elegant and the perfect match for any outfit.
There are many different traditions and customs around the
world when it comes to Christmas, but decorating a tree
can create a festive mood in any country. Baubles, stars,
figurines, icicles, candy canes and tinsel are the perfect way
to make your tree something very personal. The RIMOWA
Christmas bauble adds a little sparkle to green branches
while hinting at the possibility of a certain gift under the
tree. What keen traveller wouldn’t be over the moon to
­receive a new RIMOWA Topas?
RIMOWA wishes everyone a merry Christmas!
Jared Leto
Donald Sutherland
Cara Delevingne
Amenity kits
for AirClub
The exclusive RIMOWA amenity kits are used only on se­
lected flights or for special events. At present, the popular
kits can be found on AirClub planes. The miniature poly­
carbonate cases contain products from Molton Brown or
Gucci and are handed out to passengers by the cabin crew
before take-off.
AirClub is the first airline alliance to specialise in business
travel. With more than 100 planes, AirClub offers charter
flights for four to 55 people. All seven airlines in the alli­
ance meet the highest standards of the aviation industry,
serving destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas and
the Middle East.
Aloha
Address:
e Hawaii
RIMOWA Stor
Blvd
1450 Ala Moana
814
Honolulu, HI 96
In the middle of November, the second RIMOWA store in Hawaii opened its doors. The establishment, which
covers 110 sq m, was opened with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. One of the vital ingredients, of course, was
the traditional cake shaped like a suitcase – cut as usual by CEO Dieter Morszeck. ‘Hawaii has been a very successful market for RIMOWA for many years. Customers here know our brand very well, and we are pleased to offer
them another store,’ he explains. The outlet in the Ala Moana Center offers one of the largest ranges of RIMOWA
products in the US.
Published by: RIMOWA GmbH, Richard-Byrd-Str. 13, 50829 Cologne, Germany, www.rimowa.com