By Katie Dominy /asdf 05-11-2008

Viktor & Rolf's new luggage collection for Samsonite Black Label heralds a return to the old-school glamourama style of travel.

Launched at a catwalk show in Madrid at the Royal Tapestry Factory, ‘Happy Travel’ is the result of the latest collaboration between Viktor & Rolf and Samsonite Black Label. The designers explain that ‘happy travel’ is the underlying theme behind the collection of luxurious soft leather travel bags, beauty cases and accessories. With pieces for both men and women, the line encapsulates many details that Viktor & Rolf are well known for such as the oversized bow, here reinterpreted into glossy patent leather. A design in black, entitled the ‘Ladies Spinner’ (better known to luggage- luddites as the ‘wheelie suitcase’) even has a dress-style pleated front panel below its bow.

In addition to black, cheery upbeat lipstick red and navy blue are offered as alternative colourways. A naïve-style airplane motif is designed into an allover print that from a distance mimics the geometric logos of luxury luggage brands. The classic metal purse clasp from the 50s is enlarged into a gold metal version atop many of the women’s bags.

'Over the years, travel has become so difficult', Viktor Horsting said in an article in wgsn.com. 'We wanted to recapture a more childlike feeling of travel.' The duo saw it as a challenge to get away from the traditional perception of luggage as impersonal and highly technical and to add a touch of humour.

For Samsonite CEO Marcello Bottoli, it is the duo’s characteristic style for surreal and theatrical design that appealed to the label, saying, 'We look for people who are provocative, not classical.'

The Viktor & Rolf line will be distributed through all Samsonite Black Label stores, premium department stores and online at Samsonite Black Label.

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