Carry-On! Luggage: Globetrotter
These Italian made bags debuted in Fall 1986 and had an issue devoted to them by name, the Fall 1986 Update “Carry On!” catalogue. They replaced the Italian made Linea Viaggio line.
“To create our new luggage, we went to Italy, where we found our fabric–tightly woven, water-repellent Belgian linen–at the factory that’s used it for 40 years to make bags for the Italian army. To ensure that our cowhide trim would reflect years and miles with an honest patina, we opted for pure and simple tanning with water and tannin. And we finished each piece with real brass hardware. The results surpassed even our stiff criteria. But would they please as discerning a critic and traveler as Paul Therous? We shipped off a set and awaited his dispatch.”
Spoiler alert: Theroux was a fan.
Globetrotter
From the catalogue: “A capacious carryall that seems to expand and contract by magic. Really it’s just cleverly designed, with fold-out top opening for easy access and a 2-inch wide buckled leather strap to cinch everything down. A most adaptable traveler.”
Hello Robyn! I purchased the bag above. It’s really nice, looks in much better shape than the photos. I’m in love with it! I got it for a much better price than listed.
Like you, I have never seem any of the linen luggage in real life (I may have seen them in the stores, but don’t recall) or for sale before this one. I think they are quite rare. (There is one of the Linea Viaggio shoulder bags on ebay now.)
Thanks so much for all the work on this site, all the details on the logos and shirts. So much fun! The site is gorgeous.
Oh, I’m so glad you got it!
Hey Robyn:
Just letting you know how much I enjoy this site and how I miss the original Banana Republic. I briefly worked at the Union Station store in St. Louis during the Ziegler years, shortly after that iconic train station was turned into a hotel/mall complex. The store opening was quite an event at the time. The store had an Army jeep protruding through the glass front window. I craved one of the faux-elephant-hide day-timers managers were given, but at least I was able to use my employee discount to bag some cool BR gear. To this day I try to dress in the “old” BR style, which is timeless and practical, and look for clothing and footwear that match that aesthetic (and quality).
Thanks, David, I’m glad you found us! Wow, I’m so jealous you got to work there! Now I know to be on the lookout for an elephant hide daytimer. I love employee gear. And I always enjoy hearing about the jeeps!!