Inspired by the history of colour in art, RIMOWA’s latest Essential and Groove collections arrived in Seoul with two new shades that put a fresh spin on the everyday travel companion.
There’s something about a good suitcase that makes it more than just a vessel for getting from one place to another. It becomes part of the journey itself, from the airport dash to the hotel check-in and every moment in between. And while functionality remains essential, RIMOWA is making a case for giving colour a little more consideration too.
On 7 October, the German Maison brought its latest seasonal Essential and Groove collections to Seoul, unveiling two new shades – Umber and Ultramarine – at Layer Studio 41 in Seongsu. Set within the creative district’s industrial surrounds, the event brought together more than 200 guests, including actor Ahn Hyo-seop , SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups, South Korean actress Shin Ye-eun and Thai actor & singer PP Krit.
Set against the raw, industrial setting of Layer Studio 41, the collection was presented through two distinct colour-led spaces: one in Ultramarine, the other in Umber. The blue was vivid and saturated, bringing an immediate sense of boldness to the room. Umber, meanwhile, proved more nuanced than its earthy brown appearance might suggest.
Depending on the colour surrounding it, the shade seemed to shift in character. Within the Ultramarine room, Umber appeared cooler and more muted; against its own warm-toned setting, it took on a richer, earthier quality. It was a subtle but effective demonstration of how context can shape our perception of colour — and how the same shade can feel entirely different depending on what sits alongside it.
The contrast also gave the two new colourways their own personalities. Ultramarine made a statement through its intensity, while Umber offered a more understated warmth, showing how a change in colour can lend familiar travel essentials a different mood.
The shades appear across RIMOWA’s Essential polycarbonate suitcases, as well as the Groove collection of leather bags and soft accessories. It’s a cross-category approach that brings a sense of cohesion to pieces designed for different parts of daily life, whether that means packing for a long-haul trip or reaching for a bag on an ordinary day in the city.
At the heart of the reveal is a simple idea: the things we carry can be practical without feeling purely utilitarian. A suitcase may be built around movement, but its colour and design can also say something about the person carrying it. Umber offers a more understated, grounded palette, while Ultramarine brings a bolder hit of blue for those who prefer their travel essentials with a little more presence.
Both shades also reflect RIMOWA’s wider approach to design, where function and aesthetics are expected to work together. Since its founding in 1898, the Maison has built its reputation around travel essentials shaped by craftsmanship and innovation, from its aviation-inspired aluminium suitcases to its pioneering use of polycarbonate. The new colourways bring another dimension to that legacy, shifting the focus from material and construction to the role colour plays in how a piece is experienced.
First revealed in Seoul, the RIMOWA Umber and Ultramarine collection is now available in RIMOWA boutiques and online.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
