RIMOWA
125-YEAR RESTROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION - SEIT 1898
Timeless Journeys
Following its debut in Tokyo, RIMOWA's 125-year retrospective exhibition is now set to make its second stop on its global tour in New York City. The exhibition, titled "SEIT 1898," which translates from German to mean 'Since 1898,' pays homage to the legendary brand's origins in Cologne, Germany, 125 years ago. Over the years, RIMOWA's luggage has evolved into an iconic symbol of adventure, luxury, and craftsmanship, instantly recognizable by its signature anodized grooved aluminum body. Just as travel has rapidly transformed over the past century, RIMOWA's cases have continually adapted, taking on new forms and functions with each generation. Visitors to "SEIT 1898" are invited to explore the history of travel, culture, and technology through the retrospective featuring over 100 RIMOWA cases.
Coinciding with New York Fashion Week, "SEIT 1898" will be open to the public at Chelsea Factory, located at 547 W 26th Street, from September 8th to September 17th, 2023.
Discover the legacy of rimowa
At the SEIT 1898 New York exhibition, RIMOWA highlights a thoughtfully curated selection from its vast archive to uncover its rich history. Each diorama frames a moment from the brand’s past which has played a defining role in shaping its identity. This journey through time meanders through the expansive industrial space at Chelsea Factory and highlights the materials, locations, individuals, style trends, and craftsmanship that have together contributed to the brand‘s legacy. Establishing a foundation for the show, the iconic RIMOWA Cabin is ‘exploded’ in mid-air, exposing the clean skeleton of the classic case in suspended, observable detail.
reading the history of travel through 100 cases
RIMOWA’s 125th anniversary exhibition SEIT 1898 falls at a moment in time when the world is rekindling its love for travel — and redefining a modern lifestyle based on remote working and living. This current era marks another major turning point in the ever-changing timeline of what it means to move. What’s more, global travel is perhaps more accessible than ever in the 21st century. The show lays out a series of scenes which unfold glimpses into the past, as unique cases are displayed as both artifacts of our collective heritage, and reminders of once-new technologies.
A unique RIMOWA case that had traveled through Ellis Island has been preserved, and will be on view at SEIT 1898 — a meaningful artifact for New Yorkers. With its dents and scars, the case is shown as a reminder of immigrant struggles, especially during the tumultuous 20th century, while emphasizing the brand’s quality and resilience even from its earliest years.
Within the dioramas of RIMOWA's New York exhibition, attendees will encounter captivating collaborations and rare glimpses into the personal cases of notable figures such as Billie Eilish, Martha Stewart, Roger Federer, Patti Smith, and Spike Lee. Alongside these privately-owned cases, "SEIT 1898" showcases brand partnerships with iconic names like Off-White and Dior, as well as artifacts from pop culture, including the briefcase from 'Mission Impossible IV.' The collection also boasts purpose-built creations, spanning from poker sets to cigar cases, and even Stradivarius violin cases. Notable milestones in the brand's evolution, such as the introduction of the iconic grooves in luggage design in 1950, are highlighted.
Collectively, this thoughtfully curated selection offers a comprehensive exploration of RIMOWA's significant contributions to the ever-evolving realm of travel culture, spanning from the late 19th century to the present day.
