Rimowa Salsa: The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

This Dance Partner Gets You to the Gate On Time

Let's face it, when lounging in an airport lounge, we're judged as much by our choice of travel gear as we are by that other social indicator, our shoes. I'll readily admit to having luggage envy on a somewhat regular basis. Until I took a trip with my first Rimowa Salsa. And I tell you, it was love at first sight. Weighing about as much as much as a full bodied glass of Shiraz when empty, the Rimowa Salsa is one svelte piece of smart.

Like it or not, your luggage is a representation of your taste so choose with care. Poor quality bags cause headaches along the way so spend the extra cash in the first place and guarantee your peace of mind rather than simple opt for the cheapest fix you can find.

Rimowa luggage is renowned for its lightweight material and resilient shape. The luggage is made from 100% polycarbonate, a plastic that is easily molded, and is highly temperature and impact resistant. The Rimowa Salsa can bend and boomerang back into its original shape, once the initial pressure is released. Why limit the items you can take home when you can simply pass the weight limit by using a lighter suitcase? Most of the time, it is the suitcases that add that excess weight. Aside from that, carrying a Rimowa is never a pain because they are so light and easy to use.

While this German brand is known for its high-end bags, you're not paying a premium for designer logos and other flashy features. The discreetly chic pieces are built tough enough to endure the most punishing baggage belts while packing your protected cargo in luxe compartments.

Rimowa first rose to popularity among discerning travelers back in the 1950s, when the major shift from land travel to air travel was made. Today, Rimowa's Salsa luggage collection is one of the finest you will find on the market, full stop. Although they keep a low weight, the Salsa bags keep a high standard of durability. They are designed so that they are flexible for packing, yet virtually indestructible at the same time. Rimowa combined the soft-side luggage, which is flexible, with the hard-side luggage, which is stable.

The Rimowa Salsa series also takes security seriously. The locking system in each bag is quite innovative. Salsa bags come with standard TSA locks that are embedded into the structure of the bag in case anyone tries to break it. These locks are combination locks that subsequently lock up the zippers. Rimowa has certainly taken security into consideration as there's almost nothing left vulnerable.

My favourite feature is the ease of navigation with the Rimowa Salsa luggage. There are four wheels at the bottom of the case. All four allow a complete 360-degree turn, tough as steel ball-bearing wheels. Think of the wheels on the bottom of most office chairs, but with a roll even smoother than a trackball mouse!

The outside is clean and functional: handles are cleanly integrated and do not catch on clothing and fabric - vitally important to the sartorially obsessed here at WOMAN.ca! Raised bumper pads protect the sides of the case from unnecessary wear and tear, while the hinge is protected by a durable synthetic brace to prevent separation of the bag or loss of spring in the mechanism. In a savvy stroke, the zipper is recessed into the sides, protecting it from wear, and is a durable and smooth mechanism.

Yes, it may seem a bit pricey, it's worth the cost as this is heirloom-quality luggage and will last for generations. They will outlast typical soft-sided or inexpensive hard-sided bags by decades and save money in the long run. These bags are like an investment, not simply a purchase. For the more frequent traveler or businessperson though, these cases are great tools. This durability comes from the grooved polycarbonate exterior, coupled with an internal aluminum frame. They do not shatter or tear like typical suitcases might be prone to do. One sure way to make the stressful process of high-traffic transit a little easier is to have quality luggage. The Rimowa Salsa series makes jet-setting a total breeze.

The Rimowa luggage may be purchased online with Amazon having a pretty good selection and great prices. Or, when in Toronto, visit the Canadian flagship store in Yorkville:

RIMOWA 101 Bloor West, 416-922-2644, rimowa.com

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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