Miniature Heroes: Globe-Trotter unveils the Mayfair Case

The groundbreaking new collection features a miniaturised version of the Centenary suitcase, reimagined as a versatile cross-body bag

Like all modern icons of design – an Eames armchair; an Alessi 9093 kettle – a Globe-Trotter suitcase is instantly recognisable. Even if the casual passer-by isn’t familiar with the 127-year history of Globe-Trotter, or the fact that every case is built by hand in England using traditional craftsmanship techniques, the suitcase’s unmistakable style and silhouette is identifiable and admired the world over. To quote the famous 1927 advertising slogan from Traub Manufacturing Company, a Globe-Trotter is ‘often imitated, never duplicated’.

Globe-Trotter has evolved organically over the past century and a quarter; from manufacturing sturdy suitcases favoured by early explorers Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Edmund Hillary to expanding into luxury leather accessories, vanity cases, handbags and collaborations with contemporary visionaries; from Tiffany & Co. to Tyler, the Creator.

Now, 2024 sees the latest milestone for Globe-Trotter with the launch of the Mayfair collection. Unlike the London Square handbag range or, indeed, a new suitcase collection, the Mayfair Case is an exact replica of the Centenary suitcase, reinvented as a perfectly miniaturised version.

The Centenary luggage collection was introduced in 1997 to mark 100 years of Globe-Trotter, and has since become the company’s signature silhouette – characterised by its leather corners and straps covering the Vulcanised Fibreboard body. The new Mayfair Case is the first of its kind and the smallest Globe-Trotter bag to date.

The launch has been several years in the making, and pushed the capabilities of the technical team, who were tasked with “shrinking” a Globe-Trotter suitcase to miniature proportions while retaining both style and performance. This involved creating a lightweight metal frame with integrated hinges and a clasp, as well as an all-new interior organisation complete with internal leather zip-pockets for everyday essentials. It was important to imitate the Centenary suitcase design in exact miniature form, so the Mayfair Case is made from the very same Vulcanised Fibreboard and leather and even features a mini handle. It’s an innovative new way for Globe-Trotter aficionados to add to their collection and carry their favourite suitcase wherever they go.

The name Mayfair is a nod to the historic London neighbourhood where Globe-Trotter’s flagship boutique is located. This is an area synonymous with traditional craftsmanship and fashion, where heritage jewellers and shoemakers sit side by side in world-famous destinations such as Mount Street, Savile Row and Burlington Arcade – the London home of Globe-Trotter. So, there was clearly one neighbourhood where the accompanying Mayfair collection photoshoot should take place. Showcasing the versatility and elegant style of the new cross-body bag, two models walk the streets of Mayfair with snippets of quintessential London life in the background: historic architecture, a black taxi and the odd drizzly sky.

‘We are excited to introduce the new Mayfair collection,’ commented Globe-Trotter's creative director, Couli Jobert. ‘We have taken inspiration from the iconic Centenary suitcase design, to create a versatile cross-body bag perfect for any occasion. The range of colourways – from the vibrant Lemon Yellow, evoking the Mediterranean's sunny allure, to the romantic depth of Oxblood – ensures there's a style to suit every mood and journey.’