Palm Springs Capsule Collection

Globe-Trotter pays homage to the timeless style, sophistication and natural beauty of Palm Springs with a new capsule collection.

There are some places in the world that just exude cool. The rock’n’roll streets of Berlin, downtown New York, Shoreditch in East London and Palm Springs, California. Los Angeles may be the big draw of the Golden State, but Palm Springs offers an alternative slice of the West Coast. This is Slim Aarons and Coachella country: a sun-drenched desert with a retro neon vibe, the birthplace of Mid-century architecture and a rich (and sometimes eyebrow-raising) history as Hollywood’s playground.

This is where Golden Age Tinseltown stars took time out in immaculately designed homes – among them Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. Modern A-listers Kris and Kourtney Kardashian have luxury abodes in the prestigious La Quinta neighbourhood, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s beautiful ranch-style estate near downtown Palm Springs, which was originally designed for singer Dinah Shore in the 1960s, is even available as a holiday rental.

‘In the past, there was a misconception that Palm Springs was a place for only retirees but in recent years it has become a trendy getaway for travellers from around the world offering a variety of signature events, outdoor adventure and rejuvenation, attracting visitors of all ages to this Southern California oasis,’ says Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs. ‘But there’s a feeling of serenity and pure inspiration you don’t find in many other places. This is due largely in part to the unique landscape and natural beauty this destination offers – Greater Palm Springs truly is an oasis in the desert. And with one of the largest concentrations of Mid-century Modern architecture in the world, timeless glamour and sophistication is in our DNA, inspiring a relaxed, poolside lifestyle all its own.’

With the recent launch of the Globe-Trotter Los Angeles Flagship store, this year Globe-Trotter is paying homage to the City of Angels’ trendy neighbour with the all-new Palm Springs capsule collection. Launched to coincide with this year’s Modernism Week, this stylish edit takes inspiration from the Modernist aesthetic with a colour palette inspired by the desert resort town.

To achieve this, Globe-Trotter worked with Greater Palm Springs on the collection’s colour palette to ‘reflect the Southern California lifestyle and scenery of Greater Palm Springs.’

‘Cream captures the stunning desert mountain backdrop, yellow and blue mirror the endless sunshine and sparkling pools, and green represents the oasis of swaying palm trees and lush landscape,’ explains Pace. ‘Inside, a starburst pattern resembling the iconic sputnik chandeliers of the ’50s and ’60s pays homage to the destination’s rich Mid-century modern architecture and history.’

The collection includes Large Check-In and Carry-On cases, a Small Attaché and two luggage tags in sunshine yellow – plus an exclusive Palm Springs leather travel sticker in a suitably vintage style. Globe-Trotter jetted off to the West Coast to shoot the campaign with renowned photographer Aaron Feaver. The shoot took place in the Modernist-inspired Ware Estate, designed by architect Don Boss. This stunning home is located in celebrity hotspot Old Las Palmas (where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967) and features seven negative-edge pools, walls of glass and native gardens. It was chosen by Globe-Trotter to highlight the area’s Mid-century architecture and show off the collection to maximum impact.

Guide To Greater Palm Springs

The Best Bars & Restaurants

Visit Tac/Quila in downtown Palm Springs for its eclectic/stylish atmosphere, margarita flights, and elevated, beautifully plated Mexican cuisine. At Truss & Twine, a chic bar in Palm Springs, drinks are named according to the time period, from the Golden Age through Prohibition and modern times. Wilma & Frieda at The Gardens on El Paseo is a favourite breakfast and brunch spot, serving comfort foods with a twist. Chúla Artisan Eatery in La Quinta serves seasonally inspired, farm-to-table dishes made from family recipes (think chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and green chile eggs Benedict). Since 1924, the Cafe at Shields has served “famous” date shakes and ice cream made with dates grown on the property’s 17-acre date farm. Most people don’t know that more than 95 per cent of the country’s dates are grown in Greater Palm Springs.

The Best Hiking Spots

The Indian Canyons, the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, are one of the most scenic hiking spots in Greater Palm Springs and a true gateway to exploring the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. More than 60 miles of hiking and walking trails wind through a spectacular landscape of lush palm groves, mountain-fed streams, fantastic rock formations and seasonal waterfalls.

The Best Hidden Gem

The area’s hot mineral springs, in general, are somewhat of a hidden gem because many people don’t realise how many are here. Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis offers day passes to soak in its mineral pools, among other wellness experiences, like its reflexology stream. Moorten Botanical Garden is a true gem for nature and plant lovers. Tucked away in a quiet part of South Palm Springs, Moorten Botanical Garden is home to the world’s first “cactarium”, a plant nursery, and walking paths that wind through 3,000 varieties of desert flora. Smoke Tree Stables is also a hidden treasure because many people don’t know they can go horseback riding just 5 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Excursions include horseback riding trips through the beautiful Indian Canyons.

The Best Family-Friendly Day Out

The Living Desert Zoo is a wonderful family-friendly attraction where little ones can learn more about desert animals and plantlife. It has consistently been named one of the top 10 zoos in the US by Condé Nast Traveler. In addition to giraffe feedings, families can sign up for animal encounters and explore new exhibits like the Rhino Savanna and Australian Adventures, where wallabies stroll alongside you in an open habitat. A few hiking trails into the surrounding mountains even depart from inside the zoo, which is unique in itself.

The Best Public Art

Etherea, also originally part of the Coachella music festival, was installed in downtown Coachella in 2019. The ghostly wire mesh sculpture by Edoardo Tresoldi, an Italian artist, appears almost transparent, depending on the light. The Coachella Walls, also in downtown Coachella, are big, colourful, and beautiful wall murals that depict and celebrate the life and struggles of the local population.

Discover the Globe-Trotter x Palm Springs capsule collection online and at Globe-Trotter Flagship stores in London, Tokyo and Los Angeles.