Rimowa Unveils Archive-Inspired Hammerschlag Collection
A two-style collection limited to just 966 and 1,898 pieces in each model, and a partnership with musician and composer Nils Frahm.
Founded in 1898, Rimowa is one of a few brands today that can lay claim to having operated across three separate centuries, and, with its latest release, the German maison delved deep into its own archive to seek inspiration. The result: Hammerschlag, a limited-edition, two style capsule that sees Rimowa reimagine the archival icon from which the collection gets its name, reviving it for modern times as the Hand-Carry Case Hammerschlag, and complimenting it with a new style in the form of the Cabin Hammerschlag.
German for “hammer hit”, Hammerschlag refers to a technique used by Rimowa craftsmen to make distinctive patterns on the outer metal frames of the bags. The dimples created capture and reflect light in a way flatter, non-textured surfaces do not, and hammerschlag bags became beloved in their time for their unique looks. Rimowa’s new version brings all of the charm of its predecessor with a sense heritage and vintage appeal found throughout the new bags, including the bags’ handles, modeled after a 1966 version Rimowa held in its archive, and the cognac-colored luggage tag that’s stamped with 1898.
The new collection also marks the first time Rimowa has reintroduced an archival style. To celebrate this, the brand partnered with Berlin-based musician Nils Frahm on the campaign for the collection’s launch, with Rimowa CEO Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert equating the pianist’s genius with the brand’s own values, stating the “craftsmanship behind his music holds up a mirror to our values, making this partnership truly special.”
The limited-edition Hammerschlag collection is released on March 28 with the brand making 1,898 of the Cabin Hammerschlag and 966 Hand-Carry Case – each will be individually numbered. The Cabin Hammerschlag will be priced at €2,350 EUR (approximately $2,539 USD), whilst the Hand-Carry Cases will set you back €1,950 EUR (approximately $2,107 USD), and will be available at Rimowa stores worldwide and online.
