NYFW Exhibition | RIMOWA's SEIT 1898: A 125-Year Journey Through Travel and Craftsmanship
Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through time, travel, and craftsmanship as RIMOWA, the illustrious luggage brand, celebrates its 125th anniversary with an awe-inspiring retrospective NYFW exhibition. Titled SEIT 1898, which translates to ‘Since 1898’ in German, this exhibition is a homage to the brand’s origins in Cologne, Germany, and its evolution into an iconic symbol of adventure, luxury and masterful craftsmanship. Renowned for its signature grooved aluminum body, RIMOWA’s luggage has accompanied globetrotters on their quests for over a century, adapting to the changing tides of travel with each generation.
Following its debut in Tokyo, the SEIT 1898 exhibition is set to grace the vibrant streets of New York City, making it the second stop on its global tour. From September 8th to September 17th, 2023, just in time for New York Fashion Week, this immersive experience will be open to the public at Chelsea Factory, 547 W 26th Street.
Unearthing RIMOWA’s Rich Heritage
At the heart of the SEIT 1898 NYFW Exhibition lies a curated selection from RIMOWA’s extensive archive, unveiling the brand’s storied history. Each diorama meticulously captures pivotal moments from RIMOWA’s past, moments that have significantly shaped its identity. This journey through time unfolds within the expansive industrial space at Chelsea Factory, shedding light on the materials, locations, individuals, style trends, and craftsmanship that have collectively woven the tapestry of the brand’s legacy.
One of the exhibition’s centerpiece installations is the ‘exploded’ RIMOWA Cabin, suspended mid-air, offering a transparent view of the classic case’s clean skeleton in remarkable detail. It serves as the foundation for the entire exhibition, symbolizing RIMOWA’s commitment to transparency and precision.
Deciphering Travel’s Evolution Through 100 Cases
As RIMOWA commemorates its 125th anniversary, the world is rekindling its love for travel. The exhibition is perfectly timed, as it coincides with a global resurgence in exploration and a redefinition of modern lifestyles centered around remote working and living. This era marks a significant juncture in the ever-evolving concept of movement. SEIT 1898 unfolds a series of captivating scenes that offer glimpses into the past, showcasing unique cases as both artifacts of our collective heritage and reminders of once-revolutionary technologies.
Notably, the exhibition features a remarkable RIMOWA case that traversed through Ellis Island, resonating deeply with New Yorkers as a meaningful artifact. Scarred and dented from its journey, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by immigrants, particularly during the tumultuous 20th century. It also underscores RIMOWA’s enduring commitment to quality and resilience from its earliest days.
A Showcase of Collaborations and Milestones
As you explore the exhibition’s dioramas, you’ll encounter intriguing collaborations and rarely-seen cases belonging to public figures such as Billie Eilish, Martha Stewart, Roger Federer, Patti Smith, and Spike Lee. SEIT 1898 also shines a spotlight on brand collaborations with fashion icons like Off-White and Dior, along with pop-culture artifacts like the briefcase from ‘Mission Impossible IV.’ The collection boasts purpose-built pieces, ranging from poker sets to cigar cases and even Stradivarius violin cases. Notable milestones, including the introduction of the iconic grooves in 1950, are highlighted, showcasing the brand’s evolution.
This thoughtfully curated selection offers an immersive exploration of RIMOWA’s profound contributions to the ever-evolving culture of travel, spanning from the late 19th century to the present day.
Rediscover the Essence of Travel with RIMOWA’s SEIT 1898 exhibition in New York City, a journey through history and craftsmanship that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Chelsea Factory
547 W 26th Street, NYC
September 8th – 17th, 2023
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