Globe-Trotter luxury luggage

Globe-Trotter is a world-renowned luxury travel brand, best known for its iconic handcrafted suitcases and accessories. The brand was established in 1897 by British entrepreneur David Nelken in Saxony, Germany. However, the company's manufacturing and identity became firmly rooted in England after it moved operations to the UK in the early 20th century (sources cite both 1901 and 1932 as key relocation milestones).

To this day, every Globe-Trotter case is handcrafted at its factory in Hertfordshire, England. The brand is famous for using 'vulcanised fibreboard,' a material patented in 1901 that is remarkably lightweight yet as durable as leather. Over the decades, Globe-Trotter has served prestigious figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill and has become a staple of pop culture as the official luggage of James Bond.

In terms of ownership, the brand remained with the founding Nelken family until 1985. Following a period of ownership by Malcolm Payton and later entrepreneur Toshiyasu Takubo, a majority stake was acquired in 2020 by Oakley Capital, a private equity firm based in the UK. This partnership aims to preserve the brand’s traditional craftsmanship while expanding its global luxury presence.