Cover SG Lewis, Eric Nam and Wisdom Kaye (Photo: Rimowa)
SG Lewis, Eric Nam and Wisdom Kaye (Photo: Rimowa)
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What went down at the exclusive hosted event that saw stars such as Blackpink’s Rose in attendance
Throngs of curious onlookers gathered outside New York City’s dazzling Chelsea Factory on the evening of September 7. Pounding music and beaming strobe lights spilled out from the venue right in the heart of the city’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, a mere two blocks from the Hudson River. A line of lucky invited guests snaked along the side of the red brick building, each brimming with excitement and eager to enter.
This was the very first official evening of New York Fashion Week, so perhaps an unwitting passerby might think such crowds were attracted by a glamourous fashion show. Rather, what waited inside was an infinitely more special event: the opening night of ‘Seit 1898’, the 125th-anniversary exhibition of one of the world’s most famous luggage brands, Rimowa.
Founded in 1898 in Germany, Rimowa boasts an expansive history of high-quality luggage manufacturing. Yet, at the same time, the brand’s creations feel consistently interesting and novel, likely due to their unyielding investment in innovation. Perhaps this is due to the brand’s frequent collaborations with labels as varied as streetwear brand Supreme and high fashion house Dior. Rimowa’s immense archive was on display at this travelling exhibition, which first premiered in Tokyo and will also make stops in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Cologne. ‘Seit 1898’ (which translates from German to ‘since 1898’) showcases pieces donated by a host of Rimowa suitcase lovers, including basketball star LeBron James, model Bella Hadid, and music producer Pharrell Williams. The exhibition is open to the public from September 8 to the 17. If the extraordinary turnout at the opening night is anything to go by, then there is no doubt this exhibition will be a wildly popular Fashion Week event.
Above Rosé of Blackpink
Rosé of Blackpink
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Indeed, the appearance of K-pop starlet Rosé (one-quarter of the hugely successful girl group Blackpink) at this event did nothing to dispel the eager crowds. Rosé, together with soccer star Kylian Mbappé and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, are the faces of Rimowa’s newest video campaign. Rosé officially cut the ribbon and launched ‘Seit 1898’, prompting many an excited squeal from gathered fans.
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Other celebrities in attendance included the dazzling British fashion model Adwoa Aboah and popular German social media influencer Xenia Adonts. Finally, though
Mbappé and Hamilton were not in New York to attend this opening night, a surprise performance by Central Cee, at present the UK’s biggest rap star, drew the night to a close, all but ensuring this would be an evening to remember. On top of his signature tracksuit, Central Cee donned one of Rimowa’s trendiest new products, a mini metallic silver crossbody bag. Such a star-studded guest list is certainly a testament to the enduring appeal of Rimowa as far more than a traditional luggage company: its 125-year legacy, coupled with its commitment to cutting-edge design, culminates in a design house that will truly stand the test of time.
Click through the gallery below for more photos of the event.
Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim
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