Paul Smith Collaborates with RAWROW to Create the ‘Alu’ Series

“You know it’s time for a vacation when you start looking like the person on your passport” — Unknown

The quintessentially British fashion brand, Paul Smith, known for blending classic tailoring with quirky, unexpected details has teamed up with South Korean travel-gear innovator RAWROW to launch a limited‑edition version of RAWROW’s celebrated aluminium Alū luggage series. Marking Paul Smith’s first foray with a Korean brand, the result is a coming together of craftsmanship and colour that offers an eccentric twist on traditional travel trunks.

Function Meets Fun

The four-size capsule collection reimagines RAWROW’s signature aluminium roller trunks. At its largest is the 108-litre checked in luggage with a weight of ~6.8kg and is perfect for those that tend to travel with multiple outfit changes and the kitchen sink! A further two sizes, again for checked in luggage but a little more logistically friendly, include the 88-litre and 61-litre sizes. For those looking for a carry-on from the Paul Smith x RAWROW ‘Alu’ Series, airline carrier dependent of course, the final option in the collection is the 50-litre trunk with a weight of ~4.9kg.

All four options have RAWROW’s signature exterior shell made from aircraft-grade aluminium, a built-in self-weighing scale handle, a TSA-approved lock, a hidden document pocket, ultra-quiet Hinomoto Lisof® wheels and the patented TT HANDLE™ system with interchangeable navy leather wraps, which also conveniently doubles up as a hanger. As for the Paul Smith twist – the British brand’s signature flair can be seen in the lining of the pockets showcasing their striped motif as well as colour highlights to the corners and handles of the durable luggage trunks. Each trunk is also finished with a leather name tag and metal logo plate, making it an ideal accessory to accompany your stylish airport outfit.

About the Brands

Rooted in British heritage, Paul Smith celebrates traditional craftsmanship while injecting humour, colour and individuality into its products. Hallmarks of British eccentricity, the brand’s designs reflect a refined yet playful take on contemporary British style and culture. Sir Paul Smith, drawing on years of global travel, is cited as a “guiding influence” behind the collection and was keen to ensure this collaboration reflected his belief that travel should be smart and stylish.

RAWROW on the other hand is a South Korean travel‑gear brand that specialises in high‑end luggage. Founded in Seoul in late 2011, RAWROW’s inception into the luggage world was as a minimalist carry goods label by designer Wee Hyun Lee (also known as “Q”). The brand’s focus was raw simplicity and functional elegance, hence the brand name combining the words “raw” and “row”.

RAWROW’s mission is simple – create bags that fulfil the essential functions of protection, organisation and mobility while evolving through user experience. Their R TRUNK range even won an iF Design Award in 2019 for its smart, user-focused design. In short, RAWROW create extremely durable and thoughtfully designed everyday bags that blend minimalist Korean aesthetics with travel-engineering innovation.

So if your passport photo is starting to look all to similar and you’re looking for an excuse for an adventure, why not purchase one of the Paul Smith × RAWROW Alū R Trunks, fill it to the brim and get travelling, it’s a smart‑meets‑sartorial travel solution that is sure to elevate your travel experience.

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Edward Lumley
Edward Lumley

Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.

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