RIMOWA Groove Softens the Suitcase Grid Into Four Leather Bags

Shopping and Sliding Hobo are open-capacity bags designed to ride on luggage. Both include a removable two-in-one pouch, internal pockets and a handle arrangement that can secure over a RIMOWA telescopic handle. Shopping is more structured and our preferred on-board companion; Hobo sits closer to the body and changes shape with the load.

The Cross-Body Large and Small use a more case-like outline with a wide zip. Large handles everyday essentials without becoming a tote; Small is closer to a passport, phone and wallet bag. The two sizes are distinct bodies, not one bag with different straps.

• Travel pair: Shopping Bag and Sliding Hobo with luggage attachment
• Compact pair: Cross-Body Large and Small with wide zipped opening

RIMOWA enlarged and tightened its familiar line pattern, then pressed it into soft leather. From a distance the cross-body can resemble a rigid case; in use it yields and conforms to the body. That material reversal is the collection's most intelligent move, preserving instant recognition without forcing aluminium behaviour onto a handbag.

All four were made in Italy, with relief logos and a riveted interior logo plate. Black was the only permanent colour across the launch. Silver appeared seasonally on both cross-bodies, while Small alone gained Pink, Burgundy and Green. The colour map matters because campaign photographs can make the wider range appear more varied than it was.

• Permanent launch colour: Black on all four formats
• Seasonal launch colours: Silver on both cross-bodies; Pink, Burgundy and Green on Small

European launch RRPs ranged from €950 to €1,700. At those prices, buyers should judge leather, stitching, zip and strap comfort in person rather than purchasing on suitcase recognition alone. Soft construction improves body comfort but offers less crush protection than the visual language suggests.

Our verdict: Groove is a credible category expansion because it translates a design code instead of miniaturising a suitcase. Shopping makes the best practical case through capacity and luggage attachment. Small is the purest visual hit, but the weakest value by usable volume. Choose Hobo only if its sliding strap sits comfortably when loaded.

• Best for flights: Shopping Bag secured over a suitcase handle
• Best design statement: Cross-Body Small; weakest capacity value