The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

TYPICAL SUITCASE bitetravel NOT YOUR B ack in the late 19th century, when travelling trunks were made from heavy wood and leather rein- forced with iron bases, they were handled roughly in transportation. To ensure these stitched and riv- eted luggage were securely strong, luxury leather purveyor Globe-Trotter used vulcanised fibreboard that proved more robust than steel. They demonstrated this claim by using one cabin case to bear the total weight of a one-ton elephant at the Zoological Gardens in Hamburg, Germany. The first waterproof trunk patented by heritage luggage brand Moynat in 1854 used a canvas coated in gutta percha gum, protecting it from water, humidity and temperature. The immigration law changes in the early 1900s shifted from passenger transport to tourism with fleets of luxury cruise liners welcoming the haute monde (high world) onboard, lavished with champagne bars and ballrooms, fine dining and ample public spaces with deck sports, sun loungers, smoking rooms and gyms.