Rolls-Royce makes the case for luxury

The company best known for automotive craftsmanship has turned its attention from cars to suitcases.

The Wraith Luggage Collection is a set of bespoke bags designed to fit perfectly into the rear of a Rolls-Royce Wraith, in terms of quality and style as well as size.

It consists of two 'Grand Tourer' valises, three 'Long Weekender' bags and a garment carrier. Created by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer Michael Bryden, it also got help from the company's head of automotive design, Giles Taylor.

According to Bryden, each piece of the collection had to faithfully follow the design aesthetics of a Rolls-Royce.

"The latest technologies and materials are blended with traditional crafts and techniques, leading to an elegantly executed and thoroughly contemporary luggage collection," he said.

That's why, for instance, the wheels on the cases -- just like on Rolls-Royce cars -- are self-righting, with the RR badge never changing its position.

But beyond potential gimmicks, the attention to detail is remarkable. Each handle was designed and redesigned until it perfectly distributed the bag's weight when carried.

Invisible stitching, a technique more commonly associated with the world's most exclusive garment makers, has been adopted so that if a case or bag comes into contact with the owner's body, there is nothing to snag or catch clothing on.

But more importantly, before creating the luggage collection, Rolls-Royce sought out advice and guidance from head butlers at a number of the world's most exclusive hotels.

To ensure strength without adding weight, the Grand Tourer cases have been made from carbon fibre and each element of the collection is wrapped in the same premium leather hide found inside every Rolls-Royce. The collection can be hand-stitched in a thread colour to match a client's car and is available in mono or two-tone leather finish.

The collection is available to order now from Rolls-Royce dealerships and is priced at £24,248 in the UK, €28,984 in Europe and $45,854 in the US.