The Most Coveted Carry-Ons and Dreamy Suitcases — Inside the Luggage Debate

This is when I might throw out my Asian stereotype card: I have always been obsessed with bags. I’m a complete tote-holic and have too many man/messenger bags to count. That said, I thought why not hit the PaperCity Dallas team with a luggage question so I can go-t0-town with my answer.

For this week’s “Now Hear This” office question I asked: As we fantasize of summer vacations, what is your dream luggage?

Christina Geyer, Dallas Editor-in-Chief

I am a travel-light type of person. So, my dream luggage is… no luggage! All I need is an oversized tote — anything from an L.L. Bean Boat & Tote to a monogrammed Goyard will do — simply to carry plenty of books and magazines for my trip (and my toiletries, naturally). I’ll purchase all the clothing and anything else I need when I arrive at my destination.

That, my friends, is the ultimate dream. 

Billy Fong, Culture and Style Editor

Oh, where to begin? Currently, I have too many L.L. Bean Boat & Totes to count. Christina and I are two peas in a pod in that respect (maybe because we are both Geminis?). Most of them are monogrammed with things like: FAG, NERD, or my actual initials, WGF (William George Fong Jr.). I am a firm believer in personalization so I try and get almost everything monogrammed.

I have an incredibly chic vintage Gucci train case I acquired a few years back from Dallas’ Vintage Martini (now Martini Consignment). I recently took it to the talented Kris Ammon to monogram. It is now painted PREP beautifully in pink and green.

The rest of my current luggage is a hodge-podge of Brooks Brothers canvas duffel bags, a yummy forest green Marc Jacobs weekender and a Louis Vuitton burgundy garment bag.

So, on to the fantasy list. I covet a Goyard monogrammed tote in their blue on blue print. I’d probably embellish it with RICH. Then, the holy grail would be an Hermès weekend bag. I have recently come across the Capacity 45 Bag which seems highly affordable at $9,650 (perhaps I’ll pick-up two at that price). However, I’d probably be happiest with a classic Birkin 45 (B45). The bag that announces you are a high-roller from the moment you de-plane.

Megan Ziots, Dallas Digital Reporter

My dream luggage is the International Carry-On from Tumi’s Latitude collection in Blush. It’s pretty and looks like a great weekend get-away case. It has lots of zippers and compartments, which is fun. It also comes with a built-in lock and can be monogramed with initials.

It looks sturdy, like it could withstand me dropping it down an escalator, which is something I can see myself doing every time I’m in an airport.

Hillery Stack, Dallas Publisher

T. Anthony is my favorite luggage of all time. I have the full suite, in red with black trim and monograms of course… and yes Mike (my husband) has a set as well, although his colors are black with brown trim. While I love our luggage, they are really only useful when you are driving to your destination.

Carrying these bags on and off the plane (if we aren’t checking), can be a nuisance because the bags themselves are heavy and a bit bulky. That being said, my favorite airplane luggage is Away. It rolls seamlessly, includes a removable laundry bag and can charge my phone! What more could a gal dream of?

Maggie Wilson, Events and Partnerships Manager

I love my personalized Jon Hart luggage that I received as a gift after my high school graduation. I have seven different pieces, and each works so well in their different roles. It’s amazing how it still looks pretty much brand new even though I’ve had it for six years. 

However, the one downside to the set I have is that it’s the older luggage model with only the two wheels. I’d love some of the new suitcases with four wheels, which look a lot easier to manage when traveling. I love the design of the Away suitcases. The hard shell makes it durable and there are so many fun colors to choose from. Also, the added bonus of the battery charger for phones is attractive to me because I’m the person who never fails to leave my charger at home.

Samantha Olguin, Sales Account Director and Director of Business Development, Dallas

I look forward to escaping the sauna that is the Texas summer heat each and every July and August. This year though I’m in the middle of a big project which means travel might be pushed until September. This kind of makes me want to cry, but I will deal.  Meanwhile, I will daydream of that trip beginning with what I will be carrying to my destination of choice. These are a few of my favorites:

A Rimowa carry-on is obviously the cream of the crop. Everyone should own one.  I love that you can now get it in white.

I think Longchamp is the best because all the pieces are so classic and never go out of style.  A beautiful leather travel bag is always a good investment. 

I also always travel with a backpack because my back always bothers me and I can carry these for hours with no pain. I love that Tumi offers a travel backpack for that reason. It has all the perfect pockets.

And remember to always have an adorable toiletry bag. Cuyana offers some great options. Monogrammed obviously.

Linda Kenney, Account Executive

I first encountered this Louis Vuitton lightweight, wheeled carry on piece designed by Marc Newsom, on an excursion. One of my fabulous travel companions displayed her new luggage; this Vuitton was love at first sight. Not only is it great looking, but it also has a flat interior and comfortable wheels. This piece exudes innovation and lightness. I cannot quite justify the cost.

However, perhaps one of these days I will throw caution to the wind and purchase this glorious piece with no guilt or buyer’s remorse.

Meryn Kennedy, Dallas Intern

I would love to own monogrammed Dior luggage. I love seeing celebrities with their names or bold statements on their luggage and one day, fingers crossed, will own my own.  

Caroline Lidl, Dallas Intern

Does a Mary Poppins’ bag count? I would love nothing more than to travel effortlessly with just my trusty tote, worrying for nothing. I am also the world’s worst packer, so can I request that this Mary Poppins’ bag pack itself?

More realistically, my dream luggage would have to be a Louis Vuitton trunk. They are the classic definition of traveling in style. Although, I will definitely need some help lugging it around.

If you ever have something you want our team to address, shoot us your thoughts via social media or email (@papercitydallas on Instagram; facebook.com/papercitymagdallas on Facebook; or yours truly, billy@papercitymag.com). Or, better yet send a message to the office, handwritten on the Smythson stationery of your choice — and feel free to include a bottle of Veuve. Champagne really helps get the ideas flowing.

Look for the next installment of Now Hear This from Billy Fong next week.