Ouch. That is a strongly worded email.

To answer the original question, they've all gone up in price, and with the Topas, sorry, Original, they have the same price for the different finishes.

I've gone through the changes with store managers in London and also Amsterdam and the differences for the Topas are very small, apart from the bag-holder deletion and change of colour on the inside from blue to almost black. Apparently better manufacturing...

I've picked up two additional old models for good prices (slight discount) from Selfridges and Global Luggage.

As stated on previous threads, IMHO Rimowa are heading towards a fashion brand rather than an iconic brand known for quality.