Originally Posted by
Adelphos
A few years after the LVMH takeover, I'm gonna say "no" the OP.
Is there any evidence at all that Rimowa "quality" has changed meaningfully since the LVMH acquisition? All I see in this thread are assumptions (LVMH is a fashion brand, they are doing more fashion things, quality is surely down) instead of actual product testing and real world experience. I own pre LVMH and post LVMH Rimowa luggage, all work great. They changed the design of the velco straps on the divider a bit, but beyond that, all the bags work great. My first Rimowa was a "Salsa Essential" IATA Cabin model in polycarbonate, my most recent one is the Cabin Plus in Titanium Aluminum, and I have a few check in sizes in between. All continue to work great.
This has largely been my experience as well. I would say that some redesigns have added value. For example, I have a post LVMH large sport trunk, which was updated to include packing platters on both sides of the case - a rather significant improvement over the platter and net combo the pre-LVMH case had. To some this may be an insignificant update, though to me being able to pack the case more flexibly has a lot of value and benefit, given my travel needs. Another update to the case is the type of polycarbonate used in its construction. My LVMH sport trunk is made of a more flexible polycarbonate (akin to the salsa air cabin bag) than that of the pre-LVMH trunk. I also think this added flexibility makes the bad more resistant to cracking and impact, since the only cracked polycarbonate rimowas I've seen have been the old more rigid salsa check in pieces.