The Case for Checking In With Burgundy
Not every traveler needs the same suitcase, and that is where design becomes more interesting than simply choosing a pretty shell.
TRAVEL style goes beyond airport outfits, with luggage serving as both a practical companion and an extension of personal taste.
There are two kinds of travelers: those who plan their airport outfits down to the last accessory and those who are still sitting on their suitcases, praying they close five minutes before leaving for the airport. Whichever camp you belong to, one thing deserves more attention than it usually gets: your luggage.
A suitcase is easy to treat as an afterthought. You buy one before a big trip, stuff it with outfits you might wear once and hope it survives the journey. But between airport queues, baggage carousels, cobblestone streets and the occasional sprint to catch a train, luggage does a lot of heavy lifting. Literally.
A good suitcase can make the difference between arriving ready to explore and starting your holiday with a broken wheel, a stubborn zipper or an arm workout you never signed up for.
According to Consumer Reports, durability is one of the strongest predictors of luggage satisfaction. Its research also highlights the importance of smooth-rolling wheels, sturdy handles and practical construction. In other words, a suitcase that looks good in your travel photos is nice, but one that can handle the actual journey is even better.
The trick is finding luggage that gets both sides right: function and fashion. The 80-year-old French luggage brand Delsey Paris is making a case for travel essentials that look just as considered as the wardrobes we pack inside them.
Burgundy is still that girl
If your wardrobe has been leaning toward wine reds, deep berry shades and rich neutrals, your suitcase can join the conversation.
Burgundy has managed to stay relevant without feeling like a color that belongs to just one season. It has the depth of red without its sometimes-overwhelming brightness, making it an easy match for black, cream, gray, denim and earthy tones. Think less passing microtrend, more wardrobe staple with a little personality.
Fashion publications have continued to spotlight burgundy across recent collections. British Vogue, in a September 2026 guide to styling the shade, noted its ability to sit between a neutral and a statement color. That versatility is precisely what makes it work beyond clothing.
SMOOTH-ROLLING wheels is a key feature to consider when choosing a luggage.
On luggage, burgundy offers something different from the usual black, silver or beige suitcase lineup. It is distinctive enough to stand out on a carousel without looking as though you bought it solely for the sake of a trend. And unlike a novelty print you might tire of after a few trips, a deep wine shade can feel just as appropriate for a weekend getaway as it does for a long-haul holiday.
The color takes center stage in the updated Chatelet Air 2.0 collection, which introduces three exclusive colorways for the range’s 80th-anniversary milestone: burgundy, beige rose and light blue.
The Chatelet Air 2.0 is recognizable for its vintage-inspired curves, chevron detailing and leather-look accents. Its updated palette gives the familiar silhouette a fresh look while retaining features such as quiet maneuverability and the brand’s patented Securitech zip technology.
For Albert Engler, chief design and brand director, the appeal of burgundy goes beyond its immediate visual impact.
“While fashion trends fluctuate every few months, a suitcase is a long-term companion intended to be a stylish witness to years of travel,” Engler said.
Travel match
Not every traveler needs the same suitcase, and that is where design becomes more interesting than simply choosing a pretty shell.
For travelers who want their luggage to feel like an extension of their personal style, the Chatelet Air 2.0 offers a vintage-inspired aesthetic in burgundy, beige rose and light blue. Its combination of curved lines and refined accents is suited to those who prefer a polished look without going completely minimalist.
For those who would rather save their baggage allowance for the actual contents of their suitcase, the Helium Ultimate collection takes a more practical approach. Described by the brand as its lightest luggage creation to date, it combines lightweight construction with a resilient frame and an emphasis on maximizing packing capacity. It is worth considering for travelers who prioritize carrying less weight without giving up usable space.
Then there is the A’lur Aluminum collection, which caters to travelers drawn to a more industrial look. Its aluminum shell, impact-resistant construction and organized interior are designed for those who want a more structured case for frequent or long-haul journeys. Aluminum luggage can offer a sturdy exterior, although it is generally heavier than many other materials, so weight remains an important consideration.
The brand is also preparing a Roland-Garros collection, bringing together its French design heritage and the tennis tournament’s athletic aesthetic. With court-inspired details, refined finishes and an emphasis on durability, the collaboration takes travel style in a sportier direction.
Different designs, different priorities. The point is to find a suitcase that suits the way you actually move through the world, not just the way you imagine yourself looking at the airport.