Luggage leader Rimowa makes its first foray into headphones
Two aluminium masters, Rimowa and Bang & Olufsen, explore links between sound and travel
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Bang & Olufsen has been a hive of collaborative activity of late. Just last week, the Danish sound designer launched a new collection of accessories and colourways with Kvadrat and Raf Simons, and now, it announces its partnership with travel brand Rimowa.
‘This collaboration will make the world travel at the speed of sound,' says John Mollanger, executive vice president at Bang & Olufsen, of the new limited edition iteration of the Beoplay H9i headphones – which are actively noise cancelling, a modern-day essential for frequent flyers.
A corresponding ridged Rimowa travel case will please longterm fans of the luggage leader. The miniature version of its aircraft engineering-inspired carrying case (which it has been making in various iterations since 1898), snuggly houses the headphones, providing them with a sturdy and lightweight carrier, from hotel room to home again.
This collaboration seems a natural move for Rimowa; not just for the two brand's shared approach to craftmanship, and their shared space in the travel industry (in which high quality headphones are now considered as essential as a sturdy suitcase), but for their equally strong ties to aluminium.
B&O has utilised anodised aluminium in both its audio and visual design output since 1955, with its Struer headquarters being dubbed the home of ‘aluminium alchemy’. Similarly, alongside its pioneering move into polycarbonate in 2000, Rimowa is almost synonymous with the material, praising aluminium's ‘unbeatable strength' and ‘long-lasting performance'.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Rimowa website (opens in new tab)
Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
-
Giorgetti Spiga – The Place opens in Milan’s fashion quarter
The new Giorgetti Spiga – The Place transforms a 17th-century palazzo in Milan, showcasing the furniture company's full offering over four floors
By Maria Cristina Didero • Published
-
This futuristic ski house is born of its sloped locale
A ski house with a contemporary twist, this is House at 9,000ft by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple in the Intermountain Region of Western USA
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
‘Crown to Couture’: Kensington Palace unveils its largest ever exhibition
‘Crown to Couture’ at Kensington Palace, London, promises a dazzling delve into royal-court and red-carpet jewellery and dressing (5 April – 29 October 2023). Its curators tell us more
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Minimalist speaker designs blend audio with art
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Bang and Olufsen brings the classic turntable back to life
The Danish brand are reviving the iconic Beogram 4000 turntable as part of an ongoing restoration programme
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Bang & Olufsen hit the road with new running shoe collaboration
Music and physical activity are combined in Bang & Olufsen's latest collaboration ‘Cloudboom' with running tech brand On
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Bang & Olufsen adds Amazon Alexa to its latest speaker
Danish brand Bang & Olufsen has revamped its Beosound A1 entry-level Bluetooth speaker with an impressive 360-degree soundscape, battery life and waterproofing
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Bang & Olufsen team up with Benjamin Hubert to balance sonic design
Bang & Olufsen continue to change the way we experience music by collaborating with designer Benjamin Hubert for the ‘Beosound Balance’
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Bang & Olufsen's new collection takes speakers out of the box
In a collaboration with the award-winning Norm Architects, Bang & Olufsen has rewritten the speaker blueprint
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Daniel Arsham's Bang & Olufsen moon speaker sets the atmosphere
‘The House by Daniel Arsham’ at Selfridges explores the future of retail with a constellation of new collaborations
By Katie Meston • Last updated
-
Bang & Olufsen's first foray into soundbars is an artful home audio addition
Working with Norm Architects, the Danish brand launch the Beosound Stage soundbar
By Alice Morby • Last updated