Now, Something to Put in Those Suitcases

Louis Vuitton did it. So did Prada. And now, venerable American luggage maker Samsonite has entered the high-stakes fashion fray with a line of women’s wear introduced here this week.

The 90-year-old firm founded by Polish immigrant Jesse Shwayder debuted a luxurious, logo-adorned line called Samsonite Blacklabel, designed by Italian Gigi Vezzola, 36, a former assistant to designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

“The reaction has been incredible,” said Vezzola, who said he designed the collection in only two months. “It was fast work, but I’m used to it. I wanted the line to be chic and comfortable.”

By the touch and looks of it, Vezzola has succeeded.

The offerings were flights of fancy--and in the softest of hues and the supplest wools and leathers. Short coats with shaved rabbit lining in camel or black featured such details as a cell-phone case inside the coat and a ski-pass holder on the shoulder.

A silk jacquard Samsonite logo--a four-petaled pinwheel--in sky blue on a camel background is splashed on most everything. Handbags come in all shapes and sizes, from the little clutch to the ever-important beauty case.

The clothes are made to mix and match: straight-leg trousers, knee-high boots, turtleneck sweaters, jeans and a comfy poncho with a rabbit fur collar, all in camel, black, beige or lilac.

Scarves, gloves, umbrellas, loafers--there’s even a suitcase-print silk blouse with the word “Samsonite” on the collar.

“It’s functional chic and very popular in Milan,” said Daniella Baumol, director of sales for the United States.

In Los Angeles, the Blacklabel line will be available at Fred Segal Melrose and Santa Monica, Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills and A’Maree’s in Newport Beach. The stores already carry the Samsonite Travel Wear line by Neil Barrett, which was introduced less than two years ago.