Our favorite TV shows and movies may be largely fictional, but in some cases, one thing that is very real is the designer luggage that’s carried across the screen. From custom Louis Vuitton to vintage Chanel, the suitcases and bags used in pop culture have a rich history behind them, often conveying a certain time period, place, or character. From Barbie to Bullet Train, some of our favorite brands—Tumi and Louis Vuitton included—have been spotted on sets over the years. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 iconic movies and shows featuring some major designer luggage eye candy; you might just want to snag a piece or two for your next trip.
White Lotus
Tanya McQuiod, played by the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge, was a fan favorite on White Lotus. With her vibrant yet chaotic personality, it’s no wonder she has a luggage collection to match. Some of Tanya’s stand-out pieces were courtesy of Globe-Trotter’s Amethyst collection. Although the brand’s Amethyst vanity case that Tanya used to house her jewelry is sold out, the next best thing is the London Square purse. It can be used as a personal item, toiletry case, or makeup case—the possibilities are endless. The glossy finish gives it a sophisticated look while also helping to keep it clean. We’d be remiss not to mention her oversized suitcase; this copycat has a deep main compartment and opens more like a trunk. It can store a minimum of 15 outfits and is made from layers of recycled paper that creates the brand’s famous, built-to-last Vulcanized Fiberboard exterior.
Barbie
Barbie-core has extended far beyond clothing and shoes at this point, and after a quick glimpse of Barbie’s massive closet, we spotted some unique travel essentials. The Chanel small Deauville Tote sitting on Barbie’s shelves is ideal for any beach day. While you stuff your beach bags and reading essentials in the main compartment, you can use the removable pouch as a wallet for the day to minimize bulk and keep things monochromatic. The Louis Vuitton PVC Monogram Keepall Bandouliére 50, meanwhile, is an iridescent dream. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll see a different color each time. The Keepall is pretty opaque, but you can have peace of mind while traveling knowing the bag comes with a lock and key that goes around the zippers.
Sex and the City
It’s an impossible task to pick one singular fashion moment in Sex and the City, or even a single designer luggage moment. The show had more than 94 episodes before ending in 2004. Since then, it’s had three movies and returned to our screen as a reboot with And Just Like That. But back to the early Sex and the City days: One of the most coveted travel-friendly bags in the series was Carrie’s Gucci monogram double pocket belt bag. As it’s from the ’90s, the belt bag is limited in its availability, but Gucci’s Neo Vintage Supreme belt bag is a good substitute. It has one large pocket with a great amount of storage for those looking for both space and versatility. The bag can be worn on the waist or around the shoulders for ultimate support and comfort.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The late Audrey Hepburn had the ability to make anything fashionable, so it’s no surprise that the luggage, shoes, and dresses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s are still being used as inspiration today. While staying at the apartment, Hepburn’s character Holly can be seen using a cream-colored luggage set that looks an awful lot like a Globe-Trotter bag. The brand has been known for its timeless trunks and suitcases that replicate the Golightly aesthetic. The two-wheel carry-on design has been adapted for modern-day travel and features a trolley handle with a side button clasp in the same leather trim as is around the suitcase.
The Safari vanity case is ideal for storing jewelry and makeup securely. It can fit into a suitcase, such as the two-wheel carry-on, or be carried on its own. It’s also versatile: The case has a built-in jewelry organizer that can be taken out if not needed.
Succession
Sleek, chic, and subtle embodies the Carl Friedrik brand, so it’s no wonder that it’s the luggage of choice on Succession, the frontrunner of the quiet luxury train. Most frequently you can see glimpses of the Palissy briefcase being carried in seasons three and four, while the carry-on makes a background appearance in season three, episode one, when Logan went back to his hotel in Sarajevo.
Gossip Girl
During the opening scene of Gossip Girl, Melanie 91 saw Serena Van Der Woodsen make her iconic return from boarding school. One thing that Melanie didn’t note was the Louis Vuitton suitcase Serena was carrying. It was a vintage double-strapped Louis Vuitton carry-on released in the ’70s. Made from soft leather, it boasts the signature Louis Vuitton monogram, naturally. That specific bag is tough to find, but there is a newer Louis Vuitton trunk that is on wheels, has two handles, and is made from aluminum hardware so it can withstand whatever baggage check throws at it (and is a touch more practical for the average traveler).
Emily in Paris
Pierre Cadault is the eccentric French designer in Emily in Paris that we couldn’t help but respect. We can all appreciate a good monogrammed piece, but Cadault took it to a whole new level when he printed his face on his luggage, which happened to be a custom silver trunk from Rimowa. Since the show began, Shop the Scenes has come out with its own luggage and home decor items that feature Cadault’s face on them.
Bullet Train
Bullet Train follows five assassins who are called to board a bullet train in Japan to collect a briefcase. The one they’re all after was part of the 19 Degree Aluminum collection from Tumi, and while it has sadly since sold out, there are some excellent alternate options from Tumi. The International carry-on and Extended Trip Packing case both have liquid-like contours on the exterior that add a unique aspect to the otherwise simple design. The aluminum is meant to be durable yet lightweight and the aircraft-grade handles are a testament to that. Each bag also comes with a latch lock and has a Tumi tracer, a unique serial number that helps reunite travelers with their lost or stolen items.
Darjeeling Limited
Wes Anderson has an instantly identifiable directing style. From the clothes, colors, and shots, you can tell when a film has the Anderson touch. When it came to the 2007 film, Darjeeling Limited, Louis Vuitton custom-made the luggage that the brothers carried. The tan-colored, animal-embroidered bags embodied the baggage that the young men had been carrying since childhood, a topic that is brought up throughout the movie. Although their luggage was custom-made, you can shop classic Louis Vuitton versions of the Monogram Nil 28 and Keepall Bandouliére 50. Very Troubled Child has also come out with Wes Anderson–inspired luggage that’s part of its Savanna collection, featuring tanned luggage, iPad cases, and wallets with gazelles, lions, and warthogs embroidered on them.
James Bond
Globe-Trotter is the official luggage of Agent 007, so you know the luggage is just as strong and sleek as he is. In the most recent Bond film, No Time To Die, you can see glimpses of the No Time To Die collection on screen. The attaché has a deep green finish with black trim and a file folder inside for important documents (or top secret information). The attaché can work as a carry-on in place of your usual personal item. The carry-on also comes in the deep green, black trim combo. It has two large buckle straps and latch locks to keep the suitcase closed, and four straps to keep your belongings inside safe. A subtle nod to Agent 007 can be seen on the underside of the carry-on near the wheels.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is known for her upbeat attitude and robust adventures. You never knew what she would pull out of her magic carpet bag. Tony Walton worked as the costume designer on set and was the one to create the original carpet bag that Mary Poppins used. It is truly one of a kind, but there have been bags made in its likeness. The two below have the same Victorian feel, and while they don’t have magical, fit-it-all powers, they are around the size of a standard weekender or duffel bag.
