The MYLON® shield clip in the VISOR series embodies the interdependence of form and function in German design. 

Precision, innovation, and craftsmanship – three pillars of German design that define both MYKITA and RIMOWA. One pioneers modern eyewear and the other revolutionised travel – their shared design ethos brings them together. Based in Berlin and Cologne respectively, both brands operate from central urban locations, where their design and production processes unfold under one roof. Their paths have been distinct, yet parallel – driven by an insistence on technical excellence, functional beauty, and a hands-on approach to making. Now, as they come together for an exclusive partnership, we trace the origins and modus operandi that make their relationship feel like a natural evolution.
 
German design carries a reputation shaped by the Bauhaus movement and decades of industrial ingenuity. It values clarity over ornamentation, efficiency without compromise, and has set global standards across disciplines. Think of Dieter Rams’ "less but better" philosophy at Braun, the engineering precision and timeless modernity of Porsche, or the pioneering techniques of Michael Thonet, whose elegantly curved bentwood chairs laid the foundation for industrial production nearly 200 years ago. This thinking extends beyond architecture and automobiles to eyewear and luggage, where MYKITA and RIMOWA continue the tradition of combining technical expertise with refined aesthetics. Their connection goes beyond geography, reflected in an approach where form and function are inseparable – every detail considered, every material chosen with purpose.

Seen here on a HERITAGE model, MYKITA's patented spiral hinge is a defining innovation and visual hallmark of the brand 

MYKITA was founded in 2003 with a rebellious streak and a clear aesthetic vision. Frustrated by the limitations of conventional eyewear manufacturing, the Berlin-based team set out to challenge eyewear conventions and create something different: firstly, taking an industrial design approach to eyewear and secondly, establishing a design house where every step, from concept to production, happened under one roof. The result was a new way of working, one that valued independence over outsourcing, and experimentation over tradition. This led to defining innovations, from the patented spiral hinge – an elegant, screw-free solution that reimagined how frames function – to MYLON®, a high-tech material that blends 3D printing with handcrafted precision. The MYKITA HAUS is more than a workspace; it’s a place where ideas are engineered into form, where the connection between process and product remains intact.
 
RIMOWA, by contrast, carries over a century of history. Founded in Cologne in 1898, the company made its name crafting durable travel cases long before air travel became commonplace. The introduction of aluminium luggage in the 1920s marked a turning point, inspired by the sleek efficiency of early aircraft. Decades later, the iconic grooves – now inseparable from the RIMOWA identity – became a design evolution. The 21st century saw another leap forward with the first polycarbonate suitcase, combining durability with a near-weightless feel. Despite its global reach and through every innovation, RIMOWA remains dedicated to precision craftsmanship, ensuring that each case meets the quality standards set over a century ago and proudly offering a lifetime guarantee on its suitcases.
 
The partnership between MYKITA and RIMOWA is  a natural extension of their shared approach to design. Both brands prioritise material research, refining their products through a process of engineering rather than embellishment. Whether it’s the weight distribution of an eyewear frame or the seamless alignment of a suitcase shell, every element is considered. Their aesthetic, often described as minimalist, is not about removing excess for the sake of style but about ensuring that every detail serves a purpose. This philosophy of purpose and reduction results in timeless products – designs that endure both in function and in form.

The HERITAGE series showcases the interdisciplinary thinking at the heart of the MYKITA | RIMOWA collaboration. 

Their collaborative  collection reflects that philosophy, bringing together decades of expertise in a way that feels both familiar and new. The silhouettes are precise, the use of materials advanced, and the construction speaks to a mutual dedication to quality. While eyewear and luggage serve different needs, the mindset behind them remains consistent: designed to last, built to perform.

 
German design has never been about chasing trends. It’s about setting new standards, challenging conventions, and creating with purpose and integrity. MYKITA and RIMOWA continue to define what this means today, showing that true craftsmanship is built on both expertise and innovation, tradition and reinvention. It requires independence to control every detail of production, yet openness to collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking to push boundaries forward.
 
The MYKITA | RIMOWA collection will be available from 10 April 2025.

Watch the MYKITA | RIMOWA campaign films starring Udo Kier and Vicky Krieps.