OH, MY GOODNESS!!!!!! These are INCREDIBLE!!! This is an immaculate pair of vintage Samsonite Fashionaire Flower Power luggage IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOXES dated November 25th, 1969! Samsonite refers to this luggage line as “The masterpiece of flexible luggage.” They come with the original brochure, which is not only super cool, but it also has awesome details and manufacturing information. They are in pristine condition and are comprised of a fantastic Aspen green vinyl and “flower power” tapestry over the lightweight magnesium frames. The larger piece is called the Pullman Case and it has a beautiful light green and white polka dot lining, ruching along the edges, zippered side pouch, and clothing straps on one side, and a center divider with a pouch that clips closed over the other side of the suitcase. Close it and carry it with its fabulous green vinyl handle! The matching beauty case is solid green vinyl on the body of the case and the flower power tapestry on the top. Inside you will find it “lavishly furnished” with a plastic cosmetic or jewelry tray, magic action mirror, shirred pocket, straps for jars and bottles, and chrome feet. It also has the “exclusive” fashion-flex handle that is constructed so the case can be handheld or sling it over your arm!! Both of these beauties have recessed chrome locks with keys and nickel-plated hinges! Obviously, these will make an outstanding set of luggage if you really want to use them for their original purpose BUT what a STELLAR addition to your décor these would make!! Incorporate them into a vignette, fill an empty space above an armoire or cabinet with a pop of color, or display them on a shelf or under a table! There are no limits with a little creativity!!
Samsonite, best known for their luggage, was founded in Denver in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder. Jesse was born and raised in the late 19th century American West but found himself in his 20’s in New York selling luggage for the Seward Trunk and Bag Company. However, he had a dream. A dream of going home along with a dream of owning his own company. He did just that. That company was first named Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company. However, its name was changed in 1965 to Samsonite honoring its best-selling product. Jesse Shwayder named the line as such for its incredible strength which he likened to the Biblical character, Samson. The first 60-70 plus years Samsonite was operated by the Shwayder family and went through many expansions and changes. One of those expansions was into the furniture market. But by the 1970s they were bought out by the Beatrice umbrella. Again, going though many expansions and changes and……cutbacks too and changing hands many times. After all those years, the luggage portion of Samsonite is back in Denver operating from their original location. And the furniture portion is operating as it did from its beginning in Murfreesboro, Tennesse. Samsonite Corporation and Samsonite Furniture are now separate companies.
If you love this luggage set half as much as we do, you better hurry and make them yours!!
