As a fashion editor, this is my go-to Rimowa case alternative

Ever since I saw one gliding through Heathrow Terminal 5, I’ve wanted a Rimowa suitcase. Detractors might argue that they’re ubiquitous, but I can’t resist the glint of aluminium in a departure lounge or train carriage.The problem is, the price tag is astronomical. So when I saw that the perfect Rimowa alternative was available for less at London-based travel goods brand Carl Friedrik, I was all in. It had to be the Aluminium Carry-On in the Silver/Cognac colourway for me; it’s still a serious investment at £745, but I’d argue that it’s more than worth it for a case that looks and feels this good, and seems set to last many years of travel.My case has been with me on countless flights, trains and trips – but remains in excellent condition Jessica Burrell/The StandardAs I found out, Carl Friedrik’s Aluminium Carry-On is so much more than a Rimowa ‘dupe’. It’s made from hard-wearing anodised aluminium, which means it feels robust yet extremely light. I’ve bashed mine around on more flights, trains and pavements than I’d care to admit, and it’s resisted scratches and dents well. That said, when it does, it will ‘develop a unique patina’, according to the brand.Carl Friedrik As well as practical, the design evokes something of the golden age of travel – those steel rivets, groove lines, leather handles and visible hardware feel pleasingly mid-century, even if you’re hauling it up into a tiny EasyJet overhead cabin (which it slots into seamlessly).The sleek and stylish yet hard-wearing balance has not happened by accident. Niklas and Mattis Oppermann, the Swedish brothers who founded Carl Friedrik in 2012, have spent years paying attention to every element of the design to ensure their cases won’t let you down.“The corners, wheels and hinges are steel-reinforced because those are the points where a case is tested most,” they say. “The shell itself is made from a specially formulated aluminium alloy with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.”Another carefully considered part of the case is the lock frame, which features two clasp combination locks that you can set for security. It brings more of that old-world glamour, but the lock frame is a fairly unusual choice in the wider market, the Oppermann brothers say.“Most hard-shell luggage closes with zips because they are lighter and cheaper to produce,” they say. “These can break easily and are more susceptible to the elements than a hardy aluminium frame with a clasp-lock closure. Closing it gives a reassuring mechanical click, which people instinctively read as quality.” With this case, you can trust your instincts.As for the interior of the bag, I was concerned, at first, that it was a bit too compartmentalised for a slightly disorganised packer like me (I’m more of a throw it all in and hope for the best type). But it’s well balanced, with one open side secured with a pinch-clip strap and one fully zipped side for smaller items. The laptop carrier is another bonus and great for business travel.Jessica Burrell/The StandardThe fun doesn’t end there with a Carl Friedrik Carry-On case, as there’s also a range of deliciously supple leather weekender holdall-style bags that feature ‘Smart Holder’ straps that attach to your suitcase. My choice is the Granville Weekender in Chestnut, £795, which looks great with the Silver/Cognac case and is the perfect size for one or two nights away. Also on my list is the Compact Weekender Nylon in Dark Olive/Chestnut, which is a more affordable option at £375.Really, though, these bags are worth their price because they’re designed to last – unlike so many other suitcases and holdalls out there. “An investment-piece suitcase certainly shouldn’t need replacing every few years,” say the Oppermann brothers. “Our approach is to design for a lifetime. That’s why all products come with a lifetime guarantee.” You can’t hope for a better level of quality assurance than that.