If you’ve ever rolled one through an airport, you’ll know that Globe-Trotter suitcases attract plenty of attention. But the latest launch from the British luggage maker is perhaps the most head-turning to date.

New for summer 2022 is an exclusive Globe-Trotter collection designed by artist David Shrigley. Though the average person may not know him by name, Shrigley enjoys a place in the upper echelons of the British art scene, alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, in that his signature irreverent illustrations and captions are instantly recognisable. He balances both critical and commercial success while maintaining a unique style all of his own. Shrigley’s witty work is found on everything from mugs and T-shirts and once even adorned the walls of a whole dining room at Mayfair’s swanky restaurant, Sketch. Now the British artist – who divides his time between Devon and Brighton – can add suitcases to his repertoire in this new and unexpected collaboration.

Two exclusive designs by Shrigley have been screen printed onto Globe-Trotter’s signature four-wheel carry-on suitcases. The silhouette of the case is unmistakably Globe-Trotter, but the new designs – “Untitled (Be an Ass)” and “Untitled (baggage)” – add a new level of irreverent humour. The cream vulcanised fibreboard body (the material that gives Globe-Trotter suitcases their trademark lightweight yet durable properties) is offset with the cobalt blue paintings, matching leather corners and lining.

At 125 years old, Globe-Trotter may be a heritage British brand (it still designs and makes everything in the UK), but it is no stranger to creative collaborations. In recent years it has partnered with fellow fashion designers and individuals as diverse as Alexander McQueen, Tyler, the Creator, Disney, The Conran Shop and, of course, the James Bond franchise. And when it came to collaborating with Shrigley, the British artist was given free rein and control.

‘I got to design every part of the luggage from the Globe-Trotter template, which meant picking colour and texture,’ Shrigley explains in an interview for the Globe-Trotter Journal. ‘Then I chose the statements: one is about luggage itself as a metaphor, the other is more oblique. As for their wording? I’m interested in metaphors and oblique statements, onto which you’re invited to project your own meaning.’

Globe-Trotter x David Shrigley suitcases are available in a limited edition of five and are priced at £2,495 each. Visit globe-trotter.com to discover more