Founded in London in 2013 by two brothers, Carl Friedrik has grown from humble beginnings into a globally recognized brand offering luggage, bags, and accessories that are as reliable as they are stylish. Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, Carl Friedrik’s design language is clean, sophisticated, and functional. Built to last, every product comes with a lifetime warranty. Their suitcases, crafted from ultra-durable German-engineered Makrolon polycarbonate, feature aluminum locks and whisper-quiet 360° wheels by Japanese manufacturer Hinomoto.

Best of all: Carl Friedrik supports Fashion Council Germany not only as a member, but also with providing pieces to the team for their travels - including their most recent delegation trip to New York. Time to introduce the brand properly. Co-founder Niklas Oppermann shared his insights with us in an interview.

FCG: How has our perception of travel and the way we aestheticize the experience evolved over the years - especially with the rise of social media? Carl Friedrik: I can’t speak too much about the distant past, but I imagine that back then, travel was only for the wealthy. Suitcases didn’t even have wheels. After all, there were servants to carry them. Today, travel is accessible to almost everyone. We spend so much time on the move, especially in airports, and we love to share that moments with others. Luggage is no longer just a practical item - it’s an extension of your personality, much like any other accessory. Of course, some will always travel casually. I’ve literally seen people show up at the airport in pajamas. But that’s not really my style.

That would have been surprising indeed. What do you wear when you travel in your personal life?

Elegant comfort is key. I usually wear loose-fitting pants like chinos, a polo shirt, and a sweater. Layering is important because I’m sensitive to air conditioning - you never know whether a plane will be too warm or freezing cold. Do you ever observe people at the airport and try to guess their personalities based on their luggage? Or let me put it more simply: What can a suitcase say about its owner?

For some, a suitcase is a status symbol that reflects their lifestyle and taste. For others, it’s just a too - they haven’t yet made it part of their overall aesthetics. Both attitudes send a message. Take business travelers, for example - some of our most loyal customers. They’re pragmatic, focused, and they value consistency. Once they find something that works, they stay with it. They also want their luggage to remain classic and timeless. For a long time, Rimowa was considered the gold standard. Back when I was in university, many of my friends had one. But it was more about the quality than the brand image back then. Nowadays, it’s almost like carrying a Louis Vuitton bag or driving a sports car - something that says, “Look how much I've spent.” It’s a typical brand evolution. Louis Vuitton, too, was once all about craftsmanship. Today, it's more of a status symbol. Your brand takes a very different approach for sure. What’s your vision for it? What kind of lifestyle or fashion philosophy do you want it to represent? Our pieces are far from flashy - they’re thoughtful, refined, and elegant. While we’re not the most minimalistic brand out there, we believe in minimal design. Our products are for people who value quality and aesthetics, not because they want to be seen, but because it matters to them personally. They dress for themselves, not for others. "Quiet Luxury" has become a buzzword in recent seasons. Have you noticed this trend influencing your brand? Our brand has been around for twelve years, and we’ve stayed true to our design philosophy. There has always been an audience for that. Shows like Succession may have made quiet luxury a trend for a broader audience, but genuine luxury has always been about the same - understatement. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about consistency and authenticity, and the people who understand that have always been our customers. Considering all the different cultures and aesthetics in the world, do you design for a specific type of customer - or is your approach more global?

That’s a good question. One funny fact: Germans return more products than any other nationality! (laughs) They seem to be especially critical. But overall, our approach is very global. We think in terms of mindsets, not nationalities - people who travel frequently for work, who live in cities, who are elegantly dressed and culturally curious. Global citizens. What does it take to create a classic? You can’t always predict it. But we always ask ourselves: What does the market need that isn’t out there yet? How can we improve on existing products? To become a classic, an item needs at least one standout quality - whether that’s price, function, or design. You could make a simple backpack for one dollar, and if it meets a real need, it could still become iconic. Let’s talk about the beauty of surrounding yourself with well-designed, meaningful things in everyday life - and what that has to do with self worth.

At home, I use a set of Japanese kitchen knives. Yes, they’re incredibly sharp and practical for cooking - but I also love their silhouette, their design. Every time I use them, I get a little moment of joy. That’s how I think we should approach everything we use often: Choose pieces you genuinely love, that will last a long time, and - most importantly - use them. If I keep my knives tucked away in a drawer, they’re meaningless. I think that also says something about how we treat ourselves. Don’t save your best things for special occasions. Make everyday life special.