A Suitcase Story
I’ll never forget the day I received this beautiful vintage suitcase from my Parents. Most teens in the 80s and '90s were dreaming of Caboodles cases or Jansport backpacks, but me? I had my heart set on this vintage Samsonite beauty I spotted while antiquing with my Mom. ♥️
Founded in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder in Denver, Colorado, Samsonite began as a maker of sturdy travel trunks built to withstand the rigors of early 20th-century travel. Over the decades, the brand became synonymous with durability, craftsmanship, and innovation. True to its legacy, a vintage Samsonite piece carries not just belongings, but stories of a traveler’s past.
As they say, they don’t make them like they used to! I can only imagine the journeys this suitcase has been on—perhaps train-hopping to a city like Chicago or packed for an epic road trip through Arizona. Now, it holds something a little different: a collection of Emerald Era treasures, carefully displayed for a moment of vintage magic.
✨ A few favorites from The Owl Collection, left to right:
🧳 Dandelion Ruffle Skirt: An easy, breezy skirt with a lovely artistic floral pattern. The ruffled hem evokes a romantic and poetic feel to the skirt. Some people believe that if you make a wish immediately before blowing on a dandelion your wish will come true!
🧳 Amber Harvest Beaded Necklace: Harvest season is a lovely time in Sonoma County as it's a long culmination of grapes ready to be picked. The vineyard leaves begin to change from emerald green to lush amber and golden yellow hues. This necklace reminds me of this wonderful time.
🧳 Village in the Laurentian Mountains Art by C. Gagnon: Clarence Gagnon was a French Canadian Painter who was known for landscape portraiture during the late 1800s into the 1920s. He was a student of the Impressionist movement and spent time studying in France.
🧳 Matisse "La fille aux yeux verts" Ceramic Portrait: "The Girl with Green Eyes," a striking work by Henri Matisse, is part of the collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Matisse once remarked, “I seldom paint portraits, and if I do, only in a decorative manner. I can see them in no other way.” This exquisite ceramic tile replica captures the bold expression and charm of the original. Perfect for display on a console, shelf, or as a unique wall piece. A timeless tribute to Matisse’s artistic vision.
Shop these unique treasures only at Emerald Era Vintage 🌸
– Michelle
Photo: "A Suitcase Story" by Benjamin Miles | Camera: FujiFilm X100V