When it comes to travel, I know that we all want something stylish, reliable, and easy to carry. You might be tempted by the allure of designer names, but let me save you some time here—before you hit that “buy” button on a Roberto Cavalli luggage set, let’s take an honest look at what you’re getting into.
From my personal experience, you deserve to know the truth, and while I’d love to endorse a luxury piece, sometimes even designer products leave you with more headaches than convenience.
My Experience With ROBERTO CAVALLI luggage
Using the Roberto Cavalli luggage was a mixed bag for me. When I first got my hands on it, I was genuinely excited about the stylish and luxurious design. It felt like a statement piece—something that would turn heads at the airport.
The spinner wheels, in the beginning, worked like a charm, gliding effortlessly through terminals. The organized interior was a nice touch too, with the cross straps and compartments making packing easy and structured.
However, the excitement didn’t last long. After just two trips, I began to see issues.
The ABS shell, which initially seemed like a good blend of lightweight and durable, quickly started to show scratches and even cracked after one rough handling.
I was disappointed, especially considering the premium price. The wheels, which had impressed me at first, started squeaking and wobbling, and it wasn’t long before maneuvering the suitcase became more of a hassle than a pleasure.
The handle also became a major frustration. It felt sturdy at first, but soon became wobbly, making it challenging to extend or retract without worrying that it might break altogether.
The built-in combination lock didn’t offer much reassurance either. It felt flimsy, and I found myself adding an extra padlock for peace of mind.
Overall, while the Roberto Cavalli luggage looked great and offered some nice initial features, the durability issues and frustrating shortcomings made it hard for me to recommend. For a piece that carries a luxury price tag, I expected far more reliability and longevity.
Instead, I ended up feeling like I had paid mostly for the brand name, rather than a high-quality travel companion.
Pros of Roberto Cavalli Luggage
- Stylish Design: Roberto Cavalli luggage stands out with its luxurious, sophisticated, and undeniably chic design. It gives off an opulent feel, making you feel like you’re embarking on a five-star getaway.
- Smooth Maneuverability: Equipped with 360-degree spinner wheels, the luggage glides smoothly through airports, providing an effortless experience when brand new.
- Organized Interior: The interior layout is practical, with cross straps and zippered compartments that make packing a more organized experience.
- Practical Sizes: The luggage comes in 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch options, suitable for carry-on and checked baggage. The lightweight ABS material also helps stay within airline weight limits.
- Combination Lock: The luggage features a combination lock for added security, although it’s more for convenience than high-level safety.
Cons of Roberto Cavalli Luggage
- Durability Issues: The ABS shell, while lightweight, is not very durable. After just a couple of trips, the luggage shows significant wear and tear, including scratches and cracks.
- Wheel Problems: The 360-degree spinner wheels that initially worked well started to squeak and wobble after a few uses, making it harder to maneuver.
- Wobbly Handle: The telescopic handle became wobbly quickly, making it difficult to extend or use confidently, especially in crowded areas.
- Flimsy Combination Lock: The combination lock feels flimsy and doesn’t provide much peace of mind. An external lock may be needed for better security.
Maintenance Tips For Roberto Cavalli Luggage
If you’ve already purchased a Roberto Cavalli suitcase or set, you’re probably wondering how to keep it in the best condition possible. Here are some tips I found helpful during my time with this luggage—though I must admit, they didn’t entirely prevent the wear and tear.
- Protect the Exterior: Given how easily the ABS shell scratches and cracks, I suggest using a luggage cover. It’ll help protect the exterior from damage during transit, especially since airport handlers aren’t exactly gentle.
- Wheel Care: If you want those spinner wheels to last, make sure to clean them regularly. Dirt and debris tend to collect in the wheels, leading to the dreaded squeaking and wobbling I experienced. Wipe them down after each trip and consider applying a small amount of lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.
- Handle With Care: The handle isn’t the most durable, so avoid overextending it or using it to lift the bag. It’s best to carry the bag by its main handle when lifting it in and out of a car or onto a conveyor belt.
- Zipper Maintenance: The zippers on Roberto Cavalli luggage are decent, but they can get stuck if they’re not looked after. I recommend occasionally rubbing a bit of candle wax along the zipper teeth to keep them running smoothly.
- Storage: When you’re not using your luggage, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can make the material brittle and prone to cracking.
Comparing Roberto Cavalli To Other Brands
- Rick Steves Luggage
Rick Steves Luggage is all about practicality, and it truly shines in comparison to Roberto Cavalli.
While Cavalli focuses on luxury aesthetics, Rick Steves prioritizes durability and functionality.
The materials used in Rick Steves bags are robust, and the design is practical for travelers who value ease of use.
Unlike Cavalli, the wheels and handles on Rick Steves luggage feel like they’re built to last, even after multiple trips.
It might not have the same high-fashion look, but if you’re after something that’s going to endure the rigors of travel, Rick Steves is a far better option.
- Lucky Brand Luggage
Lucky Brand Luggage strikes a balance between style and practicality.
It offers a trendy design, similar to Roberto Cavalli, but at a more affordable price point and with better overall durability.
The wheels on Lucky Brand luggage glide smoothly, and the exterior is less prone to scratches and dents compared to Cavalli’s ABS shell.
The interior compartments are also well thought out, providing a good mix of organization and space.
If you want a stylish suitcase that won’t break the bank or fall apart after a few trips, Lucky Brand is definitely worth considering over Roberto Cavalli.
- Adrienne Vittadini Luggage
Adrienne Vittadini Luggage is another brand that blends fashion with function. Compared to Roberto Cavalli, Adrienne Vittadini offers a similarly sophisticated look, but with improved durability.
The hardshell on Adrienne Vittadini suitcases is sturdier and withstands the typical rough handling of airport staff much better than Cavalli.
Additionally, the spinner wheels and handles are more reliable, providing a smoother experience throughout your journey.
While both brands aim for a stylish appearance, Adrienne Vittadini has the edge when it comes to delivering both aesthetics and functionality without compromising on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From my experience, I’d say no. While the luggage looks stylish and offers some practical features, the durability simply isn’t there. You’re essentially paying for the brand name, and there are better options on the market for a similar or lower price.
Initially, the maneuverability is great. The 360-degree spinner wheels make navigating through airports easy. However, after a few trips, the wheels can start to squeak and wobble, making maneuverability a lot less enjoyable.
Compared to Samsonite, Travelpro, and Away, Roberto Cavalli falls short in terms of durability and reliability. Samsonite and Travelpro offer more robust construction, while Away provides a combination of style and sturdiness that outperforms Roberto Cavalli.
Yes, the 20-inch size is suitable for most airlines’ carry-on requirements. However, make sure to check with your specific airline to confirm their size limits.
To keep your luggage in good shape, use a protective cover, clean the wheels regularly, handle the telescopic handle with care, and store it away from direct sunlight. Maintenance can help extend the lifespan, but it may not prevent all the issues I mentioned.
Wrapping Up
In the end, while Roberto Cavalli luggage may catch your eye with its sleek, luxurious design, it’s what’s beneath the surface that counts. Unfortunately, the durability just doesn’t match up to the high price tag.
For the same cost, you could get a suitcase from a brand like Samsonite or Away—something that not only looks good but also stands the test of time.
Trust me, when you’re stuck in an airport with a broken wheel or cracked shell, you’ll wish you’d gone with something a bit more practical.
