English | Deutsch One Christmas eve, a Dutch real estate magnate named Henk found himself lugging a heavy suitcase through the snow outside LaGuardia airport. Holiday traffic meant a lack of available porters, and he needed to get home. Struggling with the weight and awkwardness of his high-end suitcase, Henk knew there had to be a better solution. He decided then that if the luggage industry wasn’t going to make a better bag, he would create his own - a strong, agile suitcase for the elite traveler. To realize his vision, he turned to frog design.
frog conducted extensive ergonomic studies to determine a form that would balance strength and agility. The dimensions and placement of the wheels and handle optimize HENK’s center of gravity, maximizing stability while minimizing exertion on the part of the user, so that even with 45 lbs inside, the case exerts only an ounce of pressure in the user’s hand. This arrangement also eliminates the standard rumble of a rolling suitcase; HENK’s retractable titanium wheels operate with the mechanics of airplane landing gear, springing into position with one touch of the handle to maximize user mobility and grace. With this sophisticated form factor in place, frog was free to focus on the details.
The design team sought materials inspiration in the old and new alike: the habits of royalty; the tools of old-world craftsmanship; the technologies of aeronautics. Each feature was chosen and refined to offer users the best possible travel experience. The exterior of the case is constructed of carbon-fiber composite shell, created with the same processes that forge the strong, lightweight cockpit of a Formula-1 racecar. Inside, rare Italian wood veneer and woven horsehair fashion unique compartments for belongings, inspired by the upholstery of the Queen Mum’s chair. The buttons are made from the finest black ebony wood – the material of Stradivarius violins – and the interior dividers are composed of the super-strong fabric of parachutes.
We spoke with successful business travelers to develop features attuned to their unique requirements: a built-in case that preserves the moisture of cigars in transport; a curved handle that doubles as a dress boy for hanging suits; an anti-theft chain that locks the case to a seat or table, assuring the safety of its contents. We designed an attaché case of calf leather that can be stored within the larger suitcase or strapped to its exterior, allowing easy access to business documents during travel. And because HENK can be opened from either side and restructured internally with a movable divider system, it is easy to separate belongings by personal and professional use.
In order to ensure that every dimension of the case meets IATA standards for carry-on luggage, frog worked to maximize internal space, carving out nearly 30 liters of storage inside the case – so that a HENK owner never has to wait at baggage claim.
frog and HENK worked with Spark Engineering to maintain the product’s lightness and mobility even as the feature set expanded. Each HENK is now custom created and may be personalized in choice of color and materials.
frog also guided the founder in creating a brand identity for this emerging super luxury goods company. We gravitated towards the name HENK, a reminder of the founder’s vision and the product’s singular identity. An elegant, angular logotype followed, and the brand was born.
HENK has been sold to elite travelers the world over, shared by word of mouth between the most successful of business people. In 2007, HENK became available through select retailers, with a yearly sales cap of 200 cases sold, in order to guarantee quality and exclusivity to customers. At $20,000 a case, this item is the height of luxury - improving business travel and bringing its owners a new level of ease, and beauty, in motion.
