(Photo: Jeremy Liebman)

• Ambassador Luggage

  371 Madison Ave.; 212-972-0965

  Most luggage designed in the U.S. addresses the functionality question rather dismally, with big dorky zippers and saggy nylon. At Ambassador, you can find lightweight, durable luggage that’s stylish. Unlike most purveyors in town, it’s got the entire collection of Italian brand Mandarina Duck, which puts equal emphasis on form and function. The sleek, maneuverable, and hard-to-find (it’s mostly sold in Europe) Samonsite Black Label collection is here. Other heftable, minimalist-chic options include Briggs & Riley and Brics. And for those who like to haul in the old-school style, Ambassador has Hartmann’s generously sized heirloom-worthy trunks.

From the 2007 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine