Once upon a time, there was a company named Samsonite, and they ruled the luggage world when I was little.  As I grew up, the Samsonite name faded, and suitcases became all black nylon and wheels—simply a utilitarian necessity, it seemed.

Well, now it’s the 21st Century, and the new millennium has ushered in a new era in luggage, one where baggage is interesting again…finally!  More functionality, more style, more options all around.  If you need a new bag, here are some of the latest luggage innovations to consider:

SPINNERS: Two wheels are out.  Now it’s all about four that can spin in any direction, so your bag’s more balanced and moves easily alongside you, whichever way you turn.

GREEN: The environmental trend has finally hit the luggage world; this year, expect to see “eco-friendly” bags made from recycled plastic bottles or plant-based textiles.

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BAGS: Your bag just carries clothes?  How pedestrian!  Züca and seatKase suitcases also have integrated seats; Swany Walkin’ Bags double as one-handed walkers; and China’s Shenzen Champion Industry has created a rolling suitcase with a pull-out desk.

BRANDED BAGS: Love American Idol?  How ‘bout an American Idol suitcase?  It exists.  And more branded luggage is coming your way, from names in just about any industry you can think of: Donald Trump, Karl Lagerfeld, Fergi, and Jeep all have lines hitting shelves this year.

HARDSIDED LUGGAGE: This is not your parents' hardsided luggage, but, rather, extremely lightweight suitcases made from aluminum, Texalium, carbon fiber, or, the most popular choice: polycarbonate plastic.  

ADDITIONAL POCKETS: Two inside pockets for socks and underwear don’t cut it anymore.  Now, suitcases are coming with interior shoe pockets, removable pockets, and packing cubes.  Need easy access from the outside?  Look for push-button or Velcro pockets to quickly throw your keys and cell phone into at the security line, and larger outside pockets with divided sections for quick-grab files and easy laptop access.

HI-TECH LUGGAGE: OK, maybe just medium-tech.  But, still, luggage is now coming with a wee bit of gadgetry.  When you pick up Victorinox’s Rolling Parliament case, the wheels automatically retract so you don’t get dirty wheel gunk all over your nice suit.  Briggs & Riley’s Baseline collection lets you `expand your bag with just the push of a button.  And the suitcases in Sharper Image’s 2009 Dox line will all come with their own internal power strip.

FASHION-FORWARD LUGGAGE: With everything from bright colors, to mod prints, to printable images of fur and cityscapes, and molded shapes like ripples and teardrops, luggage has finally become stylish again.  For the uber-high-fashion jetset, keep an eye out for brand-new luggage line Bt.L (pronounced “beetle”).  With faux wood-grain exteriors and retro trunks covered with beetles, I doubt Bt.L designer Rose Loveras-Herrera even knows what black nylon is…thank God!

Everyone has baggage…it’s all a matter of how you carry it.  With luggage finally moving forward after a long lull, there’s no excuse not to carry a bag that’s anything but fabulous anymore.

About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand. For more articles, tips, and hot spots from Susan, and community with fellow Cosmopolitan Travelers, visit http://www.CompassTravel.info. Or write her directly at Susan-Column@CompassTravel.info.