Friday 29 April 2016

Sustainability meets style in major MCM initiative

To mark its 40th anniversary, MCM has joined the (RED) charitable organisation, pledging $10m over 10 years to improve the lives and health of women and girls across the globe. The announcement was made by MCM's Brand Strategist Jeehae Kim during the Conde Nast International Luxury Conference in Seoul in April. The luxury brand was host sponsor of the event.

Jeehae Kim at the Conde Nast International Luxury Conference (Picture: CNI Luxury Instagram)

Ground-breaking partnership to empower lives

MCM has partnered with (RED) in a ground-breaking partnership that will empower lives and cultivate sustainable health. “As a millennial brand, with an almost entirely millennial audience, we need to start taking action that will impact the future of this generation, my daughter’s generation. We need to become a catalyst that kick-starts change,” said MCM’s Chairperson and Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim.

Dedicated to the Global Fund, MCM will demonstrate leadership in the private sector through financing the non-profit organisation’s critical work to positively impact millions of lives, Mrs Kim added. The Global Fund has established a goal of saving 8m lives, and averting up to 300m infections and new cases of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

Sung-Joo Kim (pictured second from left) at the CNI Luxury Conference

A fully sustainable company by 2020

Korea has also been a donor to the Global Fund since 2004. In 2013, the government implemented a process to raise resources through a levy on air tickets, enabling the provision of annual funds to advance (RED)’s global health goals.

“This new (RED) partnership with MCM is a significant step towards expanding innovative private sector engagement in South Korea, and expanding funding to benefit the fight against AIDS,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund.

Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, (RED) is dedicated to founding the first AIDS-free generation. Engaging with cultural icons, multinational organisations and collaborators, (RED) has generated $350m for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia.

100% of donations goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70m people with prevention, treatment, counselling, HIV testing and care services.

Along with its endeavour to increase socially responsible practices, MCM will dedicate time and resources to infusing sustainability into the heart of fashion from the products, to people, to behaviours, said Mrs Kim.

“Bringing mindful design to the product offering, MCM will embrace partnerships with innovative designers whilst re-examining the use of specific materials, creating greener footprints and ‘redder’ generations, making MCM a fully sustainable company by 2020,” she concluded.

Stay tuned for (MCM)RED accessories coming later this year.

Thursday 28 April 2016

Pernod Ricard opens luxury spirits boutique

Pernod Ricard has opened the Luxe Boutique, a first-of-its-kind exclusive wine and spirits store at Mumbai Duty Free’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Terminal 2. Two bottles of Chivas Regal The Icon retailing at $3,500 were sold the day the store launched.

The opening of the Luxe Boutique at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2

Exclusive digital interactive area

Created in partnership with Mumbai Duty Free, the Luxe Boutique houses a vast portfolio of the most premium and rare drinks collections.

Featuring over 40 skus, the premium selection available at the Luxe Boutique includes Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, Chivas Regal 25 Year Old, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old, The Glenlivet 25 Year Old, Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, Royal Salute 38 Year Old, Absolut Elyx, GH Mumm Champagne and Brancott Estate wines.

Innovation, authenticity and diversity are values at the core of concept of the Luxe Boutique. Designed with the theme of fluid architecture, the store has an illuminated droplet-shaped centrepiece and houses an exclusive digital interactive area created for shoppers to learn more about their favourite single malt or Scotch brand simply by placing the bottle on the interactive screen.

Kartik Mohindra, Business Head - International Brands at Pernod Ricard India, said: “We are proud to present our first exclusive luxury retailing experience with the Luxe Boutique store here in India. Indian consumers are increasingly adopting luxury wines and spirits and this unique boutique will provide an exclusive yet intimate brand experience to showcase our entire portfolio. We are sure travellers and shoppers will enjoy a truly luxurious experience with our brands.”

Friday 22 April 2016

New Zacapa rum set to delight adventurous palates

Diageo and Ron Zacapa have announced that the latest edition to its family of rums, Zacapa Edición Negra, is now available in travel retail stores worldwide.

Zacapa Edición Negra rum

A gifting opportunity 

Inspired by traditional Mayan rituals, this slow-aged artisanal rum is described as a true expression of Guatemalan heritage and culture. 

The new spirit showcases a different Zacapa flavour from the sweet butterscotch notes identified in Zacapa 23, to create a distinctive and remarkable chocolate taste.

The new bottle is designed to stand out from the crowd and enhance the gifting opportunity.