Juergen Teller inspires Tokyo in new MCM art space

MCM and Berlin-based art gallery König Galerie have opened a 3,000sq ft exhibition space for contemporary artists at the German luxury brand’s flagship Ginza Haus I store in Tokyo. 

The opening show is a solo exhibition by world-renowned German fashion photographer Juergen Teller. On November 9, MCM and König Galerie celebrated the grand opening of the space in the presence of Teller, with more than 200 guests from the worlds of art, fashion and culture gathering for the inaugural exhibition. Hosted by MCM’s Global Creative Officer Dirk Schoenberger and gallerists Johann and Lena König, notable guests included the German ambassador to Japan Ina Lepel, Shota Matsuda, Rila Fukushima, and Mariya Nishiuchi.

From left: Dirk Schoenberger, Juergen Teller and Johann Koenig at MCM Ginza Haus 1 in Tokyo (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for MCM/Koenig Galerie)

Titled Heimweh, the show centres on the concept of homesickness, a re-evaluation of Teller’s German identity and his position as a European immigrant to the UK amid the ongoing Brexit uncertainty. Many of the works are shown in public for the first time. Set up as an interplay between large-scale formats and smaller pictures, the exhibition runs from November 9 until January 2020.

Juergen Teller's art on display at Koenig Tokio gallery

With a focus on showcasing a roster of key influential German, Austrian and Swiss artists in Japan, the temporary König Tokio gallery will run multiple exhibitions until December 2020. Among them will be internationally renowned artists such as Katharina Grosse, Alicja Kwade, and Erwin Wurm.

MCM Ginza Haus I is MCM’s concept space celebrating the brand’s heritage of culture, craft and creativity, and is described as an architectural landmark where art, fashion and culture converge.

Martell marks moments of achievement

To celebrate the new refreshed look for its XO Cognac, Martell has launched a series of promotions in key airports around the globe, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Los Angeles and Paris. The campaign builds on Martell XO Cognac’s positioning as the perfect drink with which to celebrate success.

Martell XO Cognac's airport showcase

A striking retail space design, inspired by the signature Martell XO arch, itself a symbol of opportunity, entices consumers to learn more about the brand. An engaging digital experience allows visitors to submit details of their most memorable moments and receive a personalised serve from a Virtual Drinks Strategist. As well as having the opportunity to try the product for themselves on-site, passengers receive a premium card detailing the uniqueness of their chosen moment and their Martell XO Cognac pairing recommendation.

To complement this experience, the new look is brought to life via a partnership with JCDecaux Airport Media, connecting with travelers throughout their airport journey to show how Martell XO is the perfect accompaniment to celebrations with friends and family.

The new bottle is a refreshed premium direction for Martell XO and features a beautiful arch-shape design. It moulds together a bold and contemporary design with a refined brushed-gold trim, seeking to convey the sophistication of the liquid inside. This new Martell XO Cognac design is a statement of success and enables consumers to share and celebrate their achievements.

Martell XO activations are now live at Hong Kong International. Singapore Changi, Shenzhen, Los Angeles International and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports. The campaign will also be featured at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Taipei Airport, Shenzhen Airport, Zhuhai Airport, Bangkok Airport, New York Newark and Sydney Airport.

The new Martell XO Cognac is available now in global travel retail locations across the globe, retailing at US$283. 

MCM takes Milano to Cannes in TFWA showcase

German luxury brand MCM wowed buyers at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes with a show-stopping collection of leathergoods and accessories as well as apparel and footwear.

Mannequins dotted around the exhibition stand showcased MCM’s total look, spanning tracksuits, sneakers, sleek patent outerwear and smart black pants.

Mannequins display MCM's total look

Silvia Santin, Head of Global Travel Retail, introduced buyers at the trade fair to the new, upscale Milano collection, which is crafted in Italy.

MCM's new Milano collection

Head of Global Travel Retail Silvia Santin at the TFWA World Exhibition 2019

MCM apparel and accessories, including the brand's signature backpack

Davidoff delves into its cigar archives

Davidoff is introducing a global release of small batch cigars for the first time. Using rare tobacco vintages available in its tobacco archives, the Davidoff master blenders have created 12 blends in a series of small batches.

The blends have been created for dedicated regions of the world, and the roller's signature on each of the small batch bundles further confirms the exclusivity of these cigars.

Davidoff Robusto small batch cigars

The master blenders have created a range from medium to full-bodied multi-origin blends made of rare tobaccos from Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and the Dominican Republic. The cigars are crafted in the popular Toro, Robusto, Belicoso and Corona Extra formats.

To complement the traditional signature white ring standing for the sophistication of each Davidoff cigar, a Small Batch second band underlines its rareness. The cigars are wrapped in Kraft paper bundles comprising five to 10 cigars. Depending on tobacco stocks and blend, the global availability per small batch is as limited as 1,300 cigars. The roller's signature on each bundle gives it a personal touch.

Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “Introducing these one-of-a-kind small batch cigars, we are excited to add an additional touch of exclusivity to our distinct assortment of premium cigars. The tobaccos used are as rare as the talents that blend them. The roller's signature on each small batch bundle further confirms our dedication and passion. And we are confident that they will delight the few fortunate aficionados who find them with a truly unique cigar experience.”

The cigars will be available from September 2019 at selected Davidoff merchants in Germany, UK, Switzerland, the US and Asia.

Zino -Z- cigar case

Zino -Z- accessories in vibrant colours

After the successful launch of Davidoff’s Zino -Z- collection in 2018, the brand is introducing striking humidors and leather cases for cigar care at home or on the move to complement the assortment. These additions with vibrant accent colours aim to attract younger aficionados seeking stylish accessories.

The Z80 humidor comes in a modern design combining a wooden look with fresh accent colours. The result is striking blends: natural oak/red, black oak/mint, grey oak/cyan. The humidors are equipped with the proprietary Zino slim self-regulating humidification system that provides optimal storage conditions for up to 80 cigars, ensuring 70-72% relative humidity.

Made of cowhide leather and lined with vibrant colours that match the humidors, the cigar case will keep two cigars up to a 54 ring gauge humidified for 15 days. Its ergonomic shape with adjustable length provides comfort in the hand. These hand-made cigar cases are available in two sizes: XL-2 to fit up to a Toro format, and R-2 that fits up to a Robusto format.

From October 2019, the new Zino -Z- collection accessories will be available at selected tobacco stores, selected Davidoff merchants, Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 flagship stores and global travel retail locations. Launch dates may vary depending on country.

Bacardi pledges $1m to Dorian disaster relief

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas, Bacardi Limited and the Bacardí family have donated $1m in cash and other assistance to the disaster relief efforts.

Bacardi will collaborate with non-profit partners and the Bahamian government to ensure that this cash donation provides immediate and long-term assistance to local relief agencies.

The company has also organised an employee drive to collect items for those in need as well as communicated a website to provide cash donations to a global humanitarian partner.

Bacardi has a long relationship with the Bahamas, which became its adopted home in the early 1960s when the company moved there after the revolutionary government forces in Cuba illegally confiscated all assets in Cuba from Bacardi.

“We have never forgotten the incredible kindness of the Bahamian people and the important role they played in the history of our company,” said Facundo L. Bacardi, Chairman of family-owned Bacardi Limited. “We hope in a small way to contribute to the rebuilding of this great country in the face of this tragedy just as the Bahamas helped Bacardi rebuild nearly 60 years ago.”

The company produced its rum in the Bahamas for nearly 50 years and many Bacardi family members still have roots in the islands.

Company founder and Bacardi rum creator Don Facundo Bacardí Massó began the company’s tradition of corporate responsibility in 1862 when he volunteered as the chief organizer of disaster relief in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba after a horrific earthquake. Since then, the Bacardí family and company have continued to build upon his commitment to assist in times of catastrophic natural disasters.

In 2017, in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, Bacardi committed a total of $3m to relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. In recent years, Bacardi has also made donations to aid organisations supporting relief efforts in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, Italy, Haiti, Cuba, Brazil, Chile and the US.

New MCM collection knows no bounds

German luxury goods brand MCM has tapped Billie Eilish and Childish Major, two breakthrough artists leading the next generation of music and creation, for its Autumn/Winter 2019 campaign.

Billie Eilish wears the MCM Trey 4-in-1 sling and Himmel sneakers

MCM has created new iterations of its signature Visetos material for this season, and the latest in ready-to-wear is intended for genderless styling. Standout items include the Jemison backpack and Milano Boston bag.

The collection celebrates fluidity of identity and the freedom of expression, and the campaign was shot by Lea Colombo.

Childish Major wears the MCM Jemison mini cross body bag and Himmel sneakers

MCM campaign credits:

Creative Direction: Doug Lloyd

Agency: Lloyd & Co

Photography: Lea Colombo

Talent: Billie Eilish, Childish Major

Styling: Jay Massacret