Friday, 16 May 2025

MCM "Makes It Miami" in SNIPES collaboration

MCM has partnered with German streetwear retailer SNIPES to create a collection inspired by the lively US city of Miami.

The MCM x SNIPES capsule collection encapsulates Miami's “dynamic energy, stemming from the magical, transformative energy of the water surrounding the city”, MCM said.

“The collection celebrates creativity, self-expression and community, bringing together two powerhouse brands with a shared passion for innovation,” it added.

DJ Khaled with the MCM x SNIPES leather backpack

Designed to "Make It Miami", this collection reinterprets MCM's heritage with the street-savvy edge of SNIPES. From vibrant colours and bold textures to glittery studs and modern fits, the pieces are described as “fresh, fun and infused with the hip-hop luxury that pervades the city's DNA”.

American DJ and record producer DJ Khaled, SNIPES' Chief Creative Officer, said: “As SNIPES' Chief Creative Officer, I'm focused on bringing iconic collabs to the people – and this one with MCM really shows up and shows out.”

Featuring apparel, leather goods and accessories, the collection includes shirts, shorts, hoodies and various bags following a neon colour palette of black, white, flamingo pink and turquoise. The most notable piece is a sleek bag made from elegant white leather in upcycled Visetos.

The collection was celebrated at a launch party in Miami on 9 May.

Monday, 12 May 2025

William Grant & Sons fuels excitement in Singapore

William Grant & Sons is returning to the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition with a brand-new stand design inspired by Glenfiddich’s partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team.

In 2024, Glenfiddich announced a long-term partnership that brings together two brands renowned for their heritage, innovation and pursuit of excellence.

Glenfiddich has partnered with the Aston Martin Formula One Team

At the TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition, which runs from May 11 to 15 in Singapore, William Grant & Sons is showcasing recent global travel retail-exclusive innovations. Throughout the show, visitors will be served cocktails featuring the recently launched The Balvenie 12 Year Old Golden Cask and Hendrick’s Sunspell, alongside Silent Pool Gin and Glenfiddich Single Malt.

With Glenfiddich and The Balvenie both experiencing strong growth over the past year, William Grant & Sons’ travel retail division has delivered robust results in Asia Pacific duty-free.

“We continue to observe a shift towards premiumisation, with travellers seeking unique experiences and exclusive whisky expressions in duty-free,” said Rufus Parkinson, Regional Managing Director Global Travel Retail.

“William Grant & Sons is well positioned to meet this growing demand with our leading malts and premium gin portfolio, strengthened by standout activation plans across key locations including the exciting launch of our Glenfiddich partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team.”

William Grant & Sons boosts visibility at Mumbai Airport

In other news, William Grant & Sons has launched its first permanent installation in the Arrivals terminal of Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, strengthening its footprint in one of India’s busiest travel hubs.

Located in the newly renovated and expanded Arrivals store, the dedicated space brings to life the malts portfolio, comprising Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Monkey Shoulder. This launch complements its showcase in the Departures terminal.

William Grant & Sons opens a malt whisky space with Ospree Duty Free at Mumbai Airport Arrivals

Developed in partnership with long-term collaborator Ospree Duty Free, the permanent malt area was officially inaugurated on April 6 in the presence of Rufus Parkinson, Regional Managing Director Global Travel Retail at William Grant & Sons; Damian Cooper, Regional Director Global Travel Retail at William Grant & Sons; Sheetal Kachroo, Buying Head at Ospree Duty Free; and Sumit Chatterjee, Head of Operations at Ospree Duty Free.

“This new malt-dedicated space in Arrivals is another step forward in our partnership with Ospree Duty Free and our commitment to engaging travellers throughout their airport journey,” said Parkinson. “With an established presence in Departures and now a premium, permanent showcase in Arrivals, we are well positioned to offer Indian and international shoppers a seamless and elevated experience."

Prince Albert inaugurates Top Marques show

Top Marques Monaco officially opened its doors to the public on May 8, following an inauguration by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who visited the 20th anniversary edition of the exclusive car show at the Grimaldi Forum.

Prince Albert started the day by unveiling several of the 13 world premieres showcased this year – a strong testament to Monaco's status as the international capital of automotive innovation and excellence.

Among the major reveals were two supercars from the Monaco-based automotive influencer and Top Marques ambassador GMK: a customised Lamborghini Aventador SV and an ultra-high-performance Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco unveils the customised Lamborghini Aventador SV

Prince Albert also lifted the veil on the Monaco edition of the LM1 by Laffite Automobili – a model to which the prince personally contributed, offering his advice on interior design and the selection of exclusive colours.

The Sovereign also admired the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, presented for the first time by BPM Exclusive, and the Lamborghini Temerario, presented by Groupe Segond Automobiles.

The 2025 edition kicked off in style on May 7 with an Opening Cocktail sponsored by zondacrypto, where over 1,500 guests discovered more than 190 vehicles on display. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening surrounded by the latest supercar models, rare classic cars and motorcycles.

And on May 8, the event’s title sponsor zondacrypto hosted a unique experience – Valtteri Bottas' Crypto Paddock. This event was free and open to the public, offering a fun, beginner-friendly talk about the world of crypto with Formula 1 driver and zondacrypto ambassador Valtteri Bottas.

Top Marques Monaco, which ran from May 8 to 11, also showcased jewellery and watches, as well as exclusive works of arts. Many pieces were available for purchase on-site.