MCM rocks Coachella with Peggy Gou

MCM celebrated the return of Coachella music festival in the California desert with a star-studded event titled LUMEN.

Peggy Gou at NYLON House x MCM

Created in partnership with NYLON House and headlined by renowned DJ and friend of MCM, Peggy Gou, guests at the after-hours party enjoyed a setlist specially curated for the occasion, as well as immersive experiences.

They included a custom MCM trunk suitcase bar for content creation and a DJ booth with a metaverse-inspired dance floor, where the illusions were made possible via projection mapping and special effects. Guests could also sample MCM’s signature Eau de Parfum at a mobile scent bar.

Global brand ambassador and music artist iann dior also joined MCM at NYLON house to kick off Coachella and the launch of the brand’s limited-edition Sambypen Eau de Parfum.

MCM goes for bold in Collector’s Edition fragrance

German luxury fashion brand MCM is continuing its collaboration with Seoul graffiti artist Sambypen in a collector’s limited-edition Eau de Parfum fragrance.

Debuting this Spring and designed by Sambypen, the packaging for the 50ml bottle celebrates Berlin street art and its renowned graffiti scene, reinterpreted through the lens of Seoul’s irreverent youth, to create a bold take on luxury.

Commenting on the MCM partnership, Sambypen said: “As this is my first fragrance collaboration, it felt quite personal to me. The scent immediately brought back memories of the many different places I lived in and travelled to around the globe. I wanted to convey the sense of global connectivity and community that we have been missing during the last few years.”

For the limited-edition fragrance, Sambypen reimagines MCM’s core iconography through imaginative characters that represent the essence of the fragrance, created in an eye-catching graffiti street-art treatment and interpreted through his signature aesthetic.

For example, Haru the Wicked Bunny – inspired by the MCM Rabbit and German Easter Hare – has a bold attitude and playful aesthetic emblematic of the scent.

“The shared ethos between MCM and Sambypen resulted in a collaborative project where art, fashion and entertainment blend and the underground converges with luxury,” said Dirk Schönberger, Global Creative Officer, MCM of the artistic partnership.

Inspired by free thinkers

MCM Eau de Parfum, which was originally introduced in Spring 2021 with a backpack-shaped bottle, is designed to capture the essence of the brand’s DNA of travel and takes the wearer on a journey inspired by the ingredients. Vibrant raspberry and hand-picked jasmine are refined with clean woods and sheer Ambrox Super, presenting a spirited floral woody aroma which remixes classic perfumery with novel blending technology.  

Baerbel Bureick, Chief Marketing Officer, Inter Parfums Inc, the global licensee for MCM fragrance, said: “We’ve always believed there is an inherent connection between fashion and fragrance, fuelled by the emotional response to each, and love that these two worlds seamlessly intersect in our partnership with Sambypen. Scent can so profoundly recall or evoke a sense of place. Working with Sambypen, our shared intention was to transport the wearer, taking each person on an emotional journey of MCM’s bold heritage through the sensorial experience of using the fragrance.” 

Senior Perfumer Clément Gavarry of Firmenich, which made the fragrance, said the scent was “inspired by tribes of fearless free thinkers and sought to design a sustainable blend of classic and modern elements that fuse together to create an attitude of unbridled optimism and powerful connection”.

The Collector’s Edition edp retails at $90 for 50ml and will be available in stores and online beginning April 2022.

Rodenstock reinvents eyewear collections for 2022

Rodenstock has re-engineered this year's eyewear collection with a particular focus on technical details and innovative technologies.

In line with the German brand’s guiding theme of Engineered Purism, the new collections see pure aesthetics and a minimalist design meet precision and craftsmanship.

Rodenstock's The Sun sunglasses concept for men and women

Rodenstock Director Global Retail and International Key Accounts Eyewear Lucas Gestin said: “These new collections highlight the technical expertise and innovation which are the heart of Rodenstock. From exceptional modern concepts, through timeless styles, to minimalist designs delivering technical excellence, these collections offer something to inspire every travelling shopper.”

Highlighting the importance of sunglasses to travel retail, he added: “The sunglasses category is poised to be at the heart of travel retail’s recovery; shoppers associate this sector with the travel environment more than almost any other. But to capitalise on that, we need new, exciting and engaging designs and we are delighted to showcase the best of Rodenstock’s expertise with these new releases.”

Headlining Rodenstock’s Essentials segment is The Sun concept, which highlights the brand’s ability to blend design with technology. Engineered for men and women, The Sun concept combines frames in a top-class design with high-quality Sun Protect lenses.

The two women's models (R3329 and R3330) ensure a feminine look in an elegant butterfly shape with a two-tone, slightly transparent frame rim made from acetate. The two men's models (R1443 and R1444) have a reduced but striking design with characteristic rivets and a metal bridge.

The Sun Protect lenses provide optimal UV400 protection and protect the eyes against harmful sunlight.

Rodenstock’s Engineered Purism is showcased across the new collection's three segments: New Heritage leverages 140 years of experience to showcase modern product concepts; the Lite Tec segment features modern and minimalist frames highlighting technical performance, reduced use of materials, lightness and individualisation; and the Essentials features versatile and timeless styles, manufactured with forward-looking technologies.

Teeling whiskey launches high-end collection in Hainan

Teeling Whiskey - The Vintage Reserve Collection has made its debut with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) in Hainan on an exclusive basis in travel retail, brand owner Bacardi has announced.

The upscale Irish whiskey launch was supported by a two-month HPP, running to the end of February 2022 at CDFG’s Haikou Duty Free Shop in downtown Haikou.

Teeling Whiskey 38yo Single Malt Very Rare Cask

Teeling Whiskey - The Vintage Reserve Collection is a series of hand-selected casks chosen by the Teeling family for their distinctive characteristics. It comprises three aged expressions offering whiskey enthusiasts some of the finest and rarest Irish single malt whiskeys available.

Retailing at $14,000 for a 70cl bottle, the Teeling Whiskey 38yo Single Malt Very Rare Cask is a limited edition of 200 numbered bottles, 35 of which are available through CDFG in Hainan.

Matured exclusively in rum barrels, the whiskey features earthy, tropical notes, white grapes and caramel. It has a citrus mouthfeel with fruit flavours including ripe citrus, sultanas and raisins and a spicy, dried herb finish. The spirit is bottled at 41.2%abv with Teeling’s signature no chill filtration.

Winner of the Master award in The Irish Whiskey Masters 2021 (run by The Spirits Business) and retailing at $4,000 for a 70cl bottle, Teeling Whiskey 32yo Single Malt Rum Cask was distilled in 1988 and matured in ex-rum casks for 32 years. Limited to 750 bottles, the 46%abv expression has a nose of roasted almonds and green apple with vanilla cream soda and cardamom spice on the palette giving way to a long, complex finish. No chill filtration.

Completing the trio, Teeling Whiskey 2001 Vintage Reserve Single Cask is exclusive to CDFG with only 300 bottles created. Aged for 19 years in an ex-Madeira cask and retailing at $650 for a 70cl bottle, the rich taste profile features toffee apple, dried fruits and rosewater notes with cinnamon and clove spice on the tongue. No chill filtration.

Appealing to a new generation

Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail, explains the significance of the launch. “Irish whiskey is still a new and evolving category in China and it’s a very exciting one that is fast gaining a following amongst contemporary whiskey drinkers, especially in first-tier cities. Teeling appeals to the new generation because it is new and different with an accessible style and taste that suits the Chinese palate, underpinned by its award-winning credentials.

“China has the potential to quickly become one of the largest markets for Irish whiskey and this partnership with China Duty Free Group in Hainan is a powerful launchpad for Teeling Whiskey – The Vintage Reserve Collection.”

Jack Teeling, founder of Teeling Whiskey Company, added: “We are extremely proud to release some of the oldest ever bottlings of Irish single malt with our Vintage Reserve Collection. The opportunity with China Duty Free Group in Hainan is the perfect potential to build on our success to date in China, extending our footprint to reach the new wave of whiskey drinkers. Teeling can match and beat any whiskey from around the world as our track record in award wins has shown, and we are excited to take the lead in shaping the bright future we see for the Irish whiskey category in China.”

Charles Chen, President of China Duty Free Group, said: “There is a growing interest in premium, aged Irish whiskey amongst our shoppers from across China and we are honoured to be the first travel retailer to list Teeling Whiskey – The Vintage Reserve Collection. China Duty Free Group is continually enhancing our range to excite and delight our customers and we are very pleased to expand the award-winning range of Teeling in our stores."

MCM calls on XOUXOU for hands-free phone accessory

MCM has partnered with Berlin-based XOUXOU on a limited-edition mobile phone case and matching lanyard, combining modern technology with the hands-free heritage of both brands.

Known for its smartphone necklaces, XOUXOU aims to transform a mobile device into an ultra-modern pendant through an adjustable logo-woven webbing strap.

Insecthaus features in MCM's campaign visuals

 

Freedom of movement underlines the hands-free case, which can be worn securely around the neck or across the body.

MCM’s Visetos monogram is embossed on these limited-edition cases for the iPhone 13/13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The lanyard hardware is rendered in 18ct gold and premium stainless steel for an elevated, luxury finish.

They are available in the German luxury brand’s signature Cognac colour or black.

Digital creator Adrian Kozakiewicz – also known as Insecthaus – features in the campaign visuals, along with performance artist Lucia Leonce.

Performance artist Lucia Leonce

“XOUXOU captures the energy and dynamism of Berlin by merging innovation with culture and community,” said Dirk Schönberger, MCM's Global Creative Officer.

“Together we’ve fused tech and luxury for life on the move,” added Yara Jentzsch Dib, XOUXOU’s founder.

Grey Goose nets Dubai Duty Free tennis sponsorship

Bacardi has partnered with Dubai Duty Free in a limited-edition Grey Goose original vodka, as the spirits brand celebrates its fourth year sponsoring the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Grey Goose at Dubai Duty Free

The event, which ran from February 14 to 26, 2022, was a multi-media brand-building opportunity for Grey Goose, both at the tournament itself as well as creating an opportunity to engage shoppers in Dubai Duty Free airport stores.

Sijesh Janardhan, Regional Manager, Middle East and Africa at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said. “We are thrilled to reinforce our long relationship with Dubai Duty Free by continuing the Grey Goose sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. We have a long-standing relationship with Dubai Duty Free and, like them, we share a passion for tennis. Bacardi is in the business of helping people celebrate the moments that matter with our portfolio of premium drinks brands – including Grey Goose vodka – and this sponsorship is a perfect fit.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, added: “We are delighted to have Grey Goose as an official partner of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for a fourth year. We are happy that we have sponsors reconfirm their support, and many of our sponsors have been with the tournament for over 20 years.”

Throughout the tournament Grey Goose vodka benefited from increased visibility at Dubai Duty Free stores in addition to playing a feature role in the cocktails served at the VIP bar at the stadium. 

The limited-edition Grey Goose original vodka (43%abv) is available exclusively at Dubai Duty Free airport stores, retailing at $52.50 for a 75cl bottle.

Patrón Tequila launches first NFT on BlockBar

Ultra-premium tequila brand Patrón has teamed up with BlockBar, the world’s first direct-to-consumer NFT marketplace for wine and spirits, to launch its first NFT, unlocking a bottle of limited-edition Patrón Chairman’s Reserve. It is also the first tequila brand on the BlockBar.com platform.

This one-of-a-kind, exclusive aged blend has, until now, never been released to the public, and purchase of the NFT provides ownership rights to the physical bottle of Chairman’s Reserve.

A complex yet delicate tequila, made of 100% Extra Añejo, this release is described as “the ultimate form of luxury, and is so rare that it will never be replicated again”. Only 150 individually numbered bottles of this tequila will be available exclusively on BlockBar.com.

The limited-edition Chairman’s Reserve blend is bottled in a handmade crystal decanter, hand-numbered by the Patrón familia, and packaged in a dome-shaped box with front-opening double doors featuring laser-cut panels that allow light to illuminate the liquid inside.

The outer packaging is made of dark, polished hardwood, hammered metal and luxurious engraving and inlays. The artwork is inspired by the brand’s birthplace in Atotonilco el Alto, Mexico with imagery evoking the Jalisco highlands, the Patrón Hacienda and agave fields.

Kathy Parker, President and Global Chief Marketing Officer for Patrón, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with BlockBar as the first tequila brand on the platform and for Patrón Tequila’s first-ever foray into the NFT market with the launch of Patrón Chairman’s Reserve. As one of the few brands that still makes tequila by hand, it’s exciting to be able to bring our passion and dedication to perfection and craftsmanship into the digital realm to a new audience of NFT collectors.”

The NFT with BlockBar.com is said to bridge the physical and digital marketplace, whether it is acquired for personal enjoyment, investment purposes or securing a rare and unique item for tequila connoisseurs and NFT collectors. The cryptographic version will be held securely by BlockBar, with a record of authenticity held on the blockchain as a digital certificate of ownership. The buyer may choose to redeem the physical product and have it delivered from BlockBar’s secure storage facility, trade its NFT version within the BlockBar.com marketplace, keep it in their virtual bar, or gift it through BlockBar’s new gifting offering on BlockBar.com.

Dov Falic, co-founder and CEO of BlockBar, said: “We’re excited to be a part of this innovative milestone for both Patrón Tequila launching its first NFT, and BlockBar teaming up with Patrón – the number one ultra-premium tequila – as the first tequila brand on our platform.”

The NFT is priced at 1.5 ETH (about $4,500) and may be purchased from BlockBar with Ethereum (ETH) or by credit card.