MCM creates capsule with Mirum leather alternative

German luxury brand MCM has introduced a new capsule collection using an all-natural leather alternative material, marking a major step forward in its eco-conscious luxury strategy.

The Mirum Capsule Collection is the result of a two-year creative design process that sees the brand’s Himmel Shopper reimagined with an advanced leather alternative that is consciously crafted from all-natural materials to ensure a lower carbon footprint than animal and synthetic leather.

MCM Mirum Capsule Collection - Himmel Shopper

As it launched the collection on 4 November, MCM said: “Traditional leather alternatives are heavily reliant on fossil-fuel derived synthetics, which do not biodegrade and contribute to the global plastic issue. That’s why we are proud to partner with NFW to introduce Mirum alternative leather into the design and manufacture of our products. As a naturally circular, scalable, 100% plastic and water-free material, Mirum is an incredibly exciting resource for us.”

Every year, the fashion industry uses a massive amount of oil, to the tune of 342 million barrels according to a 2017 Ellen MacArthur Foundation study, to produce synthetic materials for use in apparel and accessories. MCM is committed to meeting aggressive sustainability goals and a big part of this is re-thinking the materials it works with.

Mirum is consciously crafted in the US by the pioneering biomaterials company NFW, which uses natural ingredients including rubber, agricultural waste fibres, and plant-based oils, pigments and minerals. As well as being durable, Mirum has a dramatically lower carbon footprint than conventional leather and synthetic alternatives, according to MCM.

The MCM Mirum Capsule Collection comprises two sizes of the Himmel Shopper, crafted from the naturally luxurious, 100% plant-based and recyclable material. The company hopes to include Mirum in more future releases.

The new collection coincides with the publication of MCM’s annual Sustainability Report which shows how the company has reduced its emissions, used more sustainable materials, expanded its upcycling programme, and assisted good causes locally and internationally.

“Our targets are grounded in climate science, guided by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This objective is at the core of MCM’s strategic planning, and we are committed to producing products that help, not harm. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we plan to go even further,” the company said.

Suntory unveils experiential shop-in-shop in Changi T4

Suntory has partnered with Changi Airport Group and Lotte Duty Free Singapore to open a new experiential shop-in-shop boutique at Singapore Changi Airport T4.

The 30 sq m store opening follows Suntory’s first ever shop-in-shop boutique in the travel retail channel, which made its debut earlier this year in Lotte Duty Free’s refurbished central duplex store in Changi T3.

Suntory's shop-in-shop at Singapore Changi T4

Inspired by the beauty of Japan’s natural world and elevated by Japanese craftsmanship, the new shop-in-shop invites travellers on an experiential sensory journey, seeking to foster a deep and lasting connection with the brand.

It showcases the full range of exceptional whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki, complemented by a strong focus on other Suntory craft spirits such as AO, Toki, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.

Embodying Suntory’s signature aesthetic, the Changi boutique incorporates dynamic designs, including large display screens to attract footfall from afar. These screens project different seasons within nature, to evoke the changing natural environment that surrounds the birthplace of different Suntory spirits.

Immersive branded discovery stations featuring interactive screens invite travellers to embark on a journey of digital discovery, enhanced by a mobile tasting table where visitors can sample a selection of craft spirits.

“Travel retail is a vital brand-building channel for the group,” noted Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham. “I am delighted to further expand our presence at such a key airport location, in partnership with Changi Airport Group and Lotte Duty Free.”

Gandham continued: “This beautiful boutique is another perfect showcase for The House of Suntory’s exceptional portfolio of spirits, and exemplifies our commitment to delivering high quality innovation and rich experiences for our customers.”

Lotte Duty Free Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong Soongyu commented: “The high-end Japanese whisky category continues to perform positively, and this new shop-in-shop boutique will allow Lotte to further strengthen its offering and leverage demand.

“We understand that our discerning customers seek innovation and memorable experiences when they travel. This specialised boutique diversifies Lotte’s product selection and enhances the premium shopping journey for travellers."

MCM opens new boutique in Vietnam

German luxury brand MCM has opened a new store in Vietnam, located at Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Post Office.

MCM's new store in Ho Chi Minh City's Central Post Office

The bright, airy flagship store in the heart of Vietnam’s largest city has all the latest MCM designs, as well as the classic icons. It is operated by retail specialist DAFC.

Visitors can explore a unique art space and the latest collection From München To Mars for this year's Fall-Winter season.

In other news this month in the US, MCM is supporting the Susan G Komen® Breast Cancer Foundation. From October 18 to October 31, MCM Products USA Inc will donate to Susan G Komen® 10% of the retail sales price of each specially marked product sold, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $5,000.

The charity donation coincides with the launch of the new Soft Pink colourway in the brand’s signature Visetos monogram.

MCM Pink Collection

Women in Travel Retail+ raises €25,800 for FRASI Bike to School project

Women in Travel Retail+ has raised €25,800 for its 2024 elected charity – the FRASI Bike to School project in Sri Lanka – far exceeding its donation target.

The charity was nominated by WiTR+ member and Essence Corp’s Vice President, Patricia Bona. In a country where children walk a considerable distance to get to school, its goal is to help prevent girls and boys from dropping out of schools by providing them with means of safe transportation. Dire economic circumstances in Sri Lanka are leaving children with no option but to quit school – losing out on education and, in many cases, their only daily guaranteed meal. In response, FRASI launched the Bike to School project to provide students with a bicycle plus accessories and training so they can get to and from school safely and efficiently.

Children enjoy biking to school thanks to the FRASI Bike to School project

WiTR+’s goal was to raise €15,000, which would provide 100 children with bicycles but, thanks to generous donations from Victoria’s Secret, Brown-Forman and many donations from attendees to WiTR+’s various networking events throughout the year, the charity has collectively managed to raise an impressive €25,800 – which is enough for bikes for 200 children.

Patricia Bona said: “Thanks to WITR+ members’ generosity, our initial goal of delivering 100 bicycles to students was surpassed, and FRASI is now organising a second delivery focusing especially on young girls. Together we did it! We are grateful that 200 students will receive access to education, be safe on the roads and be proud to own a bicycle.”

Suntory unveils its oldest blended whisky

Suntory has announced the release of Hibiki 40 Year Old, seeking to underline the brand’s role as a leading pioneer of Japanese whisky.

Hibiki 40 Year Old is an exclusive liquid with a blend of high-quality Japanese whiskies from Suntory’s distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita – each matured for over 40 years.

Only 400 bottles of the ultra-luxury Hibiki 40 Year Old will be released globally across selected markets and channels.

Hibiki 40 Year Old blended whisky

This release, which is the oldest blended whisky in brand history, aims to strengthen Suntory's position at the forefront of Japanese spirits.

An allocation has been set aside for the global travel retail channel. These bottles have been earmarked for key global airport locations: Sydney, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Hainan, Taipei, Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Madrid, New York and Los Angeles.

Suntory's Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo crafted Hibiki 40 Year Old from a variety of Suntory's ultra-high-aged whiskies produced by earlier generations. The “decadent and truly innovative” result has layers of unprecedented aroma and mellowness, the company said.

On the nose, it reveals aromas of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel and clove. It unveils flavours of pure acacia honey and dry fig on the palate, culminating in an aromatic aftertaste.

Shinji Fukuyo said that behind the elegance and bloom that is typical of Hibiki, there is a sense of subduedness, like that of an old temple, and a wabi-sabi patina due to the long ageing process.

He explained: “I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.”

"The pinnacle of Japanese luxury and craftsmanship"

Hibiki 40 Year Old demonstrates the next chapter for Hibiki, where its signature ‘Creating Harmony’ not only resonates with the complexity of Mizunara Japanese oak and the subtle sweetness of Spanish oak, but is further elevated with the smoothness of caramelised cacao from the aged American oak.

To honour Japanese craftsmanship, Suntory has partnered with the renowned Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to handcraft the washi label on the presentation box.

The bottle is fashioned from crystal glass, boasting 30 facets crafted by a renowned glassware maker known as a purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. It is decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay and gold lacquer to pay homage to its heritage and tradition. This design seeks to amplify the golden hue of the liquid.

The wooden box is made of 12 kinds of Japanese wood such as pine and zelkova, and has 12 faces, representing the 12 months of the year. Around the box, flowers and grasses of the four seasons of Japan are depicted in maki-e lacquer, representing the changing seasons and linking the past and future through Hibiki.

“This is a landmark release from The House of Suntory, so I am delighted that we can offer it to our key global travel retail partners,” said Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham. “Hibiki was introduced in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary, and it embodies the pinnacle of Japanese luxury and craftsmanship.”

He continued: “We have huge ambitions for this brand, as we continue to develop and enhance our premium whisky portfolio. The word Hibiki means resonance in Japanese, and I am confident that Hibiki 40 Year Old will absolutely resonate with travelling connoisseurs seeking to experience a truly exceptional whisky."

MCM blends fragrance and jewellery in new creation

MCM has launched a limited-edition, ultra-luxury Swarovski crystal fragrance retailing at $1,800 for a 50ml bottle.

Dubbed “a beautiful blending of fragrance and jewellery”, the Collector’s Edition version of its award-winning fragrance launches with an updated Stark Backpack-shaped bottle design embellished with around 1,100 Swarovski crystals.

With only 150 bottles released globally, each crystal was carefully applied to the bottle by hand. The unisex fragrance comes with a bespoke travel case inspired by the iconic Ottomar Travel Case, in an exclusive Berlin Gold hue.

MCM Collector's Edition Eau de Parfum fragrance with Swarovski crystals

The MCM Eau de Parfum juice has been reimagined into a luxurious Parfum concentration. The long-lasting, floral woody fragrance is infused with “hyper-real” raspberry, jasmine and woody notes of Ambrox Super.

The juice is sustainably sourced and formulated using green chemistry principles with more than 77% biodegradable ingredients and 87% vegan formula.

Over 50% of its sustainably sourced Naturals Together ingredients contribute to the positive social impact on local communities around the globe, MCM said.

The one-size MCM Collector’s Edition Eau de Parfum with Swarovski crystals is available in MCM boutiques, online and at selected retailers.

MCM is captivated by K-pop in Milan

German luxury brand MCM revealed its Spring/Summer 2025 collection with a K-pop extravaganza in Duomo Square during Milan Fashion Week.

Inspired by the beauty and mystery of the ocean, the Under The Sea collection debuted during “Dancing Duomo”, a K-pop flashmob presented by the Sungjoo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation founded by MCM Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim. The event featured dynamic performances by major K-pop stars GoToe, Jinusean, Harry-June and SUI.

MCM's K-pop flashmob in Duomo Square

With seasonless designs that transcend trends, the ocean-inspired SS25 collection embraces MCM’s SMART luxury ethos: Seasonless, Made for Movement, Ageless, Responsible and Transformative.

MCM Spring/Summer 25

In other news from Milan, the Sungjoo Foundation organised the opening event of the KIFT (Korea Italy Fashion Tech) Alliance Forum in Milan to celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy.

The forum brought together leaders from the fashion tech sector, academics and institutional representatives to discuss the future of fashion with digital technologies, AI and the metaverse, promoting sustainability and innovation.

“MCM and the Sungjoo Foundation are committed to building a sustainable and innovative future,” said the company.