Thursday, 4 September 2025

MCM blends retro-futurism with utility for Fall

MCM has launched the next chapter of its From Munich to Mars journey for Fall/Winter 2025 with a collection crafted for Cyber-Galactic Nomads on the move.


Blending retro-futurism with utility, it fuses bold silhouettes, fresh materials and forward-thinking colour with the German brand’s signature design language. Driven by a vision of freedom and motion, it reimagines identity – on Earth or beyond.


MCM Herringbone Visetos FW25

The third and final chapter brings the journey full circle with a refined return to MCM’s heritage. Cognac Visetos re-emerges, now embossed with gold-toned herringbone weaves that add both texture and a subtle architectural edge. Striking a balance between softness and structure, this drop blurs the line between statement and staple by providing a futuristic nuance to tradition.


MCM Khaki Moss Visetos FW25

The second chapter grounds the collection in earthy tones, with khaki green anchoring the monogram across signature silhouettes like the Stark Backpack and Toni Shopper. Crafted from sustainable materials such as upcycled leather, recycled nylon and soft suede, this drop expands the range with new iterations of the Gym Backpack and Mama Bag, blending elevated design with everyday functionality.


MCM Blue Denim Visetos FW25

The first drop in the collection transforms MCM’s classic Visetos through a futuristic lens, introducing vibrant Blue Visetos and tactile Blue Denim Visetos – colours inspired by the energy of the deep sea and outer space. Featured across weekenders, multibackpacks and more, Blue Denim adds rich texture, while Blue Visetos brings a bold, electric edge.


Directed by Katharina Korbjuhn and shot by Yis Kid, the Cyber-Galactic Nomads campaign presents a futuristic vision where style intersects with technology, architecture and AI. 


“Blurring the line between real and rendered, it explores how identity, motion, and self-expression evolve in an increasingly technological world where individuality is the ultimate statement,” MCM said.

Wednesday, 3 September 2025

Heinemann supercharges cruise retail presence

Heinemann Americas has launched a bold new cruise retail concept onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, delivering first-at-sea exclusives and redefining immersive shopping at sea.

With 10 retail venues onboard, the vessel features exclusive Royal Caribbean logo merchandise, fine watches and fashion jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics, as well as vintage luxury leather goods and timepieces. A standout highlight is a collection of prestige and rare spirits, crafted to surprise and captivate connoisseurs.

The beauty offer onboard Star of the Seas

The new retail offer builds on the success of Icon of the Seas, with a focus on curated exclusivity, elevated design and category innovation across four distinct store formats.

The liquor experience onboard Star of the Seas introduces several first-at-sea features, including personalised backwalls for Macallan, Hennessy and Patrón, a dedicated Johnnie Walker gondola, and a limited-edition Louis XIII monogrammed box hand-decorated exclusively for the ship, with only 30 pieces available globally. Among the rare offerings is a bottle of Loch Lomond 50yo, one of just 100 worldwide, retailing at $34,999. The store also debuts multiple exclusive barrel programmes, such as Angel's Envy – selected by Heinemann’s team as a first-at-sea – and the rare O.F.C Bourbon 1985.

Luxury timepieces are available in branded shop-in-shop formats from Cartier, Hublot, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Longines, Rado and Norquain, a new brand for Heinemann. Swiss Crown complements the offer with a curated selection of pre-owned Rolex watches.

Cartier's shop-in-shop onboard Star of the Seas

Meanwhile, the logo merchandise store presents a new collection designed exclusively for Star of the Seas, featuring fashion-forward apparel, collectibles and a children’s line. The Vineyard Vines x Royal Caribbean co-branded range – introduced on Icon and Utopia – returns with a refreshed capsule, adding a familiar and updated touch to the retail experience.

“With Star of the Seas, we continue our mission to elevate cruise retail through storytelling, exclusivity and unforgettable experiences,” said Nicolas Hoeborn, CEO of Heinemann Americas. “This launch is a testament to our strong partnership with Royal Caribbean and our shared vision for the future of travel retail.”

The Collection store offers second-hand Louis Vuitton merchandise

Together with Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas ranks among the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring 365 metres in length and accommodating up to 5,610 guests and 2,850 crew members. It is the sixth Royal Caribbean vessel to feature Heinemann’s retail offer, following Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

Thursday, 28 August 2025

Top DJ Martin Solveig to appear at Cannes fair

TFWA World Exhibition has shared details of a packed networking programme at this year's Cannes show, including an appearance by top DJ Martin Solveig.

The week will kick off with para-sports activities, including blind football and wheelchair rugby on Sunday morning (28 September) co-organised by the Stade Toulousain Handisport charity and TFWA and supported by travel retail analyst m1nd-set. As part of this year’s Yes We Cannes para-sports programme, the 500-kilometre para-bike ride from Toulouse will conclude in Cannes, with riders scheduled to arrive in front of Cannes City Hall at 17:30 on 27 September.

This will be followed by the opening cocktail held at the Carlton Beach from 19:00. Access to all networking events is complimentary for badge holders.

The popular TFWA Lounge will return with both after-work and night-time sessions taking place on Monday (29 September) and Tuesday between 18:30 and 21:00 and 22:00 and 01:00. On Wednesday at 22:00, the beach will be transformed into the Phenomena Club. This glamorous nightspot will feature a stellar line-up of DJs, including Martin Solveig who will keep revellers on the dance floor until 02:00.

TFWA President Philippe Margueritte said: “Networking is a core part of attending a TFWA event and remains vital for the progress of an industry that is forged on relationships. This year’s programme reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections in unforgettable settings. Alongside the chance to exchange ideas, conduct business and explore new opportunities, delegates can seed and grow new partnerships in a relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to connecting the industry once again in Cannes later this year."

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Monaco Yacht Show spotlights sustainable innovations

Monaco Yacht Show is set to present practical and environmentally sustainable innovations as part of its MYS Blue Wake Program (24-27 September 2025). 

Among the solutions are:

Shipyards 


Azimut Yachts and Benetti use HVO fuel for fleet trials, cutting over 75% of CO₂ emissions versus standard diesel (RED II).


Conrad Shipyard The Conrad COONE 140 blends luxury and sustainability with hybrid propulsion, regenerative sailing and zero-emission capability.


Rossinavi Seawolf X, Rossinavi’s hybrid-electric catamaran, merges solar, battery and AI systems for luxury cruising with significantly reduced environmental impact.


Tankoa Yachts‘ Vitruvius models feature parallel hybrid propulsion, offering silent cruising, reduced emissions and fuel savings with advanced battery packs.


Varador 2000 Shipyard & Marina Barcelona reduces freshwater use by 15% through pioneering desalination.


Tenders and water toys


Frauscher Boats: The Frauscher x Porsche combines stylish design with advanced electric power, giving a quiet, zero-emission boating experience.


SEAir Flying Boat designs luxury hydrofoil boats that reduce fuel use, boost speed and improve comfort.


TYKUN’s H1 hydrogen propulsion offers innovative, efficient and customisable solutions designed in Italy for high performance and low environmental impact.


U-Boat Worx builds electric submersibles with zero emissions, enabling quiet underwater exploration for tourism, research and conservation.


Equipment


Atlas Marine Systems’ ShorPOWER converters cut CO₂, noise and fuel use while providing stable, reliable shore power worldwide.


Cramm Yachting Systems’ electric telescopic gangway offers a cleaner, quieter boarding solution for luxury yachts.


FlowGrill delivers custom ventilation systems reducing energy use and emissions, with recyclable materials and local production.


Services


BOND Support Services optimises yacht HVAC systems, cutting energy use, emissions and costs through fine-tuning, digital twins and predictive maintenance.

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

William Grant & Sons revs up for Cannes show

UK independent family-owned Scotch whisky specialist William Grant & Sons will return to the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes next month in a space that highlights premium storytelling and showcases its portfolio of exclusive and high-aged liquids.

The stand design is inspired by The Balvenie and Glenfiddich shop-in-shop concepts and is developed around shopper needs and behaviours in duty free.

To celebrate Silent Pool Gin’s partnership with Royal Ascot, the brand will take over the stand terrace, and cocktails featuring Silent Pool Original Gin and Silent Pool Mediterranean Expression will be served.

Among the highlights on-stand will be the debut of the global travel retail exclusive Glenfiddich 19-Year-Old Limited Edition in partnership with Aston Martin Formula One Team. The new release embodies the values of innovation, mastery and heritage shared by the two brands.

Glenfiddich will celebrate its partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team in Cannes

Malt Master Brian Kinsman will host private tastings for select customers, offering them the opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, innovation and heritage behind Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whiskies.

Daily cocktail hours (17.00 to 18.00) will offer guests the chance to experience the portfolio in a relaxed and sociable setting. And throughout the week, Global Travel Retail Brand Ambassador Ashvin Joshi will engage visitors with immersive tastings and stories behind the brands.

Rufus Parkinson, Regional Managing Director - Global Travel Retail, William Grant & Sons, said: “Our global travel retail portfolio is designed to meet the evolving demands of travellers seeking experiences and innovations. From limited editions to exclusive expressions, we aim to spark curiosity and deliver exceptional experiences. TFWA is always a highlight for connecting with partners and sharing what’s next for our brands in this dynamic channel."

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Molton Brown launches artistic summer campaign

UK fragrance house Molton Brown has introduced a series of high-impact installations in travel retail doors, in partnership with Avolta-owned World Duty Free, as part of its Summer 2025 campaign to support its best-selling Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold fragrance.

Timed to coincide with the peak summer travelling season, the eye-catching Must Have Tables are live at London Heathrow Terminal 2 and T5, and at London Stansted, from 5 August until 3 September.

Molton Brown's best-selling Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold collection


The Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold collection includes Eau de Parfum, Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Fine Liquid Hand Wash, Hand Lotion, Candles, Aroma Reeds and Aroma Reed Refills.

A curated selection is being highlighted on the Must Have Tables, which feature a QR code customers can scan to discover more. The information is available in English, French and German. Travellers who spend £120 will receive a 7.5ml Travel Eau de Parfum gwp.

Brand storytelling through Artists of Note

Introduced in 2015, Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold was Molton Brown’s most successful fragrance in 2024. Composed by Senior Perfumer Sylvie Fischer, its winning formula takes wearers seamlessly from day to night, thanks to its signature note of olibanum resin.

Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold is the latest addition to Molton Brown’s pioneering Artists of Note series, which invites creatives to reimagine the brand’s fragrances through their unique media, to express the sensorial power of scent.

For Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold, Molton Brown chose London-based multi-disciplinary artist Karimah Hassan. Her distinctive “paint out loud” approach sees her express the scent in a painting and poem called The Golden Bridge.

“This natural meeting of perfumery and artistry is a true reflection of Molton Brown’s dedication to craftsmanship and the emotional connection we forge with scent,” the company said.

Drawing from her rich Welsh, Yemeni and Bangladeshi background, along with her strong identity as a Londoner, Hassan creates large-scale paintings and installations alive with legacy, memory and heritage. Collaborating with brands such as Burberry, and with exhibitions in Selfridges and The Rosewood, she is inspired by the fresh, raw energy of the city and its wave of painters, writers, designers and musicians moving as one.

Molton Brown's Must Have Table in travel retail

"I strive for radiance"

With The Golden Bridge, Hassan uses her multi-faceted practice to depict the “alchemy of turning scent into ceremony”.

“I strive for radiance through my painting and poetry,” Hassan noted. “I work with layers of colour, of story, of emotion.” Of the fragrance, she declared: “It makes me feel like a goddess – like I’m charging forward on a chariot.”

Much like how the scent unfurls note by note, Hassan’s artwork demands a second look to uncover its hidden intricacies. Captured in a diptych – one single composition across two connected portraits – the expressive layers of golds, rich ambers and burnt reds perfectly merge with unexpected textures to display a heady, dreamlike oasis.

“As one of our enduring best-sellers, Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold is a key priority for us in the travel retail channel, and we have a number of exciting initiatives planned for this strategic focus,” said Molton Brown Key Account Manager Global Travel Retail Rohanne Collis. “This summer’s Must Have Tables offer a strong platform to build on this fragrance’s momentum, while also celebrating its latest evolution as part of our Artists of Note series."

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Metaxa targets a new generation

In an exciting development, Rémy Cointreau-owned Greek amber spirit brand Metaxa has entered the fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) category.

Two new canned cocktails are inspired by Greece: Peach Spritz and Ginger & Lime Long Drink.

This significant milestone seeks to reimagine the Metaxa experience for a new generation of consumers.

Metaxa's new RTD cocktail duo

The global RTD market is projected to surpass $50 billion by 2030, with the 23-25-year-old age group driving much of this growth. Metaxa’s RTD offer targets urban, socially active consumers in pursuit of authentic taste.

Each 250ml can combines Metaxa’s signature blend of aromatic Muscat wines, aged wine distillates and Mediterranean botanicals with natural fruit flavours, offering a fresh, lower-alcohol alternative for on-the-go enjoyment.

The 250ml cans echo the brand's popular classic cocktails, and are crafted for easy accessibility, with a playful, modern aesthetic that captures the vibrant spirit of Greece. Both cocktails contain 5%abv, catering to the growing demand for lower alcohol options.

Metaxa RTD is available in Greek duty free shops at airports in Athens, Rhodes, Chania and Heraklion.

“This RTD launch marks a pivotal moment for Metaxa, as we further evolve the brand to connect with a new, younger generation of consumers who value convenience, authenticity and bold flavour experiences,” enthused Rémy Cointreau Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Alice Hoffmann.

New limited-edition products


Metaxa 12 Stars Zeus Limited Edition is a new product targeted at younger legal-drinking age travellers. It features the same distinctive taste as the classic Metaxa 12 Stars, presented in a striking new contemporary bottle design. The concept references the Greek god of sky and thunder, and is positioned as the ideal choice to “light up the night partying”, the company said.


Metaxa 7 Stars Greek Riviera Limited Edition

Metaxa 7 Stars Greek Riviera Limited Edition is a new travel retail exclusive created for travellers who are seeking gifts and souvenirs that incorporate a taste of their summer holiday. This limited edition is available in selected airport doors including Greece, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Australia and the UAE.


In-store tastings led by brand ambassadors, price promotions and gwps are planned for airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Rhodes from August through October. 


In August, to enhance visibility and encourage conversion, the new products are being supported by an integrated campaign in partnership with Avolta. Targeted promotions include free entrance for Club Avolta members to Liknon, the home of Metaxa, located on the island of Samos, and a lucky draw to win a Dinner in the Sky dining experience in Athens.


In addition, travellers who spend over €30 on Metaxa in selected airport stores are eligible to receive a free cocktail at participating bars in the Greek domestic market.


“These new editions enhance our portfolio by catering to a broader range of travelling consumer preferences,” said Hoffmann. “This summer plan is designed to immerse travellers in the world of Metaxa at every step of their journey, and strengthen brand loyalty by influencing purchasing behaviour, both in travel retail and beyond."