MCM celebrates Ramadan with capsule collection

MCM has partnered with influencer, podcaster, vlogger and tastemaker Noor Stars for a Ramadan collection of apparel and accessories designed to respect the traditions of the Muslim holiday.

The modest Ramadan look has an MCM edge and includes a flowing black silk robe with Laurel logo embroidery and crystal embellishments, along with matching wide-leg pants.

MCM x Noor Stars Ramadan Collection

The accessories offer features a black silk satin nylon crossbody bag with embossed Laurel logo motif, diamond hardware handle and chain strap, and calf suede ballerina shoes with gradation-patterned crystal embellishments.

Noor Stars is pictured here carrying the German brand's new X-Large Aren Shopper in nappa leather, a natural leather shopper bag featuring an abstract fishnet cut-out design with Visetos monogram printed leather trim and removable pouch.

Speaking about co-creating MCM's Ramadan Collection, Noor Stars enthused: “I’m incredibly excited to headline as the new MCM Maverick for their Ramadan collection. Co-creating these pieces has been nothing short of a dream – every detail reflects my love for bold elegance. Whether you’re dressing up for the holiday season or embracing everyday chic, this collection is designed to make you feel powerfully radiant.”

Frankfurt Airport welcomes Suntory shop-in-shop

Suntory Global Spirits has opened a new shop-in-shop showcasing its premium Japanese spirits at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1’s B-West store.

The liquor group’s first House of Suntory shop-in-shop in Europe is operated by Frankfurt Airport Retail, a joint venture between Fraport Group and Gebr Heinemann. The store reopened last year as a World of Fine Taste experience.

To celebrate the opening, on 30 and 31 January, specialist brand ambassadors were on hand to help travellers discover The House of Suntory portfolio through tastings, and learn more about Suntory’s whisky heritage.

Suntory's shop-in-shop at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Gebr Heinemann Head of Buying Spirits Manuel Schilling, Frankfurt Airport Managing Director Gordana Schiel and Suntory Global Spirits General Manager Global Travel Retail Gareth Jones.

The boutique incorporates The House of Suntory’s signature merchandising design features, inspired by harmony with Japanese nature and elevated by Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri).

Lightboxes and a screen displaying eye-catching images of Japan’s beautiful landscape illustrate Suntory’s harmonious balance with Japanese nature and traditions.

The space features Suntory’s luxury Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. Highlights include rare exclusives such as Hibiki 40 Year Old – a blend of Japanese whiskies from Suntory’s globally acclaimed distilleries Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita – each matured for over 40 years. Only 400 bottles of the ultra-luxury Hibiki 40 Year Old have been released globally.

The offer will include other sought-after releases such as the travel retail exclusive Kogei Collection, and the limited-edition Tsukuriwake Series. Premium offerings from the brand’s Toki and Chita whiskies are spotlighted through a Japanese garden-themed merchandising pillar, alongside other Japanese spirit categories, notably Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.

“The opening of this new shop-in-shop is a testament to our strong collaboration and long-term partnership with Gebr Heinemann,” noted Gareth Jones, General Manager Global Travel Retail Suntory Global Spirits. “The space has been curated for Frankfurt Airport and offers travellers a unique sense of luxury, storytelling and Japanese culture.”

“Step into our newly opened shop-in-shop boutique and embark on a journey of inspiration,” commented Gebr Heinemann Head of Buying Spirits Manuel Schilling. “Our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits brings [travellers] an unparalleled experience that combines luxury with the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.”

“We are excited to delight our customers with the unique combination of various flavours and aromas from the House of Suntory,” added Frankfurt Airport Director Gordana Shiel. “With authentic Japanese spirits, we bring a piece of Japanese nature into the bustling environment of the airport, inviting our customers to immerse themselves, indulge their senses, and take their taste buds on a special journey.”

An MCM bag with a big heart

MCM has launched the Cognac Visetos Heart Bag, a one-of-a-kind upcycled Valentine’s Day bag.

Hand-painted hearts spell out the classic MCM letters atop the German brand’s signature Visetos monogram.

MCM Cognac Visetos Heart Bag 

This upcycled crescent hobo has 24ct gold-plated metal hardware and is accompanied by a detachable, adjustable leather strap and chain handle, resulting in two ways to carry.

A matching chain wallet is also available.

Louis XIII Cognac drinks to the holiday season

To celebrate the holiday season in Asia, Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac has unveiled new limited-edition coffrets, along with travel retail activations.

The high-end spirits brand has introduced the Lunar New Year Edition in selected key airport locations. The limited-edition coffret features an exclusive design by renowned artist Liu Lihong.

Louis XIII Lunar New Year Edition 2025

Louis XIII has collaborated with the Palace Museum Cultural Innovation Institute since 2021 to customise traditional Chinese papercut designs for the brand’s Lunar New Year editions. The art of papercutting dates back thousands of years and is often used to depict beauty and express good wishes.

For the Year of the Snake, a snake and winter jasmine motif has been created using the traditional Chinese stamping technique, to evoke good fortune, health and prosperity.

Throughout January and February, the Louis XIII Lunar New Year Edition is being showcased through high profile activations at DFS Macau, the Shoppes at Four Seasons and at Singapore Changi Terminal 3 Departures.

As part of the holiday celebration, on 16 January, Louis XIII Cognac introduced the Hong Kong Limited-Edition Decanter, exclusively at the Hong Kong Duty Free Store at the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Link station, in partnership with travel retailer Avolta. Designed to pay tribute to the city’s Victoria Harbour, the personalised decanter features a red-sail junk boat design, brought to life through gold leaf etchings applied by skilled artisans.

Only limited quantities have been released. The launch was supported by live artist demonstrations at the station’s departures store in January.

Paying homage to Hong Kong

The launch of this special edition follows the November 2024 introduction of the Louis XIII Hong Kong Edition Victoria Harbour Coffret. Created exclusively for Hong Kong International Airport in partnership with China Duty Free Group, the collectible limited-edition presentation was designed to capture the city’s landmark Victoria Harbour and skyline, using gold leaf etchings delicately hand-applied by artisans.

Only 33 Victoria Harbour Edition coffrets were released. The launch was supported by activations in Hong Kong International Airport, featuring in-store displays and live artist demonstrations of the coffret’s gold leaf etching process.

This location-specific strategy will be enhanced and extended to other key travel retail locations. To further demonstrate its commitment to delivering elevated shopping experiences for travellers, in November 2024 Louis XIII opened a new private room in Tokyo Narita Airport T1, in partnership with operator FaSoLa.

"I am delighted to collaborate with some of our key travel retail partners to offer these crafted Limited Editions to our valued customers during the auspicious Lunar New Year period,” said Fida Bou Chabke, Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail’s CEO.

“Travel retail offers us a unique opportunity to connect with our clients, and offer them unique elevated live experiences and services. We have created an exciting pipeline of innovation, underpinned by sought-after limited editions and exclusive services to embody the ultimate luxury, heritage and craftsmanship of Louis XIII.”

MCM walks on the wild side for Lunar New Year

German luxury brand MCM has unveiled bags and accessories made from a new snake-print fabric to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

MCM Year of the Snake collection

Available in Old Gold and Blush Pink colourways, the realistic snake-print fabric has a natural-looking lustre and is sustainably crafted in Italy.

MCM Year of the Snake T-shirts

In addition, a Year of the Snake monogram printed leather patch appears on a clothing collection made from soft Japanese bouclé, including a cropped hoodie in pink, a bouclé zip hoodie in oatmeal and a pair of bouclé T-shirts, available in both pink and oatmeal colours.

Women in Travel Retail+ unveils 2025 charity

Women in Travel Retail+, the forum for women in the travel retail industry, has announced that its elected charity for 2025 is Toutes a l école, nominated by Priscilla Haibe de Walque.

Toutes a l école is a charity committed to providing a high standard of education to 1,700 underprivileged girls in Cambodia so that they can become free, educated women and play a useful role in their country. In Cambodia, scarred by the Khmer Rouge genocide, poverty dominates the rice fields and girls are often the first to be deprived of an education, instead toiling in the fields.

Toutes a l'ecole educates 1,700 underprivileged girls in Cambodia

During 2025, WiTR+ aims to raise €15,000 to renovate the dormitories of the 400 post-baccalaureate girls, to provide them with a healthy living space and good conditions to support their studies. With a 100% pass rate, many have gone on to pursue studies in medicine, engineering, law, agronomy and more.

The dormitories are essential as some live far away and cannot afford accommodation in Phnom Penh. They are currently damp and covered in mould. Funds raised will cover the cost of replastering, the application of anti-fungal paint and the installation of dehumidifiers in all the rooms.

Priscilla Haibe de Walque said: “I am so proud and thrilled that WiTR+ has voted for Toutes a l école. I had the opportunity to visit the school in Phnom Penh several years ago, and was incredibly moved by the impact it has on these children’s lives. Inspired by this, I have been sponsoring a young girl through the association for the past five years, and it has been a rewarding experience to see how this support has made a difference. I truly believe in the mission of Toutes a l école and the vital work they are doing.”

“Clean rooms to sleep and study are something that we take for granted. I am absolutely delighted that WiTR+ is going to make such a fundamental difference to this cohort of girls, and to future students,” said WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho. “Let’s all work together to make sure we hit the target and enable this transformation."

For details on the charity, visit www.toutes-a-l-ecole.org/fr/

Penfolds toasts 180 years of Champagne in Hainan

Australian winemaker Penfolds has brought its celebrated Champagne series to North Asia travel retail with an engaging pop-up at CNSC Duty Free Shopping Mall in the city of Sanya, located on Hainan Island, China.

As a highlight of Savouring Sanya 2024 Wine and Spirits Week, the activation invites visitors to explore “Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens” – a celebration of Penfolds’ 180-year tradition of winemaking excellence, reimagined through its innovative Champagne collection.

"Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens" at CNSC Duty free Shopping Mall in Hainan

Open from 6 December 2024, the pop-up was inaugurated by Penfolds Brand Ambassador Wang Yang at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an exclusive VIP yacht tasting and luxury dinner.

Located in the heart of the mall, the pop-up offers a vibrant and immersive environment for visitors. A tasting space introduces shoppers to Penfolds’ latest release, while portfolio displays showcase the breadth of Penfolds Champagne offerings and educate visitors on the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Surrounding digital screens amplify the storytelling, drawing visitors into Penfolds’ fusion of Australian innovation and French winemaking traditions.

At the centre of the activation is Penfolds non-vintage Champagne Cuvée Brut, crafted in collaboration with Champagne Thiénot. Made under the guidance of Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, this blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay delivers vibrant citrus notes, botanical aromas and subtle hints of raspberry, nougat and sherbet, embodying Penfolds' house style.

This marks the fifth release in Penfolds' partnership with Champagne Thiénot, following earlier launches of single-vineyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Non-Vintage Rosé Champagne.

Michael Jackson, Global Director - Global Travel at Penfolds, said: “For 180 years, Penfolds has been synonymous with innovation and excellence, and our Champagne is a testament to that legacy. France, where Max Schubert’s vision for Grange began, continues to inspire us as we explore new frontiers in winemaking.

“Bringing this milestone to Hainan is both a celebration of our heritage and a step forward in redefining luxury wine experiences in global travel. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners at China Tourism Group and the Hainan Tourism Bureau.”

Lin Mingkuan, Executive Deputy General Manager at China National Service Corporation (CNSC), added: “Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens adds a fresh dimension to our Savouring Sanya 2024 Wine and Spirits Week celebrations. Penfolds’ blend of classic and modern winemaking offers travellers an exceptional experience that combines tasting, interaction and cultural exchange. The new Champagne collection showcases Penfolds' craftsmanship while introducing a fresh and innovative perspective on the Champagne region. As one of the most important travel retail operating entities in Hainan, we are proud to host this milestone activation and look forward to Penfolds’ continued success in the region.”