Laphroaig brings Willem Dafoe’s whisky to travel retail

Laphroaig is introducing its limited-edition Islay single malt whisky, Willem by Willem, to travel retail – the latest chapter in Laphroaig’s partnership with cult actor Willem Dafoe.

London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 hosted an activation in August, marking the first stop in an international roll-out across key airport locations.

Dafoe, who became a Friend of Laphroaig last September, selected the Willem by Willem spirit with Laphroaig’s Senior Whisky Maker, Sarah Dowling. Instead of focusing on tasting notes and process, he chose the peated whisky that sparked his curiosity and delivered the most memorable tasting experience.

Friend of Laphroaig Willem Dafoe and his Willem by Willem single malt whisky 

Dafoe said: “It was a pleasure learning about each of the whiskies shortlisted to be the one. I made my final choice based on the whisky that evoked the most curiosity about its taste – something I still can’t put my finger on, but that's half the fun. For me, when I sip Willem by Willem I experience… you tell me. For all who drink it, I hope the whisky will inspire discussion.”

Inspired by the film industry “no notes” phrase, meaning a performance so confident and complete it needs no direction, the launch excludes tasting notes. Instead, fans worldwide are invited to form their own interpretation of the whisky’s taste.

Dowling said: “Our experience with whisky is so personal, from how we drink it – whether neat, with water or in a cocktail – to the different opinions about its taste. It was important to Willem and me that we selected a rich and complex spirit, unmistakably Laphroaig, but which allowed people to interpret and enjoy it in their own way. The whisky speaks for itself and I look forward to hearing what it is saying to people around the world.”

Friends of Laphroaig community

The Heathrow introduction was supported by a prominent high profile promotion in partnership with Avolta, delivering exposure both in-store and across the retailer’s digital ecosystem.  Within a dedicated bar space, a Claim Your Turf activation invited smoky whisky fans to join the global Friends of Laphroaig community. Friends were able to plant a flag with their name and country of origin into a piece of turf, creating an evolving visual celebration of fans from across the globe.

The experience showcased Willem by Willem through the hero bottle, dedicated point-of-sale materials, the campaign film starring Dafoe, and striking key visuals.

Legal drinking age shoppers were invited to sample expressions including Laphroaig Four Oak through Paloma and Bubbles cocktails. Gifts with purchase were available, including a seaweed gift bag, a welly keychain and 50 bonus Friends of Laphroaig points, to welcome new consumers into the community.

Ashish Sagar, General Manager CoE Global Travel Retail and MEA at Laphroaig brand owner Suntory Global Spirits, said: “Global travel retail plays a vital role in introducing consumers to the world’s most distinctive spirits and Laphroaig is a brand that rewards curiosity and discovery. Willem by Willem is a unique expression of that spirit. It is a whisky that invites travellers to experience, interpret and share their own perspective. We are proud to bring this remarkable release to key airports around the world and create memorable moments for whisky enthusiasts everywhere.”

Willem by Willem is a 14yo, Oloroso cask-finished whisky (53.7%abv), priced domestically at $142. Following the Heathrow T5 launch, the airport roll-out will continue this autumn in Singapore Changi, Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Delhi Indira Gandhi and Dubai.

Maker’s Mark seals airport-exclusive artist series

Kentucky bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has launched a global travel retail exclusive series featuring custom, city-inspired labels designed by acclaimed artist Alexandra Pacula.

Available for a limited time in selected airports, the bespoke Maker’s Mark bottles are inspired by destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney and Melbourne, inviting travellers to discover and collect each release throughout their journeys.

Maker's Mark Artist Series - City Edition

"At Maker’s Mark, we’ve always believed that character comes from doing things differently, and this Artist Series – City Edition brings that idea to life by capturing the distinct spirit and creative energy of iconic cities around the world," said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director of Maker’s Mark. “Today’s travellers are looking for experiences that feel personal and memorable, and we’re proud that each beautifully designed bottle is something they can enjoy long after their trip ends.”

Drawing on her signature style of painting inspired by long-exposure photography techniques, Pacula captures each city’s movement, light and rhythm through layered, expressive compositions. Hand-painted details nod to the brand’s signature red wax seal.

Pacula said: “Maker’s Mark has a very intentional approach to craft, and I wanted to mirror that in this body of work. I spent time in each city, immersed in its rhythm and atmosphere, and translated those impressions into expressive visuals that bring each label – and each place – to life.”

“Travel retail continues to be a key channel for premium spirits, as consumers increasingly seek exclusive and experience-led purchases during their journey,” said Ashish Sagar, Interim General Manager, Global Travel Retail at Maker's Mark brand owner Suntory Global Spirits. “With the brand’s distinctive craftsmanship, the Maker’s Mark Artist Series creates a collectible proposition that truly stands out in airport retail.”

The Maker’s Mark Artist Series – City Edition is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Seoul Incheon, London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports. The series will continue to roll out in Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, and in the US in New York JFK and Los Angeles in September.

MCM fuses fashion, energy and music with DJ Khaled

German luxury brand MCM has launched a vibrant collaboration with American DJ and rapper DJ Khaled, featuring a capsule collection powered by music, culture and craftsmanship.

The MCM x DJ Khaled x We The Best drop brings craftsmanship and Khaled’s signature Miami energy into one standout collection, “where music sets the tone and personality does the rest”.

Miami vibes: MCM x DJ Khaled x We The Best campaign

Celebrating MCM’s 50th anniversary, MCM x DJ Khaled x We The Best fuses music, culture, movement and craftsmanship into a bold expression of travel and identity.

Framed through the campaign video The Beat of It All, the collection captures DJ Khaled as a multi-dimensional creator, shaped by the culture, energy and mindset that define his world.

Craftsmanship meets Miami energy in a capsule that pairs leather goods and ready-to-wear with “serious swagger”. MCM’s iconic bags – the Stark Backpack and the Ottomar Weekender – get a bold update in signature Cognac Visetos, accented with rich ultrasuede and bright blue leather trim.

MCM x We The Best Stark Backpack in Visetos

Ready-to-wear goes loud with bold graphics and Miami Art Deco flair, echoing DJ Khaled’s favourite catchphrases: “We The Best” and “Another One”.

The collaboration made its entrance in style, with a high-energy party at the Boom Boom Room in New York. DJ Stretch Armstrong held down the music, with DJ Khaled stepping in.

To mark the launch, an MCM x DJ Khaled x We The Best mural went live in Soho, New York, located at W Broadway and W Houston.

Suntory achieves major milestone at Paris airport

Japanese whisky house Suntory has expanded its presence at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport with the opening of its first-ever pop-up at Terminal 1 and its first permanent brand space at Terminal 2, developed in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail and Extime Duty Free.

Located in one of Terminal 1's premier retail environments, the 5m x 3m House of Suntory pop-up invites travellers to discover Japanese craftsmanship, cultural storytelling and omotenashi-inspired hospitality through tastings and sensory experiences featuring Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.

The House of Suntory pop-up at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

“This activation represents an important milestone for The House of Suntory in travel retail, bringing together Japanese craftsmanship, cultural storytelling and elevated shopper experiences in one of Europe’s most iconic airports,” said Ashish Sagar, General Manager Global Travel Retail at Suntory Global Spirits.

The pop-up showcases prestige expressions from the Vintage and Luxury Collections, including Hakushu 18 Years Old, Hibiki 21 Years Old, Yamazaki 18 Years Old, Yamazaki 12 Years Old, Hibiki Harmony Master Select and Hakushu 12 Years Old, alongside educational content, new product innovations and the Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series.

At the heart of the experience, a central showcase celebrates Hibiki as a global icon of Japanese artistry through guided tastings, storytelling and curated food pairings inspired by the spirit of omotenashi.

The space brings the art of Japanese gifting to life through authentic furoshiki wrapping – the centuries-old Japanese practice of wrapping and presenting gifts in decorative cloth, transforming gift presentation into an expression of care, respect and intention.

Exclusive to the Paris CDG pop-up, a limited-edition furoshiki design combines Japanese tradition with French cultural elegance, reinforcing collectability and a sense of place.

First permanent brand space at CDG

Complementing the pop-up, Suntory Global Spirits has also introduced the first permanent House of Suntory brand space at Paris CDG Terminal 2. Located within the LSM4 store – one of the airport’s largest and highest traffic spaces – this strategic placement strengthens the prominence of Japanese whisky in the airport.

Hibiki whisky gift wrapping

This permanent installation highlights the most prestigious expressions across three zones, designed to guide shoppers from discovery through purchase.

Illuminated lightboxes highlight key expressions and launches, creating strong visual impact.

The central brand and education area features Hibiki as a global icon alongside Yamazaki, Toki and Roku. Beautiful visuals and information cards communicate the characteristics of each expression. An educational module reinforces Suntory’s position as the founding house of Japanese whisky. 

The portfolio display presents the full Suntory portfolio in a structured, premium layout, ensuring strong visibility, ease of navigation and clear pathways to purchase.

MCM looks to retro-futuristic styles for 50th Anniversary Autumn/Winter 2026 collection

MCM has unveiled its 50th Anniversary Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, celebrating this milestone through the lens of Munich’s culture and music, blending cutting-edge materials with futuristic styling.

Described as retrospective yet futuristic, the collection highlights studded silhouettes and innovative leather goods reflecting the brand’s fusion of art, tech and travel.

MCM's cinematic campaign for Autumn/Winter 2026

The collection redefines nomadic luxury through retro-futuristic styles built around a rich autumnal colour palette. With a selection of lightweight and transitional mid-season pieces along with cold-weather essentials such as warm jackets, this collection is perfect for layering to create classy outfits for men and sophisticated clothing for women.

For the launch of the new collection, MCM unveils a cinematic campaign exploring individuality, connection and the emotional rhythm of modern life through intimate moments and the beauty of being together.

MCM Autumn/Winter 2026 Aren Sling Bag

Set inside the MCM Haus, the campaign centres on a family of distinct personalities. “As a son returns bearing gifts selected with remarkable precision, the story unfolds through micro-moments, understated humour and a carefully composed visual language,” said the German luxury brand.

Directed by Lucio Castro and photographed by Luna Conte, the campaign balances emotional subtlety with quiet sophistication.

MCM Autumn/Winter 2026 Pina Tambourine bag

The collection reflects the distinct personalities of the MCM Haus through reimagined heritage silhouettes, signature leather goods and forward-looking ready-to-wear.

From archival Pina styles and diamond-inspired Dia bags to travel-inspired designs, the season blends craftsmanship, innovation and modern mobility through a refined lens, while quilted leather, recycled nylon and retro-futurist accents add depth, texture and personality to the story.

A highlight is the Pina collection, which embodies mobile elegance through logo stud embellishments on leather and Visetos wallets, totes and tambourine bags.

Rémy Cointreau names new CEO Global Travel Retail

French spirits group Rémy Cointreau has announced that Carlos Radulovitch will take over the CEO Global Travel Retail position as of July 1, 2026.

The announcement came as Rémy Cointreau launched a three-year turnaround plan called RC Forward, aiming to boost operating profits by €100 million by the 2028/29 financial year. A core pillar of this strategy is to double sales in travel retail and emerging markets.

With more than 25 years of international leadership experience and a depth of travel retail expertise, Radulovitch has led large-scale international business across EMEA, Americas, Asia and the Middle East, with deep expertise in global consumer and luxury brands.

Before joining the group, Radulovitch served as CEO of Ted Baker in London, where he led the EMEA business across retail, travel retail, e-commerce and wholesale operations in 11 countries.

“We truly believe that Carlos’ extensive knowledge of the travel retail channel and proven track record of delivering growth will facilitate the transformation of our GTR business and help our valued partners to grow faster with the Rémy Cointreau portfolio in both the short and longer term,” said Ian McLernon, Group Chief Markets Officer.

“I am excited and ready to support Rémy Cointreau’s remarkable brand portfolio of exceptional spirits. Strengthening our presence, engaging our partners with the highest standards and delivering a strong and result-oriented roadmap is an exciting challenge I am ready to lead,” added Radulovitch, who will be based in Singapore, where the company's Global Travel Retail office is located.

MCM unveils mischievous Cozy Cat fragrance

MCM has added a new line to its growing animal-themed fragrance collection.

MCM Cozy Cat Eau de Parfum

“Mischievous and magnetic, Cozy Cat captures the untamed spirit of curiosity with notes of violet, peach, sandalwood and vanilla,” the German luxury brand said.

The unisex Eau de Parfum is presented in a 100ml bottle with a three-dimensional sculpture of the cat character on top.

The woody floral fragrance features top notes of violet leaves, wildberry, peach and black rose, with middle notes of suede, benzoin and ambrette, and base notes of sandalwood, tonka bean, cedarwood, labdanum, musk and vanilla bean.

The new Cozy Cat fragrance joins Charming Pup, Darling Doxie, Mighty Bear and Jolly Rabbit.