MCM goes back to its roots for Oktoberfest

MCM, the German luxury brand born in Munich, is celebrating the annual Oktoberfest festival with a new partnership honouring Bavarian culture.

The MCM x Alpenherz capsule collection features three sophisticated dirndl dresses, an exclusive Aren Oktoberfest Crossbody and a pretzel charm.

Exclusive: MCM x Alpenherz

“Oktoberfest has always been the world’s stage for Bavarian culture and this year, MCM and Alpenherz bring their shared roots to that spotlight. Uniting haus codes with Alpenherz’s dirndl expertise, this limited-edition collection is built for women who honour tradition without being defined by it,” said MCM.

The dirndls have detachable sleeves, versatile silhouettes and a shared diamond motif so they can be styled to suit the wearer.

The collection is available at MCM stores across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, online at mcmworldwide.com, or at Alpenherz and Breuninger.

Sensai spotlights global growth ambitions at TFWA fair

Japanese luxury skincare and make-up brand Sensai is returning to the 2026 TFWA World Exhibition under the Kao beauty portfolio, exhibiting alongside fellow prestige brands Molton Brown and Oribe.

At this year’s show, Sensai will unveil Autumn/Winter 2026 innovations, headlined by the brand’s return to the premium hair and scalp care category.

Visitors will also discover the brand’s best-sellers, alongside an early introduction to the evolution of Sensai’s core Saho philosophy for 2027, including new developments around its signature Double Moisturising ritual.

Sensai's premium hair and scalp care range

The return to the premium hair and scalp care category marks an important milestone for Sensai, as it seeks to capitalise on the strong brand equity it has built within skincare and make-up.

“Sensai’s continued momentum reflects the power of our luxury beauty proposition, and the increasing relevance of our unique Japanese philosophy among consumers worldwide,” said EMEA General Manager Julien Noilou.

“This year marks an especially exciting chapter for the brand as we re-enter the premium hair and scalp care category – a natural extension of the Sensai universe – bringing the same commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and exceptional performance that consumers have come to expect from our skincare and make-up portfolio. Combined with our continued development of the Saho ritual and Double Moisturising philosophy, we are creating new opportunities to engage luxury beauty consumers across multiple categories and touchpoints.”

Sensai’s recent initiatives reflect Kao’s continued commitment to the luxury beauty segment and the group’s Global Sharp Top Strategy, which focuses investment on categories where Kao can establish a leading market position through high-value offerings and distinctive market propositions. Together, Sensai, Molton Brown and Oribe strengthen Kao’s position in the luxury beauty sector, and meet growing global demand for elevated, experience-led products.

In EMEA, Sensai has achieved year-to-date growth of +5%, supported by particularly strong performances in key heritage markets including Italy, Germany, Poland and Sweden.

More recently, Sensai has also achieved significant momentum in Turkey, bolstered by the development of strong local partnerships and increased brand visibility.

Across Asia Pacific, Sensai is continuing to expand its footprint following its successful launch in Indonesia, with Thailand joining as the brand’s next strategic entry market.

Building momentum through travel retail

Travel retail remains a key pillar of Sensai’s international growth strategy. Recent openings at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Prague Václav Havel Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport have strengthened the brand’s presence at major European gateways, with an opening planned at Rome Fiumicino Airport by the end of 2026.

“The openings clearly reinforce our commitment to selective, premium distribution across strategically important travel hubs,” Noilou noted.

"As we strengthen our presence in established markets, enter new territories and expand our travel retail footprint, we look forward to sharing our latest innovations and future vision with our valued business partners in Cannes."

Travel retail trade prepares to meet at TFWA fair

Loewe and Crocs are among the exciting new exhibitors at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026, which will bring together the travel retail industry from September 27 to October 1 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

The exhibition will showcase many of the world's leading travel retail brands spanning cosmetics, fragrances, fashion, food, tobacco, wines and spirits, including Campari, Bulgari, Clarins Group, Chanel, Ferrero and Longchamp. Among the brands making their debut in Cannes are Crocs, Loewe, Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, Eau Thermale Avène, Bioderma, Anua, Molinari, Atyab Al Marshoud and A L'Olivier.

Conference line-up

Kicking off the event, the TFWA World Conference takes place on Monday 28 September under the theme Shaping the World of Travel Retail. TFWA President Sarah Branquinho will open the conference with her state of the industry address; she will be joined by David McWilliams, Gilles Roucolle and Charles Duhigg to share their perspectives on the forces underpinning the industry. The conference will be moderated by Stephen Sackur. 

A workshop programme will bring together leading experts to examine the trends, challenges and opportunities. On Tuesday 29 September, Pierre-Alexandre Koch and Denise van Wijk of Oliver Wyman will present findings from an exclusive TFWA study on opportunities for customer growth, while Marina Giuliano of Amadeus will explore the forces reshaping global mobility and where the next wave of travel demand could emerge.

On Wednesday 30 September, Anna Marchesini of m1nd-set will examine changing traveller behaviours and opportunities for growth in fashion, followed by Victor Dijon and Alex Liu of Kearney, who will present findings from an exclusive TFWA study on how AI can turn consumer data into growth.

TFWA Start up Day is back on Thursday 1 October 2026. Alongside TFWA’s partner, Mondelez International World Travel Retail, solutions and services companies such as Altavia Travel Retail, blynk, CXG, DWS, Illuminete x Trinax and Voiceback Analytics will present their innovations.

Purpose-driven initiatives

Alongside its business programme, TFWA is reinforcing its commitment to social impact through two purpose-driven initiatives. Delegates will be invited to support The Moodie Davitt Report’s #KickCancerThon, a fundraising campaign for cancer research and awareness inspired by the late Sinead Moodie, by cycling on stationary bikes installed in front of the Palais des Festivals. Collectively generated kilometres cycled will convert to financial contributions from TFWA to the cancer research programme at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.

Additionally, the Yes We Cannes! Handisport initiative will promote inclusion and accessibility through adaptive sports activities.

Qatar Duty Free returns as the main partner of the TFWA Lounge networking space. Brand partners, including Haribo, Heineken, Lakrids by Bülow, Liviko Crafter’s, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (presenting its Drink More Water campaign), Pringles, Santa Margherita, Seeberger, Storck, Walker’s Shortbread and Wonderful Pistachios, will also contribute to the Lounge experience.

U’Luvka Vodka targets travel retail growth at TFWA show in Cannes

Luxury Polish vodka brand U’Luvka Vodka will showcase its full portfolio at the upcoming TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, as it targets the next phase of international travel retail expansion following its acquisition by independent drinks group Aspri Spirits – a leading player in India’s imported alcoholic beverages sector.

Presented in Cannes in partnership with spirits brand agency JP-GTR, U’Luvka will use the exhibition to meet customers, rekindle previous relationships and build new partnerships.

U'Luvka Vodka

The brand’s renewed travel retail strategy is already gaining momentum, with U’Luvka Vodka present at leading travel retail locations across Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, including Baltona in Poland, Dubai Duty Free, GAL Delhi Duty Free, Hyderabad Airport, Maldives Airports and Avolta locations such as Bengaluru.

Expansion is planned across Europe, the Middle East and Asia as U’Luvka continues to rebuild and extend its international footprint.

The brand’s combination of distinctive bottle design, premium liquid and Polish heritage positions it to capitalise on the premiumisation of spirits in travel retail, particularly across the Middle East, India and Asia.

Alongside its international expansion, award-winning U’Luvka is taking a targeted approach to travel retail, prioritising locations with the right consumer profile and supporting listings with brand ambassador activity and staff training.

Aspri Spirits Head of International Business Justin Weston said: “Cannes comes at an important moment for U’Luvka as we build on the momentum generated since the acquisition and our renewed focus on travel retail. We are seeing encouraging engagement across key markets and are now focused on developing the right partnerships and listings to support sustainable international growth.”

JP-GTR Founder Jean-Philippe Aucher added: “U’Luvka Vodka has the quality, identity and heritage to compete strongly in the premium spirits space, and Cannes gives us an important opportunity to share our ambitions with the global travel retail community. Our priority is not simply to increase distribution, but to build the brand thoughtfully in locations where its proposition can really connect with travellers."

MCM infuses joy and cuteness into personal style

MCM is stepping up its 50th anniversary celebrations with a Hello Kitty collaboration exclusively for the Japanese market.

MCM x Hello Kitty

In the German luxury brand’s second link-up with Hello Kitty, the cute cartoon icon gets a makeover. Her monochromatic look is emblazoned across signature bags, ready-to-wear and accessories.

The capsule collection is available online and in-store across Japan.

As part of the celebrations, an MCM x Hello Kitty pop-up store has begun trading at Kansai Airport in Osaka until 29 September 2026.

Metaxa stars in Greek airport campaign

Rémy Cointreau is enhancing the travel retail presence of its Greek spirits brand Metaxa with the launch of new packaging for Metaxa 12 Stars, supported by an immersive airport activation programme.

The refreshed Metaxa 12 Stars packaging is being showcased in key travel retail locations throughout Greece, the home of the brand. Designed to strengthen on-shelf presence with a contemporary new look, the bottle also celebrates the premium liquid, highlighting the toasted oak taste and its distinctive dried fruit notes.

Metaxa 12 Stars

A 360-degree campaign spanning Greece’s busiest travel retail locations during the peak summer holiday season includes high-profile activations taking place at airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, Kos and Chania.

A major focus of the activations is tasting tables. Enhanced in-store branding will further reinforce awareness and create a standout brand presence across participating airports.

To maximise visibility, the campaign extends beyond the retail environment, through exclusive experiences developed in partnership with Avolta. Through August to October, members of the Club Avolta loyalty programme can enjoy complimentary entry to Liknon, the home of Metaxa  on the island of Samos. They will also be invited to enjoy a complimentary cocktail at participating Greek domestic bars during August, strengthening engagement beyond the point of purchase.

“Travel retail represents a unique opportunity to introduce consumers to the world of Metaxa, at a time when they are most open to discovery,” said Rémy Cointreau Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Alice Hoffmann.

“We know that today’s travellers are seeking premium, authentic products with a genuine sense of provenance. This integrated summer campaign combines the launch of our new Metaxa 12 Stars packaging with immersive tasting experiences and exclusive rewards that bring the brand’s Greek heritage to life.

“By creating meaningful moments of discovery throughout the traveller journey, we are building long-term affinity with the brand, while reinforcing Metaxa’s premium positioning in travel retail."

MCM turns up the volume with Disco Visetos

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, German luxury brand MCM has introduced a bold reimagining of its signature monogram inspired by its disco roots in Munich in the 1970s.

“Disco Visetos brings playful energy to bags, small leather goods, and beyond,” MCM said.

MCM Disco Visetos

Animated lines pulse across the motif in vibrant colourways, capturing the rhythm and movement that defined the disco era.

Across ready-to-wear and silk accessories, Disco Visetos takes on a subtler expression: a diamond-inspired print, designed to complete the look with the same retro-futuristic feel.

Also for Autumn/Winter 2026, MCM has unveiled the Nylon Family. Crafted from recycled nylon, the new line introduces expandable silhouettes designed to transform effortlessly between compact functionality and enhanced capacity.

MCM Aren Nova Crossbody in Monogram Econyl

Balancing versatility with a sleek, modern finish, each piece offers a refined approach to travel and life in motion.

The collection combines water-resistant fabrics with lightweight performance and exceptional durability.

Also new is the Quilted Leather Travel Line, where softness meets structure. Made in Italy from premium nappa, the new quilted leather offers a silky smooth feel with lasting durability. Padded and stitched into the brand’s iconic diamond pattern, the texture creates a supple, softly sculpted effect.

The Aren Backpack features organisation-friendly compartments, while the versatile Aren Crossbody can be worn across the shoulder or as a hand-held pouch.

MCM Aren Backpack in Diamond Quilted Leather

For long journeys, the practical Ottomar Weekender can be lifted by top handles or carried by the side strap.

In other news, Positive Luxury, which helps luxury lifestyle brands adopt sustainable, ethical and regenerative business practices, has announced that MCM has achieved Butterfly Mark certification for the second time.

The brand continues to strengthen its ESG performance through responsible sourcing, a 21% reduction in emissions, comprehensive supplier due diligence and ESG audits, alongside global volunteering initiatives that support environmental and social impact, Positive Luxury said.