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.

Hibiki 12yo returns as travel retail exclusive

Suntory has unveiled Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series whisky, bringing the expression exclusively to travel retail in key international airports for the first time in 11 years.

Reimagined with a bottle design inspired by Japanese nature, the release invites travellers to rediscover Hibiki through a lens of Japanese artistry.

Fifth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo revisits Hibiki’s original vision, blending Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita whiskies matured in American, Spanish and Mizunara oak.

Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series whisky

The packaging draws inspiration from Kacho-Fugetsu, the classical Japanese concept that celebrates nature through flowers, birds, wind and moon, complemented by the flowing elegance of water. These elements are expressed through seasonal motifs and flowing forms that reflect Japan’s changing seasons.

Hibiki’s signature 24-faceted bottle, representing Japan’s 24 microseasons, remains central to the design. The updated packaging also incorporates the Marumado motif, a circular window used in traditional Japanese architecture to frame nature like a living painting.

“Hibiki 12 Years Old has always held a special place within The House of Suntory portfolio, and we’ve seen continued appreciation for this expression from whisky enthusiasts around the world,” said Masaki Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory. “Reintroducing Hibiki 12 as a newly reimagined blend exclusively in travel retail allows us to bring it back in a way that is both intentional and globally accessible, while honouring the craftsmanship and harmony that define the brand.”

Tasting notes

Hibiki 12 Years Old is golden amber in colour with a nose of persimmon, jasmine, cardamom, hint of orange and sandalwood. The taste of spiced orange peel, toasted cinnamon and butterscotch has a rich, long finish with a spiced, soothing aftertaste.

The 43%abv whisky is available in a 700ml bottle with a recommended travel retail price of approximately $188.

The release made its debut exclusively at Dubai Airport in May, and was available across selected travel retail locations from June in international departures and arrivals stores. 

Key locations include Singapore Changi, New York JFK and international airports spanning London, Seoul Incheon, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, Doha, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei, Amsterdam, Bangkok, São Paulo, Bangalore, Panama City, San Francisco and Hainan.