Furla blends art and style

Italian premium accessories brand Furla has announced a number of new store openings across Asia and has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2015 collection, inspired by the art world.

In China, the company has opened a 45sq m branded new-concept shop-in-shop in Shanghai Pudong airport Terminal 1, operated by Chinese travel retailer Sunrise Duty Free. The new Furla store opened on August 12 with its Autumn/Winter 2014 collection.

New Furla store at Shanghai Pudong airport Terminal 1

Said Gerry Munday, global travel retail director: “Asia remains a key focal region in Furla's Silk Route business development strategy with China's key locations Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong all seen as vital locations for outlets both on domestic and travel retail markets.”

Shortly after the Shanghai opening, a 124sq m boutique began trading in the new Haitang Bay Duty Free shopping complex in Hainan, in collaboration with China Duty Free Group. The new location officially opened on September 1, showcasing the Autumn/Winter 14 collection.

Furla's boutique at the new Haitang Bay Duty Free mall, Hainan

“Given its large scale, this boutique is rather unique as it allows more room to showcase our collections,” said Munday. “Working with China Duty Free Group has been a very enjoyable experience and we are honoured to have had the availability of such an extended space. It’s very positive that the group shows this confidence in Furla’s performance and we share the same expectation.”

A few weeks later, on September 17, Furla opened a 27sq m dedicated shop-in-shop at Chengdu airport (domestic terminal 2), in partnership with top travel retailer Dufry Group.  

“Chengdu airport is one the busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic, so we are confident that business here will be excellent for Furla and will help us to keep on increasing our presence in East Asia," said Munday.

Turning to Furla’s overall growth, she added: “Furla’s travel-retail growth continues to reflect the brand’s increasing domestic presence globally with turnover increasing by 37% from 2012 to 2013. Since 2010 we have increased the number of doors in travel retail from 33 to 175 in 44 different countries and that number is moving up all the time.”

Spring/Summer 2015 collection

In major product news, Furla has unveiled details of its Spring/Summer 2015 collection, inspired by the synthesis between art and style. “It's an energetic, playful collection that takes inspiration from the neo-pop, a post-modern vision of pop-art, playing with many different techniques and materials,” explained the firm.

The collection features urban graphism, with splashes of paint on leather or rubber, the use of resins and cartoon-like colour matches in metal accessories and details. The palette is also strongly connected to the art world, combining vibrant primary tones with sweet and playful colours, strongly contrasting with neutrals. “The result: a collection in which every Furla bag is an ultra-modern piece of art,” it said.

Totes continue to be a dominant theme throughout with new drawstring shapes, hand-woven seasonal offers and perforated, foldable styles.

Furla Candy bag Spring/Summer 2015

For 2015, Furla also continues to develop its men’s offer with a globally focused collection.

For women, the Basic collection sees a new key item, the satchel, with front exterior pocket, side snaps to widen the gusset, detachable shoulder strap and added skus in Saffiano leather. Light business totes with top zip compartment, drawstrings in two sizes with pouches attached to the inside, and easy over-the-shoulder totes with micro-suede lining, are all offered in fresh colour palettes and come with sleek hardware design, new Furla charm branding and restyled elevated details.

The Premium line centres on strong colour blocking for visual, on-trend impact, along with elevated construction and hardware, clean lines and sophisticated shapes. New shapes include smaller totes with detachable shoulder strap; perforated satchels with distinct patterns; sophisticated hobos; and a cross-body mini-satchel.

Furla Spring/Summer 2015

In the Icon line, the Alice bag continues with new seasonal colours such as Emerald, Ocean and Sunny plus an added cross-body style, while other lines include new tote and drawstring functionality; expandable sides; interior woven pockets for an element of surprise; and material combinations such as Vitello Pop Star front, Suede sides and Cervo back.

The Fashion line-up spans small bags and pochettes. A new Pop theme comes to life with hand-painted totes, all individually numbered, while a backpack becomes a key item. Stud versions build on a rock theme, further explored with hand-sewn chain detail. The Metropolis bag features an animated cartoon look with a novelty mini cross-body style and colour-block closures that bring personality to the line. It also has a piping detail.

Colourful Candy

The Candy bag continues to develop its colourful, fun, gomma gel look. This season sees a Candy Sweetie mini cross-body in multiple colourways. Highlights are the hand-painted Candy Satchel where each sku is unique and numbered; and the new Bubbles creative concept with 3D resin bubbles on the exterior. Candy Cartoon brings the Vanilla line to life with a cartoon-animated theme and quirky colour-block locks.

For men, the SS15 Uomo offer sees a new global assortment with improved branding, improved price positioning and elevated quality. With every piece made in Italy, each item features a personalised zipper-pull, symbolising the key to success. Materials include Cervo, Saffiano, double leather Cervo/Saffiano, printed leather in Tropical Camouflage, and high-resistance nylon. The colour palette allows men to be on trend with royal blue, turquoise, taupe, grey, black and a Tropical Leaves camouflage print in tones of blue or taupe.

The Lifestyle collection has a strong emphasis on accessories such as shoes, eyewear, watches, textiles and jewellery. The collection will initially be offered through domestic markets, with travel retail set to follow in time.

Elisabetta Canalis wears Furla sunglasses at Milan Fashion Week 

Celebrity spotting

Meanwhile, in celebrity news from the brand, Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis was spotted wearing Furla sunglasses during her appearance at Milan Fashion Week in September, following her wedding with Brian Perri.

Canalis chose a round frame in warm shades of stucco and tortoiseshell brown with gradient lenses, which the company describes as a sophisticated, retro-inspired design embellished with luminous crystal details at the temples.

MCM gears up for Oktoberfest

German luxury brand MCM has introduced a limited-edition bag to celebrate the Oktoberfest, Munich’s traditional annual festival and one of the biggest fairs in the world. The Spatzl Tambourine bag pays homage to MCM’s birthplace of Munich, where the company’s latest flagship store opened in August 2014.

MCM's Spatzl Tambourine bag

Since 1810, the Oktoberfest, colloquially known as Wiesn, symbolises a festive event for all Munich breweries to start the new season and a platform for guests to taste a specially created beer. Around 6m visitors from all over the world visit the city during the two-week extravaganza, in which the fashion element is also significant. Locals as well as tourists dress up in traditional outfits known as dirndl and lederhosen. This season, MCM has created its own bag to complement the looks.

Designed by MCM’s creative advisor Michael Michalsky, the limited-edition bag is made in Germany and reflects German heritage in its use of loden raw wool as the main material. This rough fabric is combined with the signature MCM Visetos print which covers the sides of the bag. The front of the tambourine-shaped bag displays the word Spatzl, which means “darling” in Bavarian dialect, placed in heart-shaped stitching next to an edelweiss flower, the figurative symbol of the Alps.

From September 20 2014 the Spatzl Tambourine is available in black and Cognac colours and exclusively limited to 50 bags, sold only at the Munich store.

Said Michael Michalsky: “Ever since 2005,when I started working with MCM, leading the design team, all my girlfriends and many other fabulous women have asked me every year, repeatedly for a special limited-edition Wiesn bag. This year it has become reality, coinciding not only with the Oktoberfest but also with MCM's homecoming to Munich, the place where it all began. I can't wait to see my MCM Spatzl Tambourine bag on the streets.”

A pure gourmet experience from Martell

Martell Cognac has unveiled a gourmet promotion at Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore Changi airports. Following the Martell Pure Gourmet experience in 2013, Pernod Ricard has continued the campaign, this year partnering with foie gras producer Rougié.

Martell Cognac pairs up with Rougié

Travellers in Hong Kong and Macau will get the chance to receive a new and exclusive gift box that is only available in travel retail. Those who purchase a bottle of Martell XO (one litre) will receive a gastronomy box, containing an XO 5cl miniature and a 75g tin of Rougié foie gras. The pairing of Martell XO Cognac with the subtle taste and smooth texture of the rose-coloured Rougié goose foie gras reveals the roundness, fruitiness and spicy nose of Martell XO, the company said.

In-store, the Martell Pure Gourmet campaign will come to life through elegant, captivating visual merchandising, designed to entice travellers searching for an exclusive gift, as foie gras is a delicacy in Asia. Visual displays, located inside and outside the Martell in-store shop at Hong Kong International Terminal 1 and in the departures hall of Macau airport Terminal 1, will immerse consumers in the history of Martell and inspire them to indulge in a gastronomic moment.

Martell's Pure Gourmet campaign

“The renowned craftsmanship and strong heritage behind Martell and Rougié make them a perfect partnership for creating a Pure Gourmet moment,” said Pernod Ricard Asia Travel Retail marketing manager Sandrine Tesniere. “We are delighted to offer this unique gift experience to Martell shoppers and Cognac connoisseurs.”

Singapore Changi will also feature an attention-grabbing display in the Terminal 2 departure hall. Passengers there will receive a gastronomic gift box, containing an XO miniature and a 60g tin of foie gras spices, selected by Terre Exotique, when Martell Cognac is purchased.

The promotion runs from September 1 to October 31 2014.

will.i.am designs bespoke hi-tech Lexus

Musician will.i.am has unveiled his personally designed new Lexus NX at an exclusive launch party in Paris.

will.i.am's bespoke Lexus NX showcases many custom features, including four 180-degree interconnected camera lenses allowing the driver to capture panoramic photographs and video footage while on the move that sync directly to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth – the first of its kind.

will.i.am poses by his bespoke Lexus

Other features include ultra-wide body kit featuring brushed aluminium, carbon vinyl and matte pearl white paintwork; custom-built steering wheel and hand-embroidered nappa leather interior carrying the willpower logo; and huge 22-inch alloy wheels, given a highly luminous black machine finish.

Cool!

Cruising to victory in Bacardi contest

Miami’s South Beach was the setting for the grand finale in the quest to crown the Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year 2014. The six finalists represented the best bartenders in the cruise industry and, for the first time, the title went to Europe.

Liisi Kütt from Tallink Silja Line in Estonia scooped the title and top prize of $5,000, plus a trip to Las Vegas to compete in The GQ Bombay Sapphire USBG Most Imaginative Bartender – one of the most prestigious competitions in North America for the bartender profession.

Liisi Kutt wins the Bacardi Cruise Competition 2014

Liisi’s winning cocktail, Summer Fairy, is a blend of Bacardi Grand Melon, Martini Prosecco, apple juice, fresh lime juice and syrup. The inspiration for the recipe came from Liisi’s position looking out on the calm summer seas of the Baltic with a soundtrack in the background from the live band playing in the bar. 

“Summer Fairy is all about being in that magical moment where summer meets nature and you find yourself lost in time,” said Liisi.

Now in its ninth year, the Bacardi Cruise Competition kicked off in February 2014 with competitors from the world’s leading cruise companies creating their own special infusion to reflect how travel has inspired their personal style of cocktail making. Their recipes included Grey Goose vodkas, Martini Prosecco, Bacardi Grand Melon, Bacardi Superior and Bacardi Oakheart. The St-Germain liqueur brand was also a popular addition.

Enhancing the on board cocktail experience

The finals were judged by Bacardi global brand ambassador Marc Plumridge, Michael Pasternak of Travel Markets Insider magazine, Colleen McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com and Julio Cabrera, head bartender at the Regent Bar at The Gale Hotel and 2013 winner of the USBG Bacardi Most Imaginative Bartender.

Zachary Sulkes, regional manager of Bacardi Travel Retail Americas, enthused: “This year, we’ve had tremendous support from our cruise line partners and the mutual benefits of the competition will continue to grow as we work together to create standards of excellence in a year-round programme of activities. The Bacardi Cruise Competition is by far our biggest commitment in our ambition to enhance the on board cocktail experience for guests with positive advancements in the on board cocktail experience.”

The other finalists were: Carnival Cruise Lines’ Ioana Luncean, Brian Bent and Vera Restarovic – People’s Choice from www.cruisecritic.com. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Joeped Garrido and Allan Garcia completed the six finalists.

Bric’s continues global growth

Bric’s, the Italian leather goods manufacturer founded in 1952, has opened three new storefronts in three countries in six months as it continues to expand its retail presence.

The new domestic market doors are at the Beverly Center shopping mall in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the Dubai Festival City Mall - Bric's second location in Dubai. The third store is located at Milan Malpensa airport, in the international concourse for Middle Eastern and Asian departures - two destinations where the brand is growing.

The new Bric's store at the Beverly Center mall, Beverly Hills

Bric's at Milan Malpensa airport

New retro Bellagio trolley

In product news, Bric’s has launched the vintage-looking Bellagio line that recalls classic travel bags and the tradition of elegant travel trunks, combining functionality, strength and lightness. It has a square shape with a retro allure, enhanced by leather details, such as the straps on the front frame and the covered corners.

High-performance polycarbonate trolleys come in four sizes and feature smooth Japanese wheels, an ultra-light tow, a new TSA-approved lock and leather-coated handles. The wheels are produced to allow the roller to be replaced via an external screw, without the need for changing the whole wheel unit.

Bric's Bellagio trolley

Leather is used abundantly to enhance the craft manufacture of the product, also shown by the leather’s grain and by the exposed stitching in contrasting yarns. Six colours are available: cream, pink, red and olive green with brown leather trimmings, black matched with tone-on-tone leather and orange with brown leather trimmings. The colours match other Bric’s travel lines: Life in olive green and red, Magellano in black, and Bojola in cream and pink. These lines offer a variety of carry-ons and semi-stiff trolleys in the same hues to match with Bellagio.

Life Pelle leather line

The Life Pelle Bric’s collection is made entirely from vegetable-tanned leather and is made in Italy. Vegetable tanning is an environmentally conscious and eco-friendly tanning technique that lets leather age attractively and accentuates the natural grain of the hide.

The Spring/Summer 15 Life Pelle collection comes in new colours: a dark and neutral denim and a warm and saturated orange. In addition, tan, black and dark brown are available. Tan is made from a natural plant dye extracted from the mimosa, chestnut and quebracho trees and features soft beige seams with a visible stitch that is designed to highlight its workmanship. The black and dark brown items feature contrasting stitching.

Bric's Life Pelle travel bag in trend-led burgundy

The trolley, which has an elegant trapezoid shape, is lightweight, due to there being no metal frame inside,  has four wheels, a spacious front pocket and an interior laptop/tablet compartment. This travel range includes trolleys in three sizes, a pilot case, three holdalls (one of which is wheeled) three washkits and a tie case. Business items include men’s and women’s briefcases with one or two handles and interior laptop/tablet compartments.

The collection also incorporates horizontal and vertical shoulder totes, two backpacks, a messenger bag with a gold buckle closure and roomy women’s bags, some of which feature laptop/tablet compartments. An assortment of 20 small leather items complement the travel line, including wallets, purses, key fobs and business card cases.

Bric’s Spring/Summer 15 collection

The SS15 colour range draws inspiration from imagination and dreams, telling the story of day and night dreams with a focus on bright and dark colours. The palette includes four tones: light tones of clear, sandy and neutral hues; acid tones for fresh and contemporary colour combinations; dark neutral tones of blue and grey nuances; and saturated tones.

The company’s signature Life collection is made from moustang - a waterproof material made from matte PVC with cotton-viscose flock micro suede - and is trimmed with fine vegetable-tanned leather.

Bric's Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Three shoppers feature an embellished front with a thin leather band in a contrast colour and a central metal ring. Two capacious and linear MyLife totes have no zipper closure, in line with the latest fashion trends, according to the firm. Travel items include trolleys, holdalls, garment bags, pilot cases, washkits and vanity cases, and briefcases with interior laptop/tablet compartment, shoulder bags and iPad cases. The collection also spans women’s handbags and shoulder bags, some with an interior laptop/iPad compartment. Small leather goods complement the range.

The SS15 Life collection comes in natural colours: papyrus with white, orange or denim leather trims. Bric’s has opted for blue with tobacco leather trims to balance the soft papyrus hues. In addition, there are three ongoing colours: olive, camel and red, with tobacco leather trims.

XBag Sportina

This season’s versatile XBag Sportina range has adjustable straps, waterproof and highly resistant nylon, trendy shapes and finely crafted details. This collection boasts a premium feature: an inside pocket with snap fasteners that can be used as a utility case or a mini shoulder tote for all occasions.

The collection features a new 77cm wide trolley (adding a fourth size to the trolleys in this line), a new backpack, and a well-organised holdall shoulder bag with external pockets for laptop/iPad, which can be fastened to a trolley thanks to its specially designed back strap.

SS15 colours are melon, gold, papyrus and military, with brown leather trims. Ongoing colours are olive, black, ocean blue and red.

Solid colour contamination, combined with Bric’s creativity, has produced two additional and daring colour combinations, characterised by well-defined brushstrokes. This features two prints, one available in shades of blue and the other of orange, which can be mixed and matched with other collections.

MCM pops up across Asia

MCM has launched its first concept shop with the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, DFS.  The store, located at the T Galleria in downtown Singapore, features a curated assortment of the German luxury brand’s Autumn/Winter 2014 Digital Soldier collection, complete with personalised service.

MCM at the DFS T Galleria in Singapore

The latest pop-up has a youthful, bold aesthetic and showcases styles such as backpacks from the Stark range in MCM's heritage colours of Cognac and black as well as seasonal colours such as white and Daphne blue.

In other news, MCM has opened an innovative pop-up in Wulin Road, Hangzhou, one of the most fashionable areas in China, presenting an eclectic selection of premium leather goods from the Autumn/Winter 2014 collection.

MCM's store in Wulin Road, Hangzhou

The latest location introduces an edgy and contemporary interior with a neon-inspired "street-luxe" facade that references the brand’s latest Digital Soldier campaign.

The avant-garde interior highlights an edited selection of items through a fluorescent neon-lit design, while innovative multi-coloured displays and panels “virtually leap from the shelves”, according to the company.

Bacardi boosts premium rum portfolio

Bacardi has launched two sipping rums into travel retail - Bacardi Reserva Limitada and Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Anos Ron. Already familiar among rum aficionados, they are now available at selected key airports worldwide for a limited time, in numbered bottles.

Created to commemorate the 2003 opening of the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center in Puerto Rico, Bacardi Reserva Limitada, which retails at £99.99 per one-litre bottle, is an ultra-premium rum, first developed as a personal blend for the Bacardi family, in honour of founder Don Facundo Bacardi Massó.

Bacardi Reserva Limitada

Rum bases from barrel-aged reserve rums are blended with Bacardi’s rarest rums that have been aged in small mature oak barrels for 10 to 16 years, resulting in an average of 12, and balanced with one-year-old rum to develop a light freshness on the palate.

Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Anos Ron, priced at £32.99 for a one-litre bottle, was created in 1862 by founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó. It remained the private reserve of the Bacardi family for seven generations until 1988 when it was released in certain domestic markets. The rum is now introduced globally for the first time in travel retail in an exclusive gift box presentation, which includes a wood-finish interior and incorporates a side-sliding mechanic. The red tone of the box is complemented by black and gold features, including gold foil and embossed text and the iconic Bacardi bat logo.

Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Anos Ron comes in an exclusive red gift box

Ian Rollason, marketing manager of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “Alongside the sublime quality of the liquid itself and the bottle presentation, we have created stunning, heritage-led secondary packing that adds to the brand story on-shelf, enhancing the appeal for gifting and to rum aficionados looking to add to their own portfolio.”

Powerful vision for rum

Mike Birch, managing director of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, explained Bacardi’s ambition for category expansion. “We have a powerful vision for rum, driven by the category-leading position of the Bacardi brand. As a category, rum under-indexes in travel retail compared to domestic markets and we can change this by creating finely targeted, authentic premiumisation opportunities. We will continue to leverage the ultra-premium expressions of Bacardi to inspire sophisticated and intriguing drinking occasions among rum, malt [whisky] and Cognac aficionados alike.”

Bacardi Reserva Limitada is described as a golden rum with a well-balanced and complex character. It has a clean and dry oak flavour, the rich sweetness of dulce de leche, earthy vanilla, mocha and toasted almond notes and a rounded fruitiness of dried raisins and prunes. The flavours are shaped by using a mix of charcoals to remove or reduce any dominant flavours, to provide balance and smoothness. Ideal for sipping neat, it is best served at room temperature, preferably in a Cognac-style crystal balloon glass for maximum aroma and flavour.

Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Anos Ron offers complex, layered, deep and mellow flavours of dried fruits, spices, toasted nuts, butterscotch, vanilla and oak. Suitable for savouring neat or over ice, it also adds depth of flavour to popular gold rum cocktails such as the traditional Rum Old Fashioned or contemporary classics such as the Old Cuban.

Cuban spirit pervades major airports

Meanwhile, to support its launch in global travel retail, Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron featured in a summer activation programme running at major European airports. Each location had a Havana-inspired bar - and some airports featured performances by a Cuban-style band. With signature serves such as Bacardi Cuba Libre and Bacardi 8yo on-the-rocks, the idea was to showcase the versatility of rum in cocktail making.

Bacardi Gran Reserva promotion at Amsterdam Schiphol airport

Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron was the first spirits brand to use the Contentainment space in the World Duty Free Group store in the newly opened Terminal 2 at London Heathrow airport, running for two weeks in July and featuring a live Cuban band. Dedicated activations also ran in T3, T5, Manchester, and London Gatwick North and South terminals.

Barcelona, Malaga, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Vienna and Antalya airports all featured dedicated Cuban-themed bars, where staff offered Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron on the rocks served with a twist of orange zest, alongside cocktails including Bacardi Cuba Libre. Vintage tin cups, postcards and gift bags completed the experience.

Bacardi being served in a vintage tin cup at Schiphol airport

Aude Rocourt, regional director of Europe at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron is a key innovation launch in 2014 with an aim to drive premiumisation in rums. We wanted to engage our key European consumer base in an unforgettable way, bringing to life the personality of the Bacardi brand and its Cuban heritage. Many consumers are new to rum but are quick to convert once they sample iconic serves such as a Bacardi Cuba Libre and engage with the rich stories of the Bacardi brand.”

Jude Law to star in travel retail

Drinks giant Diageo has unveiled a series of airport promotions that showcase a Johnnie Walker Blue Label short film starring Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini. The Gentleman’s Wager, which has over 28m views, is being shown in key airports, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, until October 2014. Travellers can also learn about Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch whisky and taste the spirit.

Upscale: The Gentleman's Wager airport installation

Striking branded units have been designed to reflect the distinctive design cues of the film, including wooden panels reminiscent of the hand-crafted boat and visuals of Jude Law looking at the ocean, with the film itself displayed through large digital screens. At selected locations, brand ambassadors guide travellers through a Blue Label “taste journey”.

Directed by British director Jake Scott, the short film tells the story of a wager between two men striving for personal progress through the quest for a rare experience. The Gentleman’s Wager sees Law in the role of a man who, despite having it all, challenges himself to strive for something he wants that money can’t buy.

Peter Fairbrother, global marketing director at Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “The luxurious installations and film preview bring the brand to life and enable our luxury consumers to enter the aspirational world of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. We are confident this stunning retail theatre will drive excitement and increase purchases in duty-free.”

The Gentleman’s Wager film is available to view online at www.youtube.com/johnniewalker.

Grey Goose launches partnership with Virgin Galactic

Grey Goose, the world’s leading super-premium vodka brand, has announced its official partnership with Virgin Galactic, which is preparing to launch the world’s first commercial passenger flight into space in 2015. The partnership was revealed on 22 September at the Rose Space Center and Planetarium in New York by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides, Bacardi global category director for premium white spirits Ben Farlow and Grey Goose creator François Thibault.

Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson celebrates with Bacardi's Ben Farlow (far left) and Grey Goose creator François Thibault

As Virgin Galactic welcomes the first commercial passengers into space, Grey Goose will bring this space journey to life through a range of out-of-this-world experiences, exclusive content and a series of limited-edition packs. This will be complimented exclusive sponsorship activity at the Virgin Galactic launch location at Spaceport America, New Mexico. For those who will be experiencing the commercial space flights, signature cocktails will toast the new era of space travel planned for 2015.

Created by visionaries

According to a press release, the partnership came about thanks to “a shared philosophy that extraordinary achievement comes from acting on your beliefs”.

The companies said: “Both Grey Goose and Virgin Galactic were created by visionaries who possess the determination to act on their beliefs, seeing possibilities where others did not. François Thibault believed he could revolutionise vodka by applying his skills of a traditionally trained cognac Maître de Chai. Using only the finest ingredients François crafted a luxury vodka, built from the ground up through a field to bottle process that celebrates the quality of its ingredients versus neutrality.”

Thibault pioneered a process that sought to bring out the characteristics and taste of the fresh ingredients. By combining soft winter wheat from the Picardie region of France with spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue, naturally filtered through limestone combined with this new distillation process, he created Grey Goose.

Said Bacardi global category director for premium white spirits Ben Farlow: “Sir Richard Branson truly embodies the Fly Beyond spirit of the Grey Goose vodka brand. A globally recognised entrepreneur who is both a pioneer and visionary in his own right, Sir Richard has defied expectations by constantly pushing boundaries and achieving unimaginable success from humble beginnings.”

He continued: “Since 2008, Grey Goose has recognised and celebrated this kindred spirit in Sir Richard and the Virgin brand.  First, featuring Sir Richard in the acclaimed television series, Iconoclasts, that showcases innovators and visionaries, produced by Grey Goose Entertainment. Most recently with the creation of the Grey Goose Loft at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow airport, which elevated the travel experience to new heights. Now, by pioneering the first commercial passenger flights into space with the world’s first spaceline, Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard is at the forefront of a ground-breaking new travel experience that few believed possible.”

Celebration of human achievement

As part of the evening celebrations in New York, Branson introduced Virgin Disruptors, a thought leadership series supported by The Virgin Group. A panel of disruptive minds in the travel industry debated “The Future of Travel: Are We Moving Fast Enough?”

Speaking about the partnership, Branson enthused: “We are delighted that Grey Goose is joining us as a partner on our incredible journey. This evening of disruptive and rich debate about the future of travel, a wonderful celebration of human achievement, is at the heart of the Virgin Galactic Grey Goose partnership. We share a passionate pursuit of the extraordinary which we look forward to celebrating together as the world’s first commercial spaceline builds and grows.”

MCM celebrates fashion with art

In a landmark event for the German luxury brand, MCM has launched a gallery space in Seoul in association with the German cultural organisation Goethe-Institut. The new boutique is called Kunsthalle (the German word for art gallery). MCM’s chief visionary officer and chairperson Sung-Joo Kim said the grand opening, which took place in early September, was a significant event for the brand.

Seoul's BORN building houses MCM's new art-themed store

“This is a momentous opening for us, as the Goethe-Institut is internationally known for promoting German language and encouraging international cultural exchanges and relations,” she said. “This partnership is a wonderful way for us to celebrate our heritage, pride and tradition. The boutique sits within the BORN building (Building Of Resurrection & Newness), further symbolising MCM’s endeavour to constantly reinvent itself and forge new milestones.”

Top and above: Models at the new Kunsthalle store opening

To celebrate the store opening, Sung-Joo Kim hosted a party for celebrities, VIPs and dignatories, including the German ambassador to Seoul, Dr Rolf Theodor Schuster. Before guests discovered the location, three models showcased the new collection in a specially arranged photoshoot, using Kunsthalle as a spectacular backdrop.

Once inside the gallery, the guests admired the artwork on display, while snacking on canapes. One guest said: “I love the light in the gallery, it is so glowing and serene. The large open-plan space lends itself perfectly to this type of gathering and the whole evening looks like a chic vernissage.”

MCM's chief visionary officer with the Indonesian ambassador

For dinner, MCM – founded in Munich, Bavaria in 1976 – invited the guests onto the rooftop which was decorated in the blue and white Bavarian flag for the occasion. There, guests were shown a short film before a German dinner was served. A jazz duo and an opera group gave live performances while the guests enjoyed their meal.

Actress Bitna Wang

Actress Mi-hee Jang

Jazz singer extraordinaire Heejung Yoon and daughter Sooyeon Kim – a member of the K-pop group Bubble Sisters – dazzle the crowd with their jazz performance.

An MCM-emblazoned bus tours Seoul's Gangnam district

Throughout the day, an MCM bus drove around the fashionable Gangnam district of Seoul.

“It is the best way to get around in style and it also fits in perfectly with our Modern Mobility Project,” said Sung-Joo Kim.

VIP guests at the opening party

Gilded curvatures

The boutique features gilded curvatures contrasting with muted tones, conceived to evoke egg shells and nests in an avant-garde, contemporary aesthetic. This concept is a homage to the cycle of creativity, breaking and edifying new boundaries thus creating a constant flow, MCM said.

The first exhibition features the work of the Korean-American artist Nam June Paik. In the future, the boutique will curate the works of famous artists both locally and abroad. Nam June Paik worked with a variety of media and is considered to be the founder of video art. Paik is credited with an early usage (1974) of the term "electronic super highway". 

The main piece is titled “Oriental Painting”, which was shown in Paik’s solo exhibition in Italy. Later it went to the Gallery of Raffael Vostell. The owner of the gallery is the son of Wolf Vostell, the German artist and a friend of Nam June Paik. In 1992, the painting became part of a private collection of contemporary art in Bavaria – the birthplace of MCM.

MCM’s autumn/winter 14 Digital Soldier campaign uses the art of Nam June Paik as a reference point.

Martini F1 car motors into Milan airport

To celebrate the Italian F1 Grand Prix, a Williams Martini Racing car is on display at Milan Malpensa airport, courtesy of Martini’s brand owner, Bacardi.

The Williams Martini Racing F1 car at Milan Malpensa airport

The airport is the main arrival and departure airport for more than 125,000 fans attending the Grand Prix at the legendary Monza circuit on September 7. The event - part of a season-long promotion that builds on the successful motor racing collaboration between Martini and the Williams team - runs throughout September.

The F1 car, located in Terminal 1, is framed with race-themed fixtures to enhance the race day mood. A large-scale video screen also shows highlights from Martini’s racing heritage of almost half a century.

The Williams Martini Racing stripes feature on the car and also alongside striking brand visuals on flooring and pillars in the baggage reclaim and arrivals areas as well as inside the Dufry-operated duty-free shop.

A hostess serves a Martini Royale cocktail

A stylish tasting bar, centrally positioned in-store, offers drinks from the Martini range, and the summer dolce vita mood is enhanced with a Terrazza-style cocktail bar serving a range of cocktails. They include the classic Martini Royale drink - a 50/50 blend of Martini Bianco and Martini Prosecco, with lime wedges and ice, finished with a sprig of fresh mint.

Aude Rocourt, regional director Europe at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “F1 has enormous appeal and incredible resonance with the luxury lifestyle associated with Martini. We are really proud of this rare opportunity to create such an exciting and disruptive activation at Malpensa, at a time when F1 fans are travelling through the airport and to feature the stunning Williams Martini Racing F1 race car.”

Martini's airport theatrics 

Grey Goose VX debuts in Asia

To celebrate the launch of the new Grey Goose VX spirit drink in the Asia Pacific region, Bacardi and King Power Duty Free hosted a dinner for King Power’s VIP customers ahead of the in-store launch on September 1 at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport.

The event, held at Maxim’s Bistro in Bangkok, gave a group of 30 VIP customers the chance to be the first in the country – and among the first in the world – to sample the latest travel retail exclusive innovation from the House of Grey Goose and Bacardi.

Theatrics at the launch of Grey Goose VX in Bangkok

Grey Goose VX - which stands for vodka exceptionelle - combines Grey Goose vodka with drops of Cognac. Grey Goose is based in the Cognac region of southwest France.

Irving Holmes Wong, regional director Asia Pacific at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, believes there is an opportunity for Grey Goose VX in Thailand and the wider region.

“From its initial global launch last month at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, it is clear that Grey Goose VX has strong appeal to both vodka and Cognac lovers, not only for the sublime quality of the liquid which presents a new drinking occasion, but also the attraction of the beautiful decanter and its French-inspired design.”

He continued: “We were really delighted to witness its appeal at Charles de Gaulle with passengers heading home to Asia Pacific. With increasing numbers of experienced and discerning travellers in Thailand and Asia Pacific, we are passionate about giving them genuinely exciting and disruptive products and experiences to fuel the ongoing relevance of shopping when they fly.”

The Grey Goose VX decanter combines traditional and modern design

Grey Goose VX is presented in a decanter made from fine quality extra flint glass. The rounded shoulders and pronounced heavy-set stopper take inspiration from prestigious French decanters, while still retaining contemporary design cues from the original Grey Goose vodka bottle.

The new product will be released in limited allocations to selected premium airport locations.

MCM springs into Jinan

MCM has opened a new flagship store at the Hang Lung Plaza shopping mall in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, eastern China. It marks the German luxury brand’s first store in Shandong Province.

MCM's new Jinan store focuses on the Age of Travel

Hang Lung Plaza shopping mall in Jinan

The high-rise retail plaza is located in the heart of Jinan’s prime commercial district. The shape of the landmark building is organic, mimicking the undulation of cascading water against the city's natural spring backdrop and beautiful landscape.

The 300sq m flagship features a "crisp and formal" use of space in an open and bright environment providing a self-discovery oriented shopping experience, MCM said. The idea is to invite visitors to explore the collection and create their own MCM journey.

Store highlights include the theatrical Cognac Visetos displays that celebrate MCM's German heritage and the brand’s spirit of travel and mobility.

This interior wall highlights MCM's signature brass plates

MCM's Cognac Visetos backpacks and sneakers

The centrepiece of the displays is a reproduction of the Brandenburg Gate fitted with a media screen. Next to it is a classic car, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Shanghai - and another homage to the Age of Travel (the 1900s) when cars became available to the masses.

MCM’s Autumn/Winter 2014 Digital Soldier campaign is prominently displayed on a dramatic media wall beaming out images and videos.

Johnnie Walker House makes airport debut

UK drinks giant Diageo is bringing its Johnnie Walker House store concept to the travel-retail channel for the first time. The “embassies” for the flagship Scotch whisky brand can now be found at Mumbai airport and, later this month, Taipei Taoyuan airport.

Johnnie Walker House at Mumbai airport

Following the success of the Johnnie Walker House launches in downtown Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul and continuing the brand’s motto Keep Walking, the new Houses in Mumbai and Taipei airports are described as “multi-sensory embassies for luxury blended Scotch whisky, designed to educate and inspire travellers by providing them with a luxurious and engaging shopping experience that encapsulates the history, provenance and pioneering spirit of the Johnnie Walker brand”.

Travellers can immerse themselves in the history of the brand through a number of striking wall installations; and specialist brand ambassadors invite them on a sensorial journey to touch, taste and smell the elements that make up Johnnie Walker.

To celebrate the inauguration of the Houses, a limited-edition bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label has been created. The Johnnie Walker House Art Collection - Mumbai Edition will be exclusively available at Mumbai airport.

Doug Bagley, managing director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “[These openings] reinforce our long-term commitment to providing travellers with a luxurious, unparalleled shopping experience in one of the fastest-growing retail channels worldwide.

“Both airports are key travel hubs, handling a combined 63m passengers a year, which make them perfect locations for Johnnie Walker Houses within our burgeoning industry.”

Doug Bagley speaking at the opening of  Johnnie Walker House Mumbai

Lawrence Law, global general manager of Johnnie Walker Houses, said: “I’m delighted to see the extension of the Johnnie Walker Houses into travel retail. It’s a move that highlights the esteem with which we hold our commercial travel retail partners. We believe it’s important to immerse consumers in our brand and these houses will provide them with the first luxury retail experience beyond our flagship Johnnie Walker Houses."

Johnnie Walker House Mumbai, in collaboration with DFS Group and Flemingo International, opened on 2 September 2014 in the departures concourse of Terminal 2 at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. 

To celebrate the opening, an exclusive Johnnie Walker House Art Collection - Mumbai Edition has been created. The bottle shows a distinctive interpretation of the original Johnnie Walker journey from Scotland to India in 1883 and reflects the brand’s long heritage as an international brand.

Iconic luxury Scotch brand in India

Abanti Sankaranarayanan, managing director of Diageo India, said: “Johnnie Walker is the iconic luxury Scotch in India. In line with consumers' desire for unique experiences and evolving taste palates, we launch the Johnnie Walker House at Mumbai International airport.

“The new Johnnie Walker House will be home to some of the rarest and most luxurious blends from Diageo’s portfolio that are unrivalled in taste, heritage and craftsmanship.”

Johnnie Walker House Taiwan, launching in late September 2014, will be located in the departures concourse of Terminal 2 at Taipei Taoyuan airport. 

Johnnie Walker first traded in Taiwan in 1925, highlighting the brand’s long travel heritage.

Travellers can purchase a range of whisky collections, which are exclusively available at Johnnie Walker House Taiwan.

Innovation, service and experiences 

A spokesperson at Taiwanese travel retailer Everrich Duty Free said: “Our customers are looking for luxury shopping spaces that combine innovation, exceptional service and unique experiences. The Johnnie Walker House encapsulates all that we want to offer our distinguished clientele.”

Starting this month, all consumers will be able to access a copy of Johnnie Walker House Edit, a commissioned quarterly title dedicated to the art of good living that brings together curated content from world-class contributors, stylists, photographers and creative talent.

Inspired by the Johnnie Walker House philosophy of Living Luxury, the periodical’s first edition explores the subject of fame and its relationship with affluence across art, design, literature, music, drama and the epicurean world. The title is also available via Magzter.

Glen Deveron whisky debuts in Asia

Following its success in European travel retail, Bacardi-owned Scotch whisky brand Glen Deveron is now being launched in Asia Pacific at Kuala Lumpur International Airport - the first in Asia to stock the Highland single malt. 

A passenger enjoys Glen Deveron whisky at Kuala Lumpur airport

Bacardi has partnered with The Zon Duty Free store in the arrivals hall to create a promotion to greet incoming passengers as soon as they clear Customs in the arrivals zone of the new terminal.

Its prominent position means that an average of 600,000 passengers per month walk in front of the promotion, which features shopper tasting and “random acts of kindness”, the company says, where salespeople interact with passengers by handing out green apples, a nod to its sweet apple taste.

Apples on display at the Glen Deveron promotional area

The promotion ran until 31 August as a pop-up store concept to introduce Glen Deveron 16yo, 20yo and 30yo - all exclusive to travel retail.

Commenting on the activation, Irving Holmes Wong, regional director Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: "Glen Deveron  is an amazing innovation and one that we have big ambitions for here in Asia Pacific. Across the region there is a strong opportunity for our brown spirits, where we are unlocking the potential of single malts. 

“More of today's travellers are entering the second stage of luxury where they use the knowledge they have on brands as a key purchase consideration. They are particularly attracted to the innovation in our brands and there’s a clear emergence where they seek to show their discernment by choosing less mainstream brands. 

"The appeal of our malts is that they are truly authentic, crafted alternatives that fit with these consumers’ own definition of self-identity and for those looking for something different from what the previous generation would have consumed."

Featuring strong visual identity on its gift packaging, Glen Deveron is proving popular for self-treat and gifting alike, according to the brand owner.

Ong Bok Siong, managing director of travel retail group DFZ KLIA, said: "We're really excited to have this promotion running in the early days of the new terminal. Its location right by security means there is strong disruption with arriving passengers who are interacting very positively with the brand and the promotional mechanic, which is driving footfall and conversion in the store itself."

F1 star Felipe Massa visits Barcelona airport

Formula 1 racing star Felipe Massa made his first ever personal appearance at an airport, signing autographs at Barcelona airport’s World Duty Free store on August 27.

Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa at Barcelona airport

Massa, who races for the Williams Martini Racing team, put in an appearance at the Terminal 1 store as part of a summer promotion that builds on the successful motor racing collaboration between Martini and Williams Racing. It was timed for the peak of interest in the F1 season in Europe, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at the legendary Monza circuit on September 7.

As well as meeting a Formula 1 star, travellers could enjoy a drink in a stylish tasting bar, offering the Martini range and Martini drinks. A summer dolce vita mood was captured with a terrazza-style cocktail bar offering a range of cocktails. The principal serve was the classic Martini Royale drink - a 50/50 blend of Martini Bianco, Martini Prosecco, lime wedges and ice, finished with a sprig of fresh mint.

Massa poses with a fan

Aude Rocourt, regional director Europe at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “For us, the chance to genuinely surprise and delight travellers with this chance to meet one of the great heroes of the track is the icing on the cake for our Martini summer promotion. We wanted to do something really special in the stunning space of the World Duty Free store in Terminal 1 at Barcelona and are absolutely thrilled to have Felipe Massa with us today.”

The longstanding relationship between Martini and motorsport began in 1968 with the creation of Martini Racing, and the brand has since become synonymous with the glamour of lifestyle events around motor racing. The brand became the lead sponsor of Williams Martini Racing in March 2014, rekindling this glamorous heritage and lifestyle positioning.