Tumi launches soft carbon fibre bags

Tumi has introduced the CFX collection of soft carbon fibre travel bags and accessories, distinguished by an exclusive, US-made fabric. The company has transformed a traditionally hard-sided carbon fibre material into a collection of high-performance soft travel bags and accessories. CFX, which launches as an 11-piece lifestyle collection in October 2014, is constructed from the most advanced soft carbon fibre, engineered into a high-performance fabric that is proprietary to the brand.

Tumi CFX collection of soft carbon fibre travel bags

Created in partnership with American manufacturer Carbitex, the carbon fibre material is woven at one of the US’s oldest weaving mills by using a five-step process including a wet infusion. The result is a dense, abrasion-resistant material, which aids in preserving the purity and durability of the carbon fibre’s charcoal sleek finish. The carbon base material can be traced to the same grade of carbon fibre used in the world’s most high-performance industries, including aerospace, racing cars, yachts and cycling.

“The Tumi consumer is a fan of the brand because of our commitment to innovation, part of which is finding new materials that offer a true performance advantage and that let us design products that offer superior functionality and quality,” said Alan Krantzler, chief merchandising officer of Tumi.

“Carbitex has co-created this exclusive, innovative material in their soft carbon fibre fabric that is equally revolutionary as it is sleek and cool. The CFX collection will offer beautifully made bags from one of the strongest and most coveted materials available today.”

Tumi at the forefront of technology

Junus Khan, CEO of Carbitex, said: “Carbitex's carbon fibre technology showcased in Tumi’s CFX line represents a new realm of high-performance applications for carbon fibre, with Tumi at the forefront."

CFX will be available in 11 styles across wheeled travel, soft travel and day bags, including the Silverstone International Carry-On, Adelaide Soft Duffel and Indianapolis Slim Brief. Taking its cue from the brand’s premium Astor collection, each silhouette features leather detailing, custom-designed metal hardware and a monogrammable patch framed with a bevelled edge. The interior of travel and day bag styles feature a jacquard lining.

Small leather goods such as the Double Billfold and Large Zip-Around Travel Wallet will be introduced into the line and enhanced with a Tumi ID Lock, a protective feature exclusive to the brand which shields against the transmission of one’s personal information. ID Lock is identified by a red pocket on the interior of selected styles.

Tumi bags exclusively designed for top travel retailer DFS at Hong Kong airport

Tumi presents exclusive travel-retail collection

In other news, Tumi has introduced a collection exclusively available at the DFS travel-retail store at Hong Kong International Airport from October 2014.

The design trio comprises the Alpha Bravo Kingsville Deluxe Brief Pack, Just In Case Travel Duffel and the Alpha 2 International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On. Available in an exclusive bespoke Baltic blue with an orange trim and lining, the collection also features a distinctive luggage tag, depicting the Hong Kong tram in the forefront, alongside the famous neon lights of the city. This design is also present on the Just In Case Travel Duffel, making it a one-of-a-kind travel or everyday bag exclusive to DFS.

Made from Tumi’s exclusive FXT ballistic nylon with an adjustable strap, the Alpha Bravo Kingsville Deluxe Brief Pack is designed for short trips. Retail price: HK$4,290. The Just In Case Travel Duffel is a lightweight, stylish multi-functional bag for everyday use. Lightweight and durable, it can be used as a hand carry-on but also folds flat to be packed with other items. It is made from nylon with a leather trim. Price: HK$990.

The Alpha 2 International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On incorporates 14 patented and trademarked Tumi components, including a Lever Lock expansion system that opens securely to unveil two tiers of expansion for additional packing. The 360-degree swivel wheels are recessed into the body to allow for more packing. Price: HK$5,690.

Tumi teams up with heart charity

Tumi has joined forces for the third consecutive year with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), to raise funds for the fight against heart disease. During October, Tumi is running the Trade in & Trade up programme where customers can donate an old briefcase in exchange for a 20% discount towards a new Tumi briefcase (from selected styles).

All donated briefcases will be redistributed to BHF shops where they will be resold or recycled. 100% of the profit raised from sales will go to fund vital life-saving researching into heart disease. Last year, 146 briefcases were traded in and donated to the BHF, raising £2,640. This amount could fund 13 young scientists for a day.

This year, participating locations include the Tumi store in London Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 and Rolling Luggage Stores in T1, T3, T4 and T5, as well as the T2 Case Store.

New MCM store lights up Tokyo

German luxury brand MCM has opened a second store in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza neighbourhood. MCM Ginza HAUS2 has an impressive diamond-shaped façade which is inspired by the diamond on MCM’s signature Visetos material.

 Above and below: MCM Ginza HAUS2 features colour-changing LED lights

The 300sq m two-storey boutique has a completely new design concept befitting its location in a trendy area at the Daiichi Yayoi Building, 4-2-2 Ginza.

Both outside and inside the store, LED lights have been installed that move around and emit constantly changing colours, creating a visual feast. LED lights also serve to showcase the staircase that links the first and second floors.

The interior colour scheme is grey, white and silver, thanks to the extensive use of mirrors in the decor. The chunky cement finishing has been designed to contrast with the huge, refined mirrors, steel and LED lights.

The first floor offers a wide variety of MCM products, including our famous backpacks, bags, luggage and small leather goods.

MCM Ginza HAUS2 store interior

Meanwhile, in the VIP zone and café area on the second floor, MCM’s classic, timeless gold and Cognac colours provide a luxurious ambience. 

VIP lounge with chairs covered in signature Visetos material

Maui Jim dials up sporty styling

US brand Maui Jim has extended its line of stylish sunglasses suited to athletic performance with a collection of four sporty frames, including the latest style River Jetty. The collection features strongly defined Grilamid brows and temples from which suspend rimless, lightweight, hybrid-injected polycarbonate lenses to create sunglasses designed to withstand rugged activities that demand unobstructed views. 

Each of the four aerodynamic designs puts the company’s patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology into a sleek, flexible model that offers durability and anti-slip features.

Maui Jim's River Jetty sunglasses

River Jetty, retailing at $199, offers lightweight coverage in a sporty, form-fitting, Grilamid frame that is highly durable and can flex with an athlete’s movements. The non-slip Rubberon temple inserts provide extra grip for a more secure feel, and adjustable nose pads prevent slippage.

River Jetty provides full-wrap coverage that fits snugly around small to mid-size faces. It comes in Gloss Black or Blue with Neutral Grey lenses for optimal protection during bright, sunny days; Rootbeer with HCL Bronze lenses for variable light conditions; or Translucent Matte Grey with Maui HT lenses for times when other lenses would be too dark.

Hot Sands ($199) comes in the same colour options as River Jetty, but this style is sized for slightly wider faces, while Middles ($199) goes a step up in size to offer broader eye coverage. The Black Gold frame with Neutral Grey lenses is described as “a fierce style option”. The Matte Rootbeer frame with HCL Bronze lenses can be worn at work or play.

New pearlescent frames

The sporty, pearlescent Champagne frame is a new frame colour for women with Maui Rose lenses – a high-performance, blush-coloured lens for maximum contrast and crisp vision, especially during fast-action activities.

Stone Crushers ($199) is the largest style in the line, offered in three colour options. White Pearl with Maui HT lenses has a summery palm green colour that lets the right amount of useful light into the eye to improve definition and depth perception without losing polarisation efficiency.

The lenses in all of these styles have waterproof and oleophobic coatings to shed water and repel smudges, as well as proprietary Clearshell scratch-resistant coating.

Patented lens technology

“With these new styles, Maui Jim adds a new element to its line of athletic eyewear,” said Richard Walker, Maui Jim’s Director of Product Development. “We’ve dialled up the aggressive styling, which in turn enhances the durability of these sunglasses. The rimless lenses offer wide, clear, undistorted views. This is a line of glasses that is perfect for people who run, cycle, hike, climb, golf, play tennis or any other active sport.”

All Maui Jim lenses use patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that cuts 99.9% of glare and eliminates 100% of UVA and UVB rays while significantly boosting colour, definition and depth perception. All Maui Jim sunglasses have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation, recognition that the lenses provide safe and effective sun protection and are an important part of an effective defence programme against skin cancers of the eye and eyelids.

Russian Standard unveils St Petersburg edition

Russian Standard Vodka is set to launch a new limited-edition product exclusively in global travel retail - the St Petersburg Limited Edition Sleeve with Russian Standard Original vodka inside. The St Petersburg Edition, the second in the company’s series celebrating classic Russian craft, is inspired by the artistic heritage of St Petersburg, “Venice of the North”.

Russian Standard St Petersburg Limited Edition

Established by Peter the Great in 1703, and home to the Imperial Court of the Tsars, St Petersburg is the home of Russian Standard Vodka. The opulent design of this baroque city is reflected in the fine filigree patterning of this edition.

“This St Petersburg Limited Edition Sleeve will target the gifting opportunity and build on the brand’s overall success,” said Andrew Notcutt, global travel retail marketing director at Russian Standard.

“This is only the second time worldwide that there has been a special edition pack on the Russian Standard brand, and naturally Russian Standard Vodka has chosen global travel retail for this exclusive launch,” he added.

The special edition will hit the shelves in November and be priced in line with Russian Standard Original.

The Russian Standard brand is the fourth premium vodka brand in travel retail (source: IWSR) selling over 200,000 nine-litre cases annually, demonstrating particularly strong growth on the premium mix of Russian Standard Gold and Russian Standard Platinum.

Russian Standard Vodka is the number one premium vodka in Russia and Russia’s leading global vodka brand. 

Travellers urged to take up polo

Travellers are being offered the opportunity to become a polo player with Royal Salute, thanks to a new campaign from the Scotch whisky brand. Brand owner Pernod Ricard has launched the campaign to celebrate the historic affiliation between the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand and the game of polo.

Royal Salute sponsors major polo tournaments

Through an interactive brand experience, travellers are invited to “become a polo player with Royal Salute”. The promotion began in key Asian airports, including Korea and Taiwan, in September.

The main campaign is taking place at Taoyuan airport in Taiwan in an out-of-store pop-up space equipped with several eye-catching elements, including a striking artistic horse sculpture, interactive polo table and complementary luxury tasting area. Passengers are encouraged to participate in a quiz which is accessible on-site via iPads. A four-day trip to Dubai is the main prize, which includes tickets to The Royal Salute Nations Cup tournament in Dubai in 2015. The winner will also attend a polo clinic hosted by a world-class polo player.

The Royal Salute pop-up space at Taoyuan airport in Taiwan 

An accompanying social media campaign extends the Royal Salute pop-up experience online, reaching travellers outside the airport who are yet to embark on their journey. Players are encouraged to register at www.royalsalutepoloplay.com and become an exclusive member of the Royal Salute Polo team. Members are then invited to a complimentary tasting of the Royal Salute Diamond Tribute.

In addition to the Taoyuan airport promotion, the campaign is also being activated on a slightly smaller scale in the airports of Taichung, Taiwan, and Korea's Seoul Incheon and Jeju, supported by a luxury gift with purchase offer.

Sandrine Tesniere, Pernod Ricard Asia Travel Retail marketing manager, said: “We have created an engaging physical and digital experience aimed at affluent business travellers. Through an innovative and highly engaging activation, the ‘Become a Polo player with Royal Salute’ campaign embraces the high-status connection between the leading luxury Scotch whisky brand and the sport of kings and brings both elements to life. As a result, passengers leave not only immersed into their own personal Royal Salute experience but also become truly integrated in the traditions, values and history of the world of polo.”

Whisky brand waits 123 years for public launch

For the first time in its 123-year history, Bacardi-owned single malt Scotch whisky brand Craigellachie has released a portfolio to the public. The Craigellachie Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is available in two aged editions: a 13yo and a travel-retail exclusive 19yo.

Schiphol Airport Retail is hosting a European exclusive launch at Amsterdam Schiphol airport in October, with further upcoming launches at selected global retailers later in the year. Craigellachie is distilled by John Dewar & Sons. Besides private bottlings, Craigellachie’s liquid has never been released until now.

Craigellachie 13yo single malt whisky

The distillery, which began production of Craigellachie in 1891, stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs.  In a bygone era of whisky production, many distilleries used worm tubs to cool their spirit in a far slower and gentler manner than modern condensers, allowing the distillate to retain earthier, meatier qualities. Craigellachie has stuck by this rare and traditional method, despite the expense involved, as it produces a far heavier spirit and imparts unusually strong, sulphury flavours.

Craigellachie is the only distillery to use malted barley from a particular kiln in Glenesk. Unusually, it is produced using an oil fire, giving the specific level of sulphur desired and leading to a spirit with a heavier character than most.

The Gaelic name Craigellachie means rocky hill, while distillery is located dramatically on a rock overlooking the spot where the Rivers Fiddich and Spey converge in Speyside.

Whisky insight programme

Mike Birch, managing director of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said the new launch further advanced the company’s continuing vision for malts. “Bacardi has outstanding whisky assets that perfectly address the needs of experienced connoisseurs wishing to share more knowledge and sophistication in their malts appreciation,” he enthused. “We are releasing a select series of Discovery Malts that reflect the perfect alignment of those precious assets with the needs of that target shopper.

“Our biggest-ever malt whisky insight programme highlights that consumers are increasingly seeking to demonstrate discernment and expertise in their whisky selections and are intrigued by less mainstream, more adventurous choices that still express authenticity, heritage and traditional quality, with aged product especially prized. The Craigellachie Speyside single malt Scotch whisky offers a truly unique experience and fully addresses those consumer needs.  Once again we are delighted to deliver a travel retail exclusive – with the 19yo – that delivers genuine new news for the travel-retail environment.”

Craigellachie 19yo travel-retail exclusive

Richard Cuthbert, Bacardi Global Travel Retail’s marketing manager whisky, added: “This malt is also about so much more than the power of the flavour. The Craigellachie is backed by a compelling story that fascinates malt enthusiasts and gives them a feeling of discovering a truly rare, long-hidden gem from the very heart of Speyside.

“Particularly through the travel-retail exclusive offer of the 19yo, this launch is an ideal opportunity for us to connect with these sophisticated consumers and further drive differentiation and penetration for the category.”

He continued: “This innovative launch follows the extraordinary success of last year’s travel-retail exclusive presentation of the Glen Deveron, Royal Burgh Collection, and highlights our continuing commitment and ability to inject innovation and differentiation to further drive this vital category.”

Tasting notes

Full-flavoured with burnt rubber-like tones, sulphury elements, lingering smoke and well-balanced with tropical fruit tones that intensify with age. The powerful flavour is inspired by the use of oil-fired malt with worm tub condensers to distil a robust malt with sulphury notes. Craigellachie appeals to malt enthusiasts who have experienced peaty malts and now seek a more intense and individual experience.

Here’s the Craigellachie story – full of fire and attitude:

At Craigellachie we have always done things our own way: the taste of the whisky was described as old- fashioned even in 1891. Some might call us stubborn eccentrics, but we’ve stayed true to our traditions and won’t change our ways without good reason.

A prime example of this persistent approach is that we still use worm tubs to cool our spirit. These long copper tubes sit in a large tank of cold water and snake back and forth, gradually getting narrower. They are much more expensive to maintain than modern condensers, but we find that they bestow the spirit with extra flavour, creating a dram with a distinctive, meaty character to rival whiskies twice its age.

Further testament to this is the water the distillery draws for whisky-making. To this day the water is still collected in a dam called the Blue Hill which is fed by a spring on the nearby hill of Little Conval.

Craigellachie is the only distillery to use malted barley from a specific kiln in Glenesk. Using an oil fire which produces a specific level of sulphur gives the spirit a heavier character that whisky enthusiasts have come to expect from us.

Taking its name from the craggy rock upon which the village stands, Craigellachie sits above the confluence of two great rivers in the heart of Speyside, the cradle of so much of Scotland’s single malt whisky. The rock was a gathering place for the local Grant clan which gave rise to their war cry: “Stand fast, Craigellachie!”

Legislation meant that the early 19th century witnessed the end of the smuggling era, but before the practice died out there was an increase in demand for the relatively high-quality illicit whisky of the Highlands. The area around Craigellachie – where the rivers Fiddich and Spey meet amidst remote and mountainous terrain – was ideal for making moonshine.

The Excise Act of 1823 simplified the regulations surrounding the industry, thereby encouraging its legitimate creation.

Craigellachie distillery was built by the extraordinary Peter Mackie who already owned Lagavulin on Islay and had created the White Horse whisky blend.

Having quite an obsession for his employees’ diets, every day Peter Mackie’s staff were rationed a nourishing invention of his called BBM. Blood, Bone and Meal was prepared every day on the premises under the company’s boardroom floor. He had some strong views on nutrition and wanted to make sure his staff had good health.

Peter Mackie’s partner in this endeavour was Alexander Edward: born in the village, he was just 25 when Craigellachie distillery was built and had already inherited Benrinnes from his father. The partners were well-placed to make the most of the opportunities offered by the increasingly dynamic distilling industry; they could respond with alacrity to what the market required using smoky Lagavulin, robust Benrinnes and now a third style of whisky from Craigellachie.

Designed by Charles Doig, the pre-eminent distillery architect of the 19th century, Craigellachie began production in 1891.

Alexander Edward’s master stroke was the building of the Craigellachie Hotel in 1896, which transformed a village in the Highlands into a destination for the shooting and fishing set. Thereafter, he went on to build a further three distilleries which resulted in the development of Craigellachie.

Bally wraps up for autumn

Bally has unveiled its autumn/winter 2014 collection – the first created by the Swiss company's new design director Pablo Coppola. Taking a sophisticated, modern approach to luxury, the collection seeks to redefine the brand’s heritage (since 1851) into an innovative language, Bally says.

Many pieces in the collection incorporate a graphic detail called the Gentleman’s Corner – a slice off the inside edge of the heel on a man’s dress shoe, which prevents the trouser leg fabric from tearing. This signature detail appears throughout the collection on the corner of handbags, wallets, shirt and jacket cuffs and pockets.

The new Corner Bag featuring the Gentleman's Corner design detail

For the autumn/winter 14 women’s collection, exotic skins, suede and nappa, wools and cashmeres, twills and tweeds combine to create a sophisticated tactility in an updated minimal palette.

In footwear, the season’s heel is stacked and rounded, matched with a delicately pointed or rounded toe, in pumps, ankle boots and knee-high boots. Highly polished finishes add deep lustre to shades of burgundy, military green and black. Blush and fawn hues give a silky look to ponyskin pointed courts.

The natural tactility and patterns of ring lizard is enhanced via shades of stone or electric citron in stiletto pumps. A single piece of leather is shaped on a form for days to create a long single-seamed boot that follows the curve of the leg. Bold three-dimensional effects appear on brogue’s seams. Supple cream nappa plimsolls round out the look.

Bags feature clean lines, minimal hardware, and contemporary heritage signatures. Leather finishes show their fine grain. The Bloom bag is named for its duffel shape with buckled sides that open out like petals. The design features Bally’s updated crest motif, subtly embossed near the handles – a reference to Switzerland’s three mountain peaks.

The Corner Bag in oxblood crocodile

Bally Dottic, an indented pattern first seen on a men’s shoe style from 1935, infuses fresh texture into the Gentlewoman bag. Structured and square-shaped with a detachable shoulder strap, one levelled angle on its base is inspired by a century-old Bally design detail of the gentleman’s corner of a man’s shoe. Hold-all Sommet’s structured bull grain leather lined in Bally Red nappa has a pliable shape left bare except for a single buckle closure. A drawstring blush shoulder tote doubles as a fold-over clutch. Rectangular clutches and shoulder bags have the structure and polish of box calf.

Men’s tailoring codes are found in women’s outerwear and essential suiting: a classic blazer, and a duo of trouser styles, narrow with pleats or roomy. Pieces include a shortened cashmere-bonded leather blouson, full-length unlined cashmere camel and Prince of Wales black-and-white check coats, twill silk shirts, wide-legged high-waist trousers and dense cashmere knits. Knee-length pencil skirts – one in pale cream cashmere – have high waists so pockets sit on the hips. Evoking the texture of cashmere, feathery feel suede comes in a T-shirt and crew neck military green dress.

Pablo Coppola, Bally’s new design director, said: “Razor-sharp in focus, soft in silhouette and defined by the cut, we played with proportion to create a look founded in pared-down ultra-luxe separates for a real woman of today.”

The new Corner Bag

The new Corner Bag is designed with a single cut corner inspired by the gentleman’s corner of a man’s shoe. It is crafted in embossed Dottie leather, inspired by the Bally 1935 archive. The Corner bag is also available in pony, lizard and alligator, in small or medium sizes.

Visit www.bally.com

The Glenlivet rolls out rare 50yo collection

French liquor giant Pernod Ricard is introducing the world’s first collection of rare 50yo single malt Scotch whiskies from The Glenlivet, on sale from October 2014.

Vintage 1964 is the first release from this collection, which is expected to become one of the most sought-after whisky collections on the planet, according to the French liquor giant. Eleven of the 100 bottles available worldwide will be sold in travel retail across Europe, Asia and Pacific from mid-October. The price will be left to the discretion of the individual retailers, said a Pernod Ricard spokesman.

The Glenlivet Vintage 1964

Of the hand-crafted bottles available to travel retailers, Europe’s allocation will be unveiled at the World Duty Free stores in London Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 on October 24.

Eight bottles will also be available for sale across Asian airports, including Singapore Changi. One bottle of this rare release will be allocated to the company’s Pacific division, which will feature on the connoisseur’s wall at Sydney airport.

The Glenlivet’s global brand director Nikki Burgess said: “The allocation of these bottles of hand-crafted Vintage 1964 to Pernod Ricard Travel Retail is a statement that reflects the growing appetite of high net worth passengers for extraordinary unique expressions. Travel retail is an increasingly critical channel for luxury products and offers huge potential for growth as customers search for the latest premium products in-airport.”

Nigel Sandals, liquor category buying manager UK at World Duty Free Group, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be launching two bottles of this luxury expression in the World Duty Free Stores at Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 5, and we are delighted to be partnering with The Glenlivet for this rare release. This partnership highlights the enduring benchmark of quality that is set by both The Glenlivet and World Duty Free Group.”

The hand-blown glass decanter has a jewel-like stopper

The spirit inside The Glenlivet Winchester Collection started when decorated war hero, Captain Bill Smith-Grant – the last descendent of The Glenlivet distillery’s founder, George Smith – laid down a specially selected cask in 1964. The current Master Distiller, Alan Winchester – from whom the collection takes its name – has declared that Vintage 1964 is ready to be enjoyed.

“This release marks a milestone for The Glenlivet,” said Winchester. “Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days that I’m immensely proud to introduce the first of these rare vintages of preserved stocks from the distillery’s rich past. They’re a testament to our legacy of quality and to those who have nurtured this whisky over the years, including Captain Bill Smith-Grant, who played such a pivotal role introducing our single malt to the world.”

Hand-crafted by artisans

Every element of the presentation has been hand-crafted by artisans from the British Isles, from hand-blown glass to the inclusion of precious materials such as rose gold and Cairngorm Stone.

Acclaimed Scottish glass artists Nichola Burns and Brodie Nairn (GLASSTORM) created the decanter design, inspired by The Glenlivet’s history. Completing the decanter is a jewel-like stopper, designed by internationally acclaimed silversmith Richard Fox, whose past commissions have included Formula One and Rolls-Royce. The design combines precious materials such as rose gold, and is crowned with a Cairngorm Stone, often known as The Whisky Stone as a result of its distinctive colouring.

Vintage 1964’s presentation cabinet was designed by award-winning furniture maker, John Galvin. Galvin has applied traditional cabinet-making techniques to a contemporary design, resulting in a bespoke piece.

Tasting notes

The Vintage 1964 cask was made of American oak seasoned with bourbon, full of the signature fruity notes of The Glenlivet, intensified with age. Ripe pears, oranges and black cherries combine, while smooth, creamy toffee notes give a rich, velvety texture. In the background, hints of caramelised sugar endure on the palate.

An undisclosed number of further releases from The Winchester Collection will follow over the next few years, with Vintage 1966 the next in line.

Paul&Shark floats new Smart Casual line

With a fresh focus on the travel-retail channel, luxury Italian sportswear brand Paul&Shark is to present its new men’s collection at the 30th TFWA World Exhibition in October. The brand DNA centres on upscale made-in-Italy fabrics, quality and experimentation with new materials, always emphasising its yachting heritage.

The Spring/Summer 2015 collection highlights the new Smart Casual line, described as a link between luxury and sportswear, and designed to offer a comfortable, refined total look. For example, the jackets are extremely light and made of nylon with leather or suede details.

Paul&Shark Spring/Summer 15

The collection also features the brand’s signature shark with the grey Paul&Shark Smart Casual Collection logo on a solid blue background. 

Spring/Summer 15 also offers a Luxury Collection, incorporating high quality materials combined with hand-made tailoring which, from this season, is identified with a new golden Paul&Shark Luxury garment logo on a solid blue background.  

Knitwear and trousers are made of cotton/cashmere or cotton/silk, while blazers are destructured. The items have an extremely soft feel, thanks to a special process. The colours are soft.

Leather coats and jackets are enriched with details such as real horn buttons. Luxury is also shown in the shirt section, thanks to the precious cotton 200/2, and in the accessory collection made of Saffiano leather. In addition, there is a crocodile belt.    

Paul&Shark Spring/Summer 15 

The Sportswear line goes beyond the active sportswear arena, using materials which do not traditionally belong to the sports world and which are capable of combining style and performance. 

Competition, the most technical section of this collection, recalls the sailing world and offers technical garments worn by sportsmen. The linings inside the colourful nylon jackets represent the very fast GP42 racing yacht.

Kipawa, which derives its name from a vintage boat, is also inspired by the sailing world, while Capri, the summer capsule collection, is represented through materials such as cotton and linen.

Travel shirt: a new addition

A new addition is the travel shirt, presented in a bag made of the same fabric and colour as the shirt.

Accessories include belts, full grain leather loafers and reversible belts supplied with a moving buckle which creates two belts in one. Scarves are made of cashmere or linen and ties are soft thanks to the fabric processing which contrasts with the simplicity of the blue solid colour.

Meanwhile, the beach line offer several styles of swimming trunks, from colourful prints to simple and classic models.  

Paul&Shark worldwide travel retail director Catherine Bonelli said: “The collection overall is extensive but the unique element about Paul&Shark is the company’s ability to take any item within the offer and customise it to meet a specific retailer’s requirement; for example the length of a shirt, a particular colour, or special embroidery.” 

Grey Goose VX takes flight in the US

Following its successful global launch in Paris in July, Grey Goose VX has hit the shelves in the US travel-retail channel, with two promotions at Los Angeles and at Las Vegas McCarran airports. The new vodka/Cognac spirit has a strong presence with concourse activations outside the main duty-free stores, in-store glorifiers and branded light boxes.

Grey Goose VX launches in Las Vegas airport

Grey Goose brand ambassadors explain the story behind the brand while adding drama in the creation of the perfect serve, wearing white gloves as they extract the liquid from the decanter using elaborate glass pipettes.

A Grey Goose VX hostess at Las Vegas airport

“These are among the largest experiential activities Bacardi has ever activated in the Americas travel retail market,” said Geoff Biggs, regional director Americas at the Global Travel Retail division. “This is a key region for Grey Goose as leader of the super-premium vodka category in both US domestic market and in travel retail. This is an important strategic channel for us to share our brand stories and to introduce consumers to exciting innovation such as Grey Goose VX.

“With Grey Goose as a clear leader of super-premium vodka, it is best placed to lead the growth of the vodka category in travel retail. We believe Grey Goose VX is a disruptive category innovation, as witnessed by the incredibly positive reaction of shoppers.”

Grey Goose VX, a sipping vodka with drops of fine Cognac, is seeking to create a new drinking occasion. The VX stands for vodka exceptionelle, a nod to its French roots. 

New Aberfeldy pack debuts in Asia

Ever Rich Duty Free in Taipei is the first travel retailer in Asia to launch the new pack promotion of Aberfeldy Highland single malt Scotch whisky, which the Bacardi-owned brand describes as a hand-crafted innovation.

Positioned in the Arrivals and Departures stores at Tao Yuan and Song Shan airports, the launch is supported by a marketing campaign running between September and December.

The campaign centres on an Aberfeldy-branded bar with a point of sale that aims to bring to life the story behind the brand and its “Gold in the Water” heritage. The Pitilie Burn – the water source of the Aberfeldy distillery – was prized locally for its purity and rich deposits of gold and minerals.

Point-of-sale props seek to enhance the heritage experience with antique-style gold weighing scales, a gold-panner’s serving tray and gold coins.

The Aberfeldy drinking ritual calls for a drop of water to be added to the whisky to open up the dram.  In this promotion, bar staff use elaborate pipettes to transfer drops of water, bottled from the Pitilie Burn, to the glass, bringing further excitement and engagement to the sampling experience.

Mike Birch, managing director of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “The malt whisky category is growing as global travellers look to experience Scotch whisky more deeply and increase their repertoire. Our research shows single malt shoppers are looking to purchase new and different malts to add to their range. This trend of new experimentation and discovery will accelerate with pace, with aged product being especially valued.

“Using perhaps the biggest piece of malt whisky insights in recent years, Bacardi is releasing a selection of aged malt whiskies into global travel retail – in most instances exclusively. We call them Discovery Malts, creating new news and incremental sales opportunities with current malt shoppers. 

“Aberfeldy is one of these discovery malts and a most exciting innovation within our strategy for travel retail. The vibrancy in this retail environment, led by retailers such as Ever Rich, allows us to bring to life our unique brand story of Gold in the Water.”

The Aberfeldy range comprises three age statements: 12yo, 21yo and, exclusive to travel retail, 18yo.

Aberfeldy's producer, John Dewar & Sons, remains the only Scotch whisky distiller to continuously hold a Royal Warrant since the time of Queen Victoria, supplying the royal household for more than 120 years.

VIPs celebrate MCM’s Munich flagship

German luxury brand MCM celebrated the official opening of its new flagship boutique in Munich with an exuberant Oktoberfest festival theme featuring a stylish funfair.

Top model Alana Gerber with MCM's international CEO Paolo Fontanelli

Models in traditional Bavarian costume

MCM’s chief visionary officer, Sung-Joo Kim, celebrated with Munich VIPs and celebrities such as MCM’s creative director Michael Michalsky, TV presenter Monica Ivancan, Sky Sports presenter Karolin Oltersdorf, FC Bayern Munich footballers Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, models Anika Scheibe and Alana Gerber, designers Marcel Ostertag and Rayan Odyll, and male model Papis Loveday.

MCM's Oktoberfest-themed party gets under way

Accompanied by a traditional brass band, guests enjoyed Oktoberfest-style activities, such as a funfair, typical culinary delights and Champagne. A highlight was the special acts by DJ Mosey, aka Pierre Sarkozy and Harriet Verney, while resident DJ for the night was Maximilian Strasse, aka DJ Cambis of Munich.

A stylish Munich-style funfair was recreated for the night

To celebrate the return of MCM to the city where it was born, the brand introduced the limited-edition Spatzl Tambourine bag, specially designed for the occasion.

The 150sq m MCM flagship boutique is located in Brienner Strasse, one of the most historic boulevards in Munich. The architectural and interior concepts recreate a gazebo and are inspired by European gardens, featuring key elements including fences, ivory, wooden and golden details. The store also contains an MCM zoo, stemming from MCM’s love for flora and fauna, as seen in the brand’s growing range of animal figures.

Model figures inside the gazebo

The product selection focuses on the traditional Heritage line in various styles as well as latest designs, such as the Diamond Visetos, mini bags, clutches and the Munich Lion and Camo Lion range for men.