MCM celebrates GQ Style with top designer

For the Autumn/Winter 2015 season, MCM is celebrating 10 years of style with British magazine GQ Style in an exclusive collaboration with menswear designer James Long. The partnership has resulted in a ready-to-wear look that includes everyday essentials in the form of a jacket, jeans and jumper. James Long is an influential figure on the London menswear scene. Renowned for both his knitwear and strong use of leather, print and denim, he has presented his menswear collections at the prestigious London Collections: Men showcase since its inauguration in 2012.

A jacket from the MCM x James Long collaboration

A futuristic feel

Speaking from his East London studio, the designer explained how the collaboration with MCM came about. “GQ style introduced me to Mrs Sung-Joo Kim (Chairperson and Chief Visionary Officer of MCM) and we all decided it would be great for all of us to work on something as inspiring as a collaboration. We all loved each other’s ideas on the future. (The inspiration for the collection) was all about taking ideas of moving, the future, the new generation; the futurists. I love the mix of the heritage with Mrs Kim’s ideas on sharing and being a modern brand for the people of the future. I love what MCM stands for, it is a very inclusive brand. They are great people to work with, incredibly visionary creatives.”

Trousers feature graffiti-like graphics

Astro-inspired silver colour

Known for his innovative take on traditional knitwear, leather and accessories, Long’s designs often combine bold print, streamlined silhouettes and technical fabrications to create collections with an elevated sportswear aesthetic. In the MCM capsule collection, he takes a cue from the luxury brand’s craftsmanship tradition and its Futurists campaign, mixing metallic textiles and denim with cursive graffiti-like graphics. Referencing an artistic use of denim and with a strong focus on MCM's astro-inspired silver colour, the special anniversary collection has a futuristic feel.

Davidoff launches Escurio cigar collection

Davidoff unveiled its new Escurio cigar line in a spectacular setting at a vibrant Miami pre-launch event in June. Davidoff Escurio, a Brazilian cigar, follows the acclaimed Davidoff Nicaragua line – Cigar Aficionado’s Top 3 cigar of 2013 – in its quest to offer aficionados across the globe diverse and innovative experiences. “Davidoff Escurio has been crafted for those who are in the mood to discover vibrant and intriguing experiences to fill their time beautifully. If time is one of life’s greatest luxuries, this cigar will fill it with excitement,” enthuses Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of Oettinger Davidoff AG.

Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro

One of the best cigars ever tasted

Inspired by Zino Davidoff’s pioneering spirit and his passion for experiencing the new, Davidoff Master Blenders set a new challenge: to craft an exciting Brazilian cigar that delivers an intense spicy and sweet palate stimulation with a refined sophistication. The team found the inspiration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each Escurio cigar is largely comprised of Brazilian leaves, along with Dominican filler tobaccos and a Habano Seed Ecuadorian wrapper that are said to add a beautiful balance.

The Davidoff Escurio Robusto was rated the best cigar in the acclaimed Cigar Journal’s spring blind tasting and got an outstanding 93 rating prior to launch. Moreover, blind taste panels conducted in Germany and the US have rated the cigar consistently as one of the best cigars ever tested among its Cuban, Dominican, Nicaraguan and other tobacco origins.

Innovative accessories complement the range

The Davidoff Escurio range comes in three formats: Petit Robusto: 50 RG x 31/4”, Robusto: 54 RG x 41/2” and Gran Toro: 58 RG x 51/2”. The blend combines spice with sweet as chilli pepper plays with softer, creamy notes. This is soon complemented by flavours of oak, liquorice, fruit, salt and leather. Lastly, coffee and chilli chocolate flavours culminate in a complex finale. The cigar is constantly changing in flavours and triggers a new taste experience with twists and turns, the company said.

The line comes in a Davidoff Escurio wooden cigar box in black with metallic foil features containing 12-14 cigars and an upscale etui of four cigars, both embellished with the recognisable Escurio half-moon icon and were available at Davidoff retailers from late July 2015 in the US. To complement the cigar range, Davidoff is introducing innovative accessories: a stylishly crafted jet flame lighter, a punch cutter and two leather cigar cases.

The official launch of Davidoff Escurio took place during the trade fairs IPCPR (New Orleans) in July 2015, in Europe at Inter-tabac (Dortmund, Germany), in global travel retail in September 2015, and in Asia in October 2015.

Tequila Corralejo celebrates 20th anniversary

Fraternity Spirits is introducing a new special-edition Tequila Corralejo gift box to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the star product of its portfolio. Described as a tequila steeped in history, Corralejo has a unique look and feel that makes it different from its competitors. The new gift box continues this trend, with illustrations of the beautiful Hacienda Corralejo and its origins. With eye-catching colours and a promotional campaign that aims to appeal to consumers of tequila, the box is designed as a gift.

Tequila Corralejo's new gift box

Getting closer to the younger generation

“Currently our new gift box will only be available in selected retailers, giving it an element of exclusivity,” said Raffaele Berardi, CEO of Fraternity Spirits. “The gift box is a real work of art, and we are very excited to showcase it to our current and potential customers at the TFWA World Exhibition [in October 2015].

He said that the gift box would be available in domestic market stores worldwide next year, supported by a marketing campaign focused on younger drinkers. “We want to broaden Tequila Corralejo’s appeal especially to the younger consumer, so we will be upping our game when it comes to supporting retailers with promotional material. Connecting to our target consumer is essential and we want to do this through online advertising and electronic marketing to get closer to the younger generation.”

Another success story for the company has been Ron Prohibido, a Mexican spiced rum housed in a classical Spanish glass bottle. Targeting consumers aged 21 to 35, the rum is enjoying new success in Germany and Spain, and is being targeted at the rest of Europe. “This rum is for those who are seeking to open their mind to new horizons and who are searching for soft tastes and flavours. We have targeted the rum at young drinkers, and so far it is proving extremely popular, being available in the UK, Spain, French, Germany, Italy Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Denmark and the Czech Republic,” added Berardi.

In addition, Fraternity Spirits will also be showcasing its chocolate liqueur, Horus, a neutral spirit-based, rich and creamy chocolate liqueur presented in a 750ml gold bar-shaped bottle complete with 999/9 gold symbol.

Diageo boosts The Singleton footprint

Diageo is releasing three variants from The Singleton of Glendullan brand as travel retail exclusives from this month: The Singleton of Glendullan Classic, The Singleton of Glendullan Double Matured and The Singleton of Glendullan Master’s Art. The Singleton is a family of light and delicate single malts, hailing from the Glendullan, Glen Ord and Dufftown distilleries in the highlands of Scotland. Each is known for a subtle complexity, and all three travel retail exclusives are described as smooth, rich and balanced. Bottled at 40%abv and available in a one-litre edition, they are best enjoyed neat or over ice.

The Singleton of Glendullan range is exclusive to travel retail

Accessible and instantly enjoyable

The Singleton of Glendullan Classic, retailing at $60 per bottle, is a balanced single malt which captures the character of the Glendullan distillery. It is matured in carefully selected casks to ensure fresh and fruity flavours, including fresh green apples and pears. The Singleton of Glendullan Double Matured ($89), has been matured separately in European and American oak casks and then married in a special cask to allow the flavour and complexity to develop. This process creates a rich, refined and rounded taste experience with ripe fruit notes. The Singleton of Glendullan Master’s Art ($160) is crafted by Master of Malt Maureen Robinson in small batches and in limited quantities. This distinctive whisky is finished in selected oak casks conditioned with muscat for a rich, indulgent and smooth spirit. It is deep and complex with rich, sweet and spicy notes.

Peter Fairbrother, global marketing director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “We are expanding our footprint to meet global demand so that consumers can pick up at least one expression of The Singleton, no matter where they are. With a heritage of over 100 years of whisky-making craftsmanship, The Singleton variants are designed to be accessible and instantly enjoyable from the very first sip.”

In addition to these three exclusives, The Singleton of Glen Ord, a richer expression of The Singleton style, and The Singleton of Dufftown, regarded as the most well-balanced expression of The Singleton style, are also available in travel retail and domestically.

Take heart from Godiva

Belgian chocolatier Godiva will be showcasing its Coeur Iconique Travel Exclusive Edition 2016 at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition in October. Following the success of its initial limited-edition Coeur Iconique launch in June 2015, this second prestige collection features two new and exclusive vintage chic designs. The heart-shaped boxes in elegant colourways are inspired by 2016 fashion colour trend predictions. The combination of the die-cut effect and soft-touch matte packaging seeks to create an eye-catching and tactile effect.

Godiva's Coeur iconique Travel Exclusive Edition 2016

Keepsake box

Coeur Iconique is one of Godiva’s best-loved and best-selling lines. Each box contains six praline or ganache hearts, two of each of milk, white and dark chocolate. Designed for gifting, the box can be kept as a keepsake.

Leen Baeten, senior marketing and business development global travel retail, said: “Coeur Iconique makes a delightful and thoughtful gift for travellers to take home to loved ones. Exquisite chocolates are a beautiful gift, appreciated the world over.”

The limited-edition Coeur Iconique Travel Exclusive 2016 collection will be launched in airports worldwide on January 4, 2016.

Morgan & Oates is tied up with unisex scarves

Cashmere specialist Morgan & Oates has unveiled details of its new Spring/Summer 2016 collection, focusing on lightweight scarves and wraps in bright colours and pastel shades. Having seen the success of its UK-made unisex scarves introduced last year, Morgan & Oates has expanded the collection to include fancy checks, black checks and stripes. The new range offers natural materials in a mixture of gentle checks, stripes and classic colours, in lightweight, summer cashmere blends.

Morgan & Oates unisex scarf in a check design

Made in the UK a USP

Kevin Galbraith, sales director worldwide, said: "Morgan & Oates has been producing high quality textiles in the UK for the past 40 years and we are proud to be one of the most renowned and reliable textile manufacturers in the UK. We are one of the few brands in travel retail that produce products that are Made in the UK, which gives us a real unique selling point. At Morgan & Oates we are always striving to ensure that our products are unique, yet provide a quality that you cannot find anywhere else.”

Exclusive to travel retail, the unisex scarf range is priced for impulse and gift purchasing and is currently listed in Europe with the airlines Lufthansa and KLM. The scarves measure 50cm x 200cm and are a blend of 10% cashmere and 90% merino. Additionally, new designs from the Cashmere & Merino collection include summer colours, including a raindrop design and a fashionable snakeskin design in soft grey. 

Bacardi Cruise Competition 2016 casts off

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has launched the world-renowned 2016 Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year. The annual event, now in its 11th year, is believed to be the longest-standing global competition dedicated to bartending in the cruise and ferry industry. “It is an integral part of the Bacardi strategy for continuous improvement, partnered with cruise and ferry lines to raise standards of professionalism and cocktail-making in this dynamic leisure sector,” the Bermuda-based spirits giant said.

This latest competition aligns it to the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition, which recognises the best talent in the professional bartender community. Cocktail entries for the competition must therefore include Bacardi Superior rum or Bacardi Gold rum and are required to be geared towards becoming the next Legacy cocktail on a par with classics such as the Bacardi Daiquiri and the Bacardi Cuba Libre.

Bacardi Travel Retail Americas Zachary Sulkes

Helping create memories to treasure

Zachary Sulkes, regional manager Bacardi Travel Retail Americas, explained the purpose of the competition. "We are witnessing a surge in the number of ambitious bartenders in the cruise and ferry sector dedicated to their own professional development with the support of their employers, supporting them as they hone their craft, mixology and presentation skills," he said. "The results are win-wins for all concerned, ultimately offering onboard guests a choice of fantastic cocktail experiences that add a new level of sophistication to their vacation and help create memories to treasure.”

The closing date for entries is November 6, 2015, when judges from Bacardi will select a shortlist of three cocktails. The bartender creators of those cocktails will work with Bacardi on a three-month promotional plan before travelling to Miami for the Bacardi Legacy Competition Cruise Finals in February 2016. The overall winner will travel to San Francisco for the Bacardi Legacy Competition Global Finals in April 2016 where they will compete against the final 35 country winner bartenders from around the globe.

Past winners and finalists of the Bacardi Cruise Competition have progressed to compete successfully in many international competitions. Entries are invited via http://www.bacardicruisecompetition.com/

MCM's Bangkok backpack is a rhapsody in blue

MCM has opened its first boutique in Bangkok at the world-class entertainment, shopping and dining destination, the EMQuartier. To toast the boutique première, the German luxury brand has introduced an exclusive limited-edition backpack model in Thai blue, “designed for dynamism and decadence”, the company says. Only 100 pieces are available.

MCM special-edition BKK backpack

Representing royalty, solidarity, prosperity

The design of the BKK backpack is a nod to Thai blue, representing royalty, solidarity and prosperity. The blue hue signifies the historic monarchy and symbolises Friday and Saturday within Thailand’s national colours of the day. To be born on these days is considered to be auspicious – with several kings, queens, princes and princesses born on these days.

Using MCM’s signature Dual Stark shape, the multi-functional backpack has a detachable front pocket that doubles as a cross-body bag. The two-in-one design is embellished with pyramid-shaped studs on the front featuring alternating silver and graphite metallics. Crafted with a coated canvas body and leather trim, the BKK backpack features four interior pockets, including a padded technology compartment.

Bacardi offers a taste of LA nightlife

Bacardi staged a peak summer holiday event at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) called Cocktails of the World – a destination-focused promotion specially created with DFS to express the city’s famous nightlife. Running throughout July and August at Tom Bradley International Terminal, Cocktails of the World gave travellers the chance to sample premium brands in malt whisky, rum and vodka, including Glen Deveron 16yo, Dewar’s 15yo and Bacardi Gran Reserva Ocho Años, all selected to reflect the character of the city. But the biggest star of the West Coast show was the new luxury spirit Grey Goose VX.

Los Angeles airport travellers sample Grey Goose VX

A uniquely local encounter

The multi-faceted promotion incorporated a traditional on-the-rocks theme, offering shoppers a sophisticated flavour of the city. The in-store Mix It Bar aimed to attract people through its impactful visuals and premium fixtures, complemented by specialist staff. The bar experience guided customers through the rituals of the ideal serve, including advice on how to recreate the experience at home. The activation also featured recipe cards, gift boxes and gwps, including a stylish Grey Goose branded duffle bag.

Parker Gundersend, vice president for DFS North America, said: “This is a luxurious experience that has delighted shoppers at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, giving them a uniquely local encounter and an entertaining and memorable farewell from Los Angeles. We are delighted to partner with Bacardi in creating initiatives that drive category growth through differentiation, delivering unique experiences that truly resonate with the traveller.”

Geoff Biggs, regional director, Americas Bacardi Global Travel Retail, highlighted how the tasting encounter strengthened the customer experience: “Cocktails of the World is a stylish and entertaining way to engage consumers new to the Bacardi portfolio and also to demonstrate to those already familiar with the selected brands the ideal way to enjoy them, particularly in the classic on the rocks style that is instantly understood and accessible to all. Our insight programme shows that an expertly guided tasting experience is the most effective way to engage, convince and convert the consumer, leading to greatly enhanced brand advocacy.

“Working closely with DFS we ensured a truly high class, personalised service experience for the consumer, with immaculate presentation and exceptional service to enhance the brand adventure and demonstrate how easy it is to replicate the perfect classic serve at home. We’ve seen a great response at LAX, not only in driving sales and brand awareness but also in the array of ecstatic comments from consumers who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Bacardi Global Travel Retail and DFS have also partnered to create upcoming Cocktails of the World presentations at the key airport gateways of Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.

DFS shoppers enjoy a Royal experience

Following the world-first launch of Royal Brackla Highland single malt whisky with top travel retailer DFS in September, shoppers at Singapore Changi airport have been enjoying the opportunity to discover this range of rare and regal spirits from one of Scotland’s oldest and most venerable distilleries. The brand has a unique heritage including the longest held royal whisky warrant. The launch in Changi engages shoppers with the heritage of the three expressions: 12yo, 16yo and 21yo.

A digital ad announces the Royal Brackla promotion at Changi airport

Royal serve ritual

Reflecting the ultra-premium position of the brand dubbed ‘The King’s Own Whisky’, the in-store theatre involves brand ambassadors showcasing the range to shoppers using tutored tastings and a royal serve ritual. The spirit is served in a traditional silver quaich epitomising the expression that “Kings drink out of a quaich, not a glass”, and drops of water are added from a crystal decanter. A gift with purchase of a luxury travel bag and an engraved quaich are also being offered. To complete the experience, shoppers are presented with a commemorative card that houses a Polaroid photo of themselves with the quaich and tasting notes.

On 18 September, Royal Brackla brand ambassador Fergus Luckyn-Malone travelled from Scotland to lead a day of in-store activity. He shared the brand story with shoppers, signing bottles and gift cards.

An engraved quaich is offered as a gwp

Original and compelling offering

Wilcy Wong, DFS managing director for Singapore and Indonesia, noted the success of the activation. “We’re excited to host the world-first launch of Royal Brackla, especially at our new flagship duplex store and Raffles Long Bar, where we are setting a high standard for the quality of execution we are asking of our brand partners,” she said. “This unique, royal connection brings a totally original and compelling offering to our customers and we’re delighted to see how much they are enjoying the experience.”

Irving Holmes Wong, regional director Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, added: “Royal Brackla is literally the crowning glory in our range of discovery malts from the John Dewar & Sons whisky portfolio and we’re immensely proud to be launching it to the world here at Changi with DFS, a retailer who fully understands luxury. Our partnership with DFS in this launch delivers a truly regal consumer experience befitting the discerning traveller in Asia Pacific. Shopper reception to ‘The King’s Own Whisky’ is incredibly positive and a clear indicator of the level of sophistication of travellers in this region.”

New whisky celebrates Singapore’s Golden Jubilee

This summer, Diageo launched a further edition in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, celebrating Singapore, ahead of August’s SG50 celebrations marking the nation’s 50th birthday. This new release, embellished with a Jeff Nishinaka-inspired design, brings to life the iconic Singapore skyline.

A striking window display for the Singapore edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label's Cities Collection

Handcrafted paper sculpture

Large-scale activations of the Cities Collection were hosted by travel retailer DFS and Changi Airport Group at Singapore Changi airport, including a striking window display featuring Jeff Nishinaka’s Singapore cityscape handcrafted paper sculpture in Terminal 3, and displays in all departures and arrivals stores in all terminals. 

Exclusively available at Changi airport

Peter Fairbrother, global marketing director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “Following the success of the 2013 Johnnie Walker Blue Label Skyline Collection, and the recent launch of the Dubai edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, we are immensely proud to offer this Singapore SG50 Limited Edition Design, in close partnership with DFS and Changi Airport Group. This series beautifully brings to life some of the most iconic travel destinations in the world, therefore it is only fitting that it is exclusive to travel retail. As such it serves as a unique souvenir of a great journey or to mark an historic occasion: Singapore’s Golden Jubilee.”

The Singapore edition of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection is exclusively available at Changi airport, retailing at S$288.