Stars shine at MCM’s London flagship opening party

A host of celebrities flocked to the opening of German luxury brand MCM’s new flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

The Conduit Street opening party was attended by more than 200 star guests, including global celebrities Rain, Lee Dahae and Stephanie Lee, international top models Toby Huntington Whiteley and Sang Woo Kim, actress Clara Paget and top bloggers such as Bryan Boy and Tina Leung, as well as fashion industry leaders Dylan Jones (Editor in Chief, British GQ) Vanessa Kingori (GQ Publisher) and Luke Day (GQ Style Editor).

Guests at MCM's new flagship store opening party in London's Mayfair

Events live-streamed on Naver V-live channel

At the Fashion Awards on the preceding night, K-pop star Rain, famous Korean actress Dahey Lee, top model Stephanie Lee, and top Chinese actress Maggie Jiang also proudly wore MCM on the red carpet.  Both the red carpet as well as London’s flagship store opening event were live-streamed through the Naver V-live channel, which was viewed by a worldwide audience of more than 60,000.

MCM’s London flagship opening has come during an important milestone for the brand – its 40th anniversary in 2016. The company officially celebrated the launch of the store on December 6 with the star-studded party hosted by Chief Visionary Officer, Sung-Joo Kim.

Left: MCM's Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim (in red) with Dylan Jones, Editor in Chief, British GQ

Modern and forward-thinking aesthetic

The flagship store has over 190sq m of sales area across two floors showcasing both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, footwear and the full MCM accessory collection, which includes the brand’s signature Cognac Visetos Heritage pieces.

The newly designed store on the corner of London’s busy Conduit Street has a modern and forward-thinking aesthetic. Light bronze metal plating adorns the furniture and sales area, complementing the slightly darker bronze mirrored walls. Throughout the store, the floor, walls and ceiling have been customised using oak wood flooring. The contrast of the bronze metal and the wood pays homage to the brand’s commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, quality and detail in true German tradition and style. 

Left: MCM's Sung-Joo Kim arriving at the Fashion Awards; Middle: Pop star Rain on the red carpet

Johnnie Walker House makes Middle East debut

Diageo has announced the opening of a new Johnnie Walker House showcase store at Bahrain Duty Free, in collaboration with leading operator Aer Rianta International (ARI). It is the first permanent Johnnie Walker House to be launched in the Middle East.

The 15sq m standalone store, located in the newly renovated Bahrain Duty Free Departures area, joins an elite network of Johnnie Walker luxury whisky embassies worldwide, including Mumbai, Singapore, Amsterdam and recent successful launches in Beijing and Seoul Incheon airports. There are several flagship stores in the domestic channel, including Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul, continuing the brand’s mantra of Keep Walking.

Johnnie Walker House at Bahrain Duty Free

Key location for super-deluxe Scotch whisky

Dayalan Nayager, Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel, said: “We are delighted to extend our Johnnie Walker House footprint to travellers in Bahrain for the first time. The Middle East is a key location for super-deluxe Scotch whisky and therefore critically important to the Johnnie Walker House global expansion strategy.”

Built around the theme of ‘Whisky Conversations’, Johnnie Walker House Bahrain’s features include a whisky scent bar where travellers can appreciate the liquid’s subtle flavours and aromas, as well as exclusive personalisation and gifting opportunities through unique gifts with purchase and customised labelling.

To celebrate the launch, the boutique will offer a number of limited editions, including John Walker & Sons Master Blenders Collection and the limited-edition designs of Johnnie Walker House Willow Collection. The full Johnnie Walker colours range is also available.

Impactful retail theatre

Andre Chong, Global Head of Johnnie Walker House, said: “Travellers are increasingly looking for luxurious shopping experiences that both educate and inspire them, and with the opening of Johnnie Walker House Bahrain we continue to respond to this demand as we step up our investment in luxury retail activations.”

He added: “Exclusivity is integral to Johnnie Walker House, and Johnnie Walker House Bahrain is no different. It offers shoppers an unforgettable experience; we tell the story of our spirits through knowledgeable brand ambassadors and impactful retail theatre, fulfilling our ambitions to bring joy back to the journey by helping to make the purchasing process one of ease.”

The luxury boutique has been constructed with an architecture that merges innovative design with the story of the brand, immersing travellers in a part gallery, part museum experience which captures the rich history of the whisky-making experience.

Bassam Al Wardi, General Manager of Bahrain Duty Free, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Diageo to open the first permanent Johnnie Walker House in the region. Bahrain Duty Free and ARI are committed to providing customers with engaging brand experiences in a luxury environment and this stunning whisky emporium realises this aspiration. It’s a fantastic addition to our recently renovated Departures area and the perfect showcase to entice our growing passenger base to explore and enjoy this iconic brand.”

Chivas Regal unveils limited-edition charity gift tin

Best-selling whisky brand Chivas Regal has partnered with premium audio producer LSTN Sound Co to develop a range of accessories to celebrate their shared passion for craftsmanship, style and generosity.

The creative partnership is part of Chivas Regal’s initiative, Generosity: Amplified, which aims to raise funds for Starkey Hearing Foundation, a pioneering charity that has provided more than 1.8m hearing aids and care to people in need in the last 30 years. The two firms have collaborated to create a limited-edition Chivas 12yo gift tin, a line of handcrafted headphones and a custom-designed luxury record console.

Chivas Regal's Generosity: Amplified gift tin

Headphones feature upcycled elements

A percentage of profits from each pair of headphones and every tin as well as 100% of the console sale price will be donated directly to Starkey Hearing Foundation, to help continue to give the gift of sound to people around the world. Through the Generosity: Amplified partnership, Chivas Regal and LSTN Sound Co are helping Starkey Hearing Foundation achieve their goal of supplying 1m hearing aids to those in need this decade.

The limited-edition gift tin features a new square-to-round shape and images of a deconstructed set of headphones to highlight the theme of sound. The specially crafted headphones use elements of upcycled American oak whisky casks and are modelled on LSTN Sound Co’s best-selling troubadour shape.

The Generosity: Amplified limited-edition gift tin is available globally now. Pernod Ricard is marking the travel retail launch with activations in Budapest and Munich in November, followed by London, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Brussels and Beirut in December. The console and a limited run of headphones are available to buy now from www.lstnsound.co.

Introducing Kurate International

JCI Jewellery, the jewellery and watch specialist making waves in the travel retail industry, is undergoing a complete company rebrand. Moving away from its established name and brand image, JCI Jewellery will now be known as Kurate International Ltd.

Sitting under the Kurate International umbrella will be its three main travel retail brands, Aeon, YOU and Moon. The travel retail channel is one of the fastest-growing and most important parts of its business. With a growing team, and a fresh direction, Kurate International says it is in a strong position.

Exclusive to travel retail: Aeon daisy set

Growth in travel retail

Announcing the news at the 2016 TFWA World Exhibition in October, Kurate Key Account Manager Claire O’Donnell explained: “A lot has changed in our company over the past 18 months, we have entered new countries and met new customers from all over the world, exhibiting in Hong Kong, Singapore and Cannes. This company rebrand has been prompted by this development and growth across our domestic, international and travel retail divisions.”

She added: “Change can be difficult yet exciting, and we are fully embracing this new image, knowing it fits us much better for now, and the future. The name Kurate suits what we do as a company; developing new products and the best collections that we can. It’s a description of our past and our future – a whole new step.”

JCI Jewellery, established in 1985, is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and wholesalers of 9ct gold and sterling silver jewellery, offering more than 2,500 products to over 2,000 customers in the UK and Ireland.

Aeon charm necklaces

Aeon brand sets the trend

At the Cannes fair, Kurate’s travel retail exclusive brand Aeon Jewellery introduced key on-trend pieces to meet the layering and stacking demand. The broadened Aeon range now includes the Fortune Collection.

The new collection focuses on a whimsical assortment of sweet charm necklaces and bracelets, all aiming to express love, luck and guidance to those that wear them. Designed to add a meaningful touch to every traveller's jewellery collection, each delicate motif can be bought as a gift for a loved one or as a self-treat.

O’Donnell said: “We pride ourselves on being one of the most on-trend jewellery brands in travel retail; one that works closely with its inflight partners to ensure we always offer the best collections for the customer demographics. We have a hard-working team that is constantly anticipating up-and-coming trends and style demands to create jewellery that we know will work for the inflight channel. For 2017, the trend to layer and stack of jewellery, along with multi-pendant necklaces is set to be high, so our new Fortune Collection is an ideal addition to next year’s inflight catalogue.”

The collection includes rose gold and gold-plated necklaces, each decorated with delicate coloured stones and pave crystal details. Friendship bracelet sets will also feature.

Furla plays to the personalisation trend

Furla showcased a special-edition collection of its Metropolis shoulder bags that can be personalised with different flaps, called #myplayfurla, at the recent TFWA World Exhibition.

With #myplayfurla, the customer chooses the colour of the main body of the bag and then selects their desired flap, which is then snapped onto the main body. The seven different flaps are heavily decorated and embroidered and are country-specific. The countries include China, Japan, Africa and India. This collection is being launched in January into travel retail as well as the domestic market. Furla is making a special design for its opening at Harrods in London Heathrow Airport.

Furla's #myplayfurla collection [Picture courtesy Essential Communications]

"Tremendous progress"

The #myplayfurla collection was on show at the Cannes fair in October, where Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday spoke of the “tremendous progress” Furla has made in travel retail again this year, which reflects the upward momentum of the brand globally.

“The growth this year – especially given the challenging environment that we all face – has been incredible,” she told a press conference. “We’ve seen another 38% increase in travel retail turnover for the first half of 2016 compared to the same period last year, while the group as a whole is up 28%, so we’re growing ahead of the company.”

By the end of 2016, Furla will have 269 travel retail doors. Munday said that growth was coming from “everywhere”. This year, up to the end of August, the brand opened 22 new sales points in 20 locations from generic stores to personalised corners and boutiques. “They include all five continents, from Sydney to Casablanca, from Siem Reap to Birmingham, from Mexico to Dubai, from Budapest to Myanmar. We’ve also expanded our cruise business with a corner on the Queen Mary 2, while our inflight business, through our partners SKYlink, has grown from 10 to 40 airlines.”

Most of the growth is coming from Asia, Munday continued, but Europe is “surprisingly strong” and the rest of the year would see openings with Gebr Heinemann at Cairo, Harrods at London Gatwick South, IDFS at Marrakesh Menara, Shilla at Phuket (now open), and Top Pintercaioal LTDA at Manaus International Airport.

Munday noted that the US was the smallest market, but she was confident that the brand would see good growth in this region as well.

The Erica travel retail exclusive bag for Spring/Summer 2017

Travel retail exclusive products performing well

During the Cannes show, Furla showcased the Spring/Summer 17 collection, and also the ongoing development of its travel retail exclusive bag, which changes with each collection. For SS17, the company has introduced the Erica bag. This sits alongside the inflight exclusive products, which continue to perform well thanks to SKYlink, she said.

The Erica model is described as a small, sophisticated and extremely functional handbag in three bright colourways, each with an external pouch in a contrasting colour. The style has two compartments plus one secured with a zip for organising personal belongings.

The SS17 mainline collection, launching in January, is inspired by Arabian architecture, tribal prints, hot desert sun, lush floral colours and wild animal coats.

Bags become more functional than ever with softer and lighter materials and an emphasis on styles which leave the hands free while travelling: backpacks, cross-bodies, and reporters. At the same time, the collection is more decorative with lines defined by embroidery, lace, laser perforation, and adornments such as tassels, fringes, charms and knots. New leathers and materials see Gomma PVC combined with vit. Oasis calfskin; inflatable bags in metallic and bright colours; and strong fabrics inspired by weaving and rope techniques.

Throughout the season the palette develops from soft romantic shades to hot summer colours. Neutrals such as Petalo, Acero, Moonstone, Cappuccino and Sabbia contrast with Pesci, Ruby, Blu Ginepri and Malachite. As the season moves on, stronger colours such as Mango, Senape, Torches and Navy are introduced, while by mid-summer desert sand colours combine with sun golds and night silvers to reflect the moon and stars. Similarly, prints journey through soft lace and denim to animal (St Giaguaro, St Zebra, St Pitone), stronger graphic designs, and weave fabrics.

Collaboration with fashion illustrator

Newness is found in terms of shapes, materials and function. Metropolis remains a top-selling style for Furla. Metropolis Mask results from a collaboration with graphic fashion illustrator Domenico Principato, who has created three prints mixing tribal elements with shaman masks. The bags are available as a mini cross-body or shoulder bag.

Totes are important for SS17. A new style, Lucky, has a strong identity with strong solid, colour-block and graphic designs enriched with stud details. In the vit. Fleu Soft leather model, this iconic and functional shape is expected to appeal to women of all ages and regions.

Totes also feature in Vittoria, along with new drawstring shapes that give the style a fresh look. Lightweight, unlined construction along with a detachable internal pouch makes this a functional yet stylish bag. For glamorous nights, Vittoria Glam in vit. Fleu Soft Resinato with a woven panel is inspired by tribal elements. It is available in solid colours or colour-block variations.

For the business traveller, whether man or woman, the offer has no defined boundaries between the sexes. Soft leathers in smooth or grained, ostrich prints and waterproof fabrics are used for a range of business and casual bags.

The collection is completed by a full range of small leathergoods, textiles and – for SS17 – a wider range of men’s belts. Reversible and fully adjustable with a choice of buckle designs, materials and colours, belts are expected to be one of the biggest growth sectors in travel retail, and ideal for both ground and inflight sales, said Munday.

Grey Goose flies high in festive event at Bangkok

In its first major festive campaign at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bacardi has partnered with King Power for a two-month focus on Grey Goose vodka in the run-up to the busy holiday period.

The campaign, which highlights a limited-edition gift pack depicting the Bangkok skyline, is running in two in-store locations from November 1 to December 31. 

Grey Goose gets festive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Growing appeal of cocktails and white spirits in South East Asia

A team of Grey Goose ambassadors are interacting with shoppers to encourage conversion across the range, including Grey Goose Interpreted by Ducasse and Grey Goose VX.

Vinay Golikeri, Regional Director Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa, Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “As the category leader, Grey Goose has enormous appeal across a wide demographic, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is very attractive space for us to engage with these shoppers. It’s a perfect time of year for us to engage with shoppers leaving the vibrant city of Bangkok.

“The bespoke Grey Goose Bangkok limited-edition gift pack is a global travel retail exclusive which we are proud to launch in partnership with King Power Thailand. Based on past experience, Grey Goose is proven to drive sales where it is given the optimal space, range and activation, and we are very excited about what this campaign will deliver with King Power in Bangkok.”

Pichai Pitakchaisuk, Executive Vice President of King Power, added that the popularity of white spirits was growing in the region: “We are very excited to bring Grey Goose to life in-store at a time when super-premium vodka is enjoying enormous popularity, thanks in particular to the growing appeal of cocktails and white spirits in South East Asia.

“It’s very likely that our more discerning shoppers will have seen Grey Goose on the shelves of Bangkok’s finest cocktail bars and so there’s an instant synergy with this in-store promotion. Equally, there’s huge appeal to present this global brand to the growing number of Asian shoppers embracing the new trend of home cocktail-making.”

Grey Goose is the best-selling vodka brand and the fastest-growing top five spirit brand in travel retail (source: IWSR 2016).

Next stop Sydney Airport for Bombay Sapphire's virtual reality campaign

In other news, Bacardi has chosen Sydney Airport as the next destination for its Bombay Sapphire virtual reality shopper campaign, following its success at London Heathrow Terminal 5 in September.

The campaign seeks to bring to life the gin brand’s home at Laverstoke Mill in the UK, and educate travellers with a different experience.

Working in partnership with Gebr Heinemann and taking prime promotional space in-store, the month-long campaign majors on brand sampling of “The Ultimate Bombay and Tonic”, together with the virtual reality experience of a Laverstoke Mill fly-through on Oculus Rift headwear.

As well as providing travellers with recipe instructions on how to make the perfect gin and tonic at home, tip cards also highlight the top 10 bars in Sydney to enjoy a Bombay Sapphire and tonic. 

In-store ambassadors are offering tasting experiences, including a 50:50 Star of Bombay and tonic ratio, finished with orange zest, to showcase the smoothness of the latest gin in the family. 

Star of Bombay was recently awarded the London Dry Gin Trophy 2016 and a Gold Outstanding medal 2016 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

A passenger at Sydney Airport experiences Bombay Sapphire virtual reality

Elevating the traveller's experience

Vinay Golikeri, Regional Director Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “Bombay Sapphire enjoys enormous popularity in Australia and this campaign capitalises on one of the busiest months of the year at Sydney Airport, enabling us to reach and engage with Bombay Sapphire fans flying out of the city. 

“The virtual reality experience is creating a real buzz in-store and is a perfect opener for our retail ambassadors to continue the brand conversation with shoppers as they move on to taste and discover their ultimate gin and tonic from the Bombay range.”

He added: “The tip cards highlighting top bar venues in Sydney are part of our strategy to elevate the traveller’s experience by considering their broader journey.”  

Constantin Wiesmann, Managing Director of Heinemann Australia, said: “We’re delighted to be running another core focus on Bombay Sapphire, following great success earlier in the year. It’s a very popular brand with our shoppers and the creative twist in this campaign adds something new and memorable, helping elevate the shopping experience here at Sydney.”

Gin has seen double-digit growth in Australia – over four times faster than other spirits – with Bombay Sapphire delivering over one third of the growth (source: IWSR domestic market report 2015).

Bric’s taps into millennials in Moleskine collaboration

Two iconic Italian brands have teamed up on a new, urban-inspired collection for the millennial consumer.

“Metropolitan landscapes and nomadic lifestyles for everyday and extraordinary journeys.” This is the philosophy of the new Moleskine by Bric’s capsule collection, which includes what the Italian travel lifestyle brand Bric’s describes as “bleisure” (business travel and leisure) bags and trolleys, inspired by the famous, trendy Moleskine notebooks.

Moleskine by Bric's capsule collection

Technical touches for an urban vibe

Moleskine by Bric’s targets the contemporary millennial consumer, spanning creatives and trendsetters. The collection is divided into two categories: business and travel. Each category features soft-sided and hard-sided items, made from technical fabric and polycarbonate, respectively, and produced in black with fluorescent details.

The business category includes internal compartments that vary according to the function and size of the items in use and include several multi-compartment bags. It also includes three backpacks – a sling, a classic and a squared backpack with external pockets – a briefcase, a cross-body, a messenger, a tote, a business weekender, a special RFID pouch that can be used either separately or attached to the inside to prevent scanning of credit card information, and a hard-sided trolley featuring a front pocket with organiser.

The travel category includes two sets of trolleys: one soft-sided and one hard-sided. They come in cabin, medium and large sizes, equipped with spinning wheels and a customised multi-step pull-handle system with a customised rubber handle grip.

The soft-sided trolleys are made from nylon and are lightweight and unstructured. The hard-sided trolleys are made from polycarbonate and have an embossed anti-scratch Moleskine logo pattern, matte black aluminium corner protectors and a double-deck organiser that has been designed with the characteristic fluorescent contrasts.

The technical fabric of the soft-sided items consists of a blend of opaque nylon and cotton, with a water-repellent coating. The hard-sided trolley polycarbonate frame aims to deliver light weight, versatility and robustness. The trims, including handles and accents, are made from leather and come in a matte finish. The waterproof, polyurethane-coated zipper adds another technical touch to the collection and aids in delivering an urban vibe.

Leather is used abundantly in the retro-inspired Bellagio collection

New colours for the retro-chic Bellagio range

Meanwhile, Bric’s Bellagio line of vintage-looking travel bags includes high-performance polycarbonate trolleys in four sizes. They feature smooth Japanese wheels, a new TSA-approved lock, and leather-coated handles. The trolley interior has a soft lining with herringbone pattern. A small hot-printed leather pocket (which can be used to store business cards) bears the Bric’s name and recalls the company’s experience in travel items since 1952. New colours include shiny red and shiny grey.

The Bellagio Metallo collection by Bric’s also has updated features. The ultra-light trolley with aluminium frame is designed to be the most advanced in terms of looks and performance. Frame, locks and details are designed to satisfy the most demanding traveller.

Bellagio Metallo is offered in three high-shine colours that give a stronger look thanks to the aluminium frame: silver and blue with tobacco-coloured leather trimmings, and black with black leather trimmings.

A unisex approach to travel: Bric's Pastello collection

Multi-functional XBag and XTravel lines get an update

This functional and versatile collection encompasses practical items, made of waterproof nylon satin, with leather trimmings.

XTravel offers three four-wheeled trolleys available in different sizes: a two-wheeled trolley, a holdall with wheels, a pilot case, a travel kit and a carry on holdall with detachable strap. The XTravel collection introduces three new business models: two standard briefcases and a business tote, all with PC/iPad holder.

The XBag collection completes the travel offer thanks to two comfortable carry-on bags with long handles which can be carried over the shoulder, and offers a wide range of bags that focus on the two key concepts of the line: functionality and transformability.

Their distinctive feature is cross-functionality: an inside pocket, applied with two snap fasteners, can be used as a utility case or a mini bag (and is included in all the accessories of the range), and thanks to their adjustable straps equipped with snap fasteners, all bags can be carried by hand, over the shoulder or across the body.

For the Spring/Summer 2017 season, the XTravel and XBag collections have denim-effect leather trims in the solid denim version, while the iconic tobacco leather trims come in mustard and ecru colours. Linings are in contrasting orange with the denim colour, yellow with mustard. All come with tan leather trim.

The Pastello collection, a creative variation of the XBag – XTravel concept, results from a style research process, an in-depth analysis of trends, and a renewal of colours. A new chequered pattern has been designed for this collection, hand made by using the watercolour technique. A selection of colours revolves around a different main nuance, enriched by contrasting strokes of colour. The choice of colours easily mixes and matches with the XBag and XTravel collections, with both seasonal and carry-on colours.

Designed for a unisex approach to travel, the colour palette is inspired by blue and denim shades, using orange as a contrasting colour both on the chequered pattern and on the inner lining. Hardware is in nickel; plastic details are black and trimmings are made from dark blue leather.

Tobacco-coloured leather is the iconic Bric’s colour. In a playful combination, tobacco is made “vivid and funny” by yellow and fuchsia details, the company said. The lining is yellow, while the hardware is light gold.

In addition, touches of light and dark red and burgundy, with contrasting yellow and violet elements, make the offer more feminine and summery. The leather used for the logo, handles and zip puller is dark red, while the hardware is in nickel and the lining is pink.

The Pastello line is developed around the XBag – XTravel collection best-sellers: four trolleys available in different sizes, hold-all bags with leather or webbing handles, two backpacks, one travel bag with organised compartments, two shopping bags, one Fly bag, one small shoulder tote and a wash kit, all made in soft nylon.

“Incredible” expansion in China

Since October 2015, Bric’s has continued its expansion with recent travel retail store openings, including Milan Malpensa Airport in partnership with Dufry, which has become an important customer, according to Bric’s Travel Retail Manager Michele Maccapani. Other airport openings are Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Hamburg, Marrakesh, Sochi, St Petersburg, Mumbai and Guadeloupe.

Asia has seen “incredible” growth for the brand, enthused Maccapani, as the company has opened some 20 shops in mainland China. In the domestic market, a new store has begun trading at the Venetian Hotel shopping mall in Macau, and Bric’s is set to open in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

The company is also speaking with other leading operators for yet more travel retail openings, so stay tuned.

Coach showcases travel retail exclusives

Coach exhibited its Spring 2017 travel retail exclusive collection at the recent TFWA World Exhibition, comprising three fresh silhouettes: a Turnlock chain tote, a Gazette cross-body and a cross-body clutch. 

Made of high quality leather, the three shapes are exclusively available in two brand new colours for the Spring season, coral and stone. Two existing silhouettes have also been added to the Spring 17 collection, the passport case/luggage tag set and the keep all, which are both available in the two new colours.

Coach Travel Exclusive collection [All pictures courtesy of Tilly Holland, Essential Communications]

Superior craftsmanship

To underline the craftsmanship and authenticity, each Spring 17 Coach bag now has a storypatch, a 59mm x 45mm patch of leather in the interior that reads: “This is a limited edition Coach bag. It was handcrafted from the finest materials. Its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail reflect our commitment to enduring quality.”

Coach handbags at the TFWA World Exhibition

Travel retail a "very important" channel

Paulo Colino, Vice President of Coach International, said travel retail exclusives were a key part of the brand’s strategy for the channel. “In the past our travel retail exclusive line used to compose of an exclusive colour for items that were offered in the domestic market,” he said. “In April we launched our Travel Exclusive collection, where we offer exclusive styles of handbags and accessories that cannot be found in other channels. We have had a lot of positive feedback and seen a lot of success, so we are confident that our Spring 17 exclusive collection will add to this.”

The men's and unisex bag collection

New Burgundy fashion colour

Coach also showcased its Fall 2016 Travel Exclusive collection, which includes the Sophia tote and travel wallet, boxed passport and luggage tag set in the new Burgundy fashion colour.

“Travel retail is a very important channel for Coach,” said Colino. “We have been present in the channel for over 20 years, and today have more than 120 shops in 30 countries, most of them with a full boutique set-up. TFWA World Exhibition is the biggest highlight of the travel retail calendar; we view it as an essential show in order for us to expand our business globally, meet our current customers and gain insights into channel itself.”

Martell unveils limited edition with house music duo

In partnership with French house music duo Cassius, Cognac house Martell has launched Martell La French Touch by Cassius – a limited-edition VSOP housed in a striking flacon that celebrates the French art de vivre.

The new limited edition, available in global travel retail, is the second collaboration with a musician following the launch of Martell La French Touch by Etienne de Crécy, another pioneering figure in the French Touch electro music movement.

Striking: La French Touch by Martell x Cassius

La French Touch by Martell x Cassius features eye-popping colours and creativity. Designed by Cassius, it is described as “an electrifying mix of pulsating graphics and colours which simultaneously excites and intrigues”.

To mark the launch, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail EMEA has partnered with headphone specialist Bowers & Wilkins and offered travellers at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 the opportunity to enjoy a Cognac-music pairing experience, tune into an exclusive playlist, trial specially created Martell VSOP cocktails and win instant prizes at a pop-up activation.

A promotion, which ran until November 2, asked visitors to the pop-up to upload a clip to social media of them dancing and listening to the exclusive playlist to win a Bowers & Wilkins headset worth £119.

MCM toasts 40 years of opulence and glamour

German-born luxury brand MCM has celebrated its 40th anniversary in style with a special evening in its hometown of Munich, Germany, attended by a host of fashion stars.

Founded in 1976 in the Bavarian capital’s hedonistic heyday, MCM owes its inspirational founding elements to the city, which has long combined a passion for glamour, music, fashion and travel with traditions of high quality craftsmanship, refinement, opulence and good design.

In a fitting homecoming, leading cultural and fashion luminaries including style icon Claudia Schiffer attended a glittering after-hours party at the company’s flagship store in the heart of the city, Brienner Strasse 1. The exclusive reception embraced MCM’s current collection theme of Munich Epoque, with invited press, influencers and friends of the brand dressing up for an opulent and glamorous evening.  

MCM's Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim with supermodel Claudia Schiffer 

Collaborating with leading creative talents

Following the cocktail reception, MCM’s Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim invited friends of the brand such as Michael Michalsky, Creative Adviser at MCM, and actor Max von Thun to an intimate dinner at the world-famous Munich Residenz, a former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.

The gala event, held inside one of the city’s most dazzling architectural gems, symbolised the company’s pride in its German roots, marking four successful decades of style and innovation.

MCM has grown to become a global 21st century brand, and is currently sold in 430 stores in 35 countries. In a nod to the Munich-based artists, musicians and jetset crowd that embraced MCM from the outset, the company continues to collaborate with leading creative talents from Germany and beyond.

The anniversary year began with a limited-edition collaboration with renowned German contemporary artist Tobias Rehberger, followed by a critically-acclaimed capsule collection by British fashion designer Christopher Raeburn. Both projects reinterpreted the brand’s history of bold, aspirational design for today’s global nomads – a very fitting tribute to four decades of MCM.

MCM CEO Paolo Fontanelli with Kenny Kim [Pictures: Lennart Preiss/Getty Images for MCM]

Morgan & Oates highlights brand heritage at TFWA

At the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this month, UK scarf supplier Morgan & Oates focused on its exclusive use of natural fibres, while renaming its collections to give each a personality of its own and highlight fabric origins and heritage.

A travel retail exclusive brand, Morgan & Oates only uses natural fibres and no synthetic materials, said Kevin Galbraith, Sales Director Worldwide. It has also named each collection to better identify its UK heritage. For example, its 100% cashmere, UK-made scarves are now called The Balmoral Collection, while the 100% silk wraps come under The Elixir Collection. Additionally, the website has been redesigned to explain its philosophy clearly.

The Heritage Collection

Sophisticated, modern and classical

At the Cannes fair, Morgan & Oates introduced new designs within The Heritage Collection of 60cm x 180cm blended cashmere wraps. Only the finest cashmere and merino wool fibres have been used to create this luxurious collection. The wraps are woven in China’s Mongolian region and are offered in seasonally changing range of sophisticated, modern and classical on-trend designs. Each is 10% cashmere/90% merino.

New for the coming season is a burgundy/coral block check design. This distinctive floral design comes in a mix of coral, pinks and burgundy on a background of oblong checks and is designed to make a fashion statement for the new season. This design is also available in soft lavender and purple hues.

The gentle Raindrop design is now offered in a soft blend of cream, gold, brown and black. Perfect for autumn, Raindrop is also offered in grey tones on white and soft pink with beige.

The Stripes and borders design is described as elegant and distinctive with its black and white stripes surrounded by a border of deep royal blue. It is available in various colourways, including grey white stripes and pale pink border.

The Windsor Collection

Morgan & Oates collections on show

The Balmoral Collection: Manufactured in the UK from 100% pure cashmere, these scarves are sympathetically dyed using natural colours. The soft and fine scarves for women and men are available in classic and modern designs.

The Elixir Collection: These 100% silk wraps are weaved by master craftsmen in Kashmir, India, and are designed to reflect the quality that comes from thousands of years’ experience working with silk. Exclusively for travel retail, Morgan & Oates has developed an aesthetic range of shades from soft pink to vibrant orange.

The Mandarin Collection: These 50% silk, 50% cashmere blended wraps combine Chinese silk and the softest natural cashmere, hand-finished to create an elegant and luxurious look. Ultra-soft and lightweight, the wraps are offered in a range of simple to exotic designs, and can be worn all year round.

Cashmere scarves offer amazing value for money

Unisex collection broadens market appeal

The Nepal Collection: Made from a luxurious blend of 10% cashmere, 30% silk and 60% merino, these ring shawls use long-established craftsmanship and skills that have been passed on from one generation to the next. The company has blended fine natural fibres to create a unique ring shawl collection in a variety of colours. These wraps are the perfect summer-time gift due to their light weight.

The Windsor Collection: Made in the UK, these unisex scarves are 10% cashmere/90% merino. Intelligently designed to appeal to both women and men, the unisex Windsor Collection offers a range of UK woven scarves in a variety of colourways. Equally at home worn casually with a T-shirt or as the finishing touch to business attire, the unisex nature broadens its market appeal.

Morgan & Oates brand USPs

At Cannes, Morgan & Oates also reminded buyers why the company should be the supplier of choice for wraps and scarves.

“We’ve highlighted a number of USPs for Morgan & Oates,” said Galbraith. The brand is exclusive to travel retail; listed by airlines globally; has a team with more than 40 years’ combined experience in travel retail; is backed by Calzeat, one of the largest family-owned textile manufacturers in the UK since 1974; employs an in-house design team monitoring trends; has in-house quality control; offers excellent customer service; and is flexible and can customise to individual needs. And, don't forget, it offers amazing value for money amid challenging times for the travel retail industry.

Fast-growing Newthing unveils ingenious new launches

Everybody loves new things, so it was with a happy heart that MJ Rabbit jumped onboard a super-yacht in Cannes to meet Martyn Westbury, the Head of Sales at Newthing, which represents a number of fresh, fast-growing brands in the travel retail channel.

Onboard the Indulgence of Poole, a merry band of journalists got the chance to kick around a BubaBloon – a new children’s bouncing ball that can’t be popped, thanks to its fabric cover. Genius! The product is supplied by a UK-based start-up company founded and run by effervescent CEO Lorna Edwards, who recently appeared on the Dragons’ Den TV series for budding entrepreneurs.

BubaBloon is a back-to-basics bouncing ball

Space-saving toy when travelling

Dubbed a “back-to-basics toy” that doesn’t need gadgets or computers, the BubaBloon has been listed on Austrian Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines for the summer holiday season. Made from 100% poplin cotton, the machine-washable cover comes with three balloons and can be used again and again, making it perfect for indoor/outdoor play or as a light, space-saving toy when travelling.

For 2016/17, the company has developed its own unique fabrics: a distinctive BubaBloon print and a custom colour-your-own travel-themed edition which was drawn for the firm by illustrator Rob Johnston.

Whitakers' products are available in compact sizes for travellers

Whitakers brand launched into duty free

And finally, in time for the festive season, Newthing’s super-salesman Westbury introduced the Whitakers confectionery brand to buyers at Cannes. Established in 1889, Whitakers makes the world-famous chocolate-covered mints that we all love at Christmas time – and now the UK-headquartered company has turned to Newthing to get its own brand launched into duty free.

The firm, whose product range has flavours to satisfy all palates, has launched its popular ranges in compact sizes to suit both travellers and the travel trade, while still offering value for money.

Swiss Eyewear Group shines out at Cannes

Swiss Eyewear Group set out NOT to dazzle buyers at the TFWA World Exhibition, where the company’s INVU sunglasses brand was on show – and there was a good reason for this.

Retailing from just €50, the INVU brand seeks to offer great value sunglasses for travellers who still want a high quality product.

INVU sunglasses aim to offer value for money and high quality

Ultra-polarized and anti-glare features

Onboard the Indulgence of Poole super-yacht, a gathering of journalists – including MJ Rabbit – tested the sunglasses’ amazing anti-glare, ultra-polarized capabilities. The showcard-style merchandising fixture can be used in-store to show consumers how to block dazzle – easily and stylishly. Needless to say, it worked magically.

“The INVU brand has taken travel retail by storm,” enthused Martyn Westbury, who is Head of Sales at Newthing, which represents a number of new and fast-growing brands in the travel retail channel. He praised Rebecca Harwood Lincoln – the ever-efficient and professional Director Travel Retail - International Markets at Swiss Eyewear Group – for “making my job quite easy”.

In just two years since their travel retail debut, the INVU brand has achieved some 35 listings onboard airlines, as well as airports and ferries. EasyJet will be carrying the sunglasses onboard from November 2016. And, with the new 2017 collection, there will be much more success to come.

Importantly for today’s socially-conscious millennial generation, INVU has partnered with the Sightsavers charity for its dedicated I Wear Red collection. “Every pair offers the gift of sight to a child in a developing country,” said Harwood Lincoln, “and travel retail is a great channel for that.”

INVU sunglasses retail from US$50

Davidoff gives TFWA visitors the Royal treatment

Oettinger Davidoff AG celebrated this year's TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes with 300 luminaries from across the world of travel retail. And there was lots to celebrate.

The Swiss cigar specialist jointly hosted the now-legendary Masters’ Evening with Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus and Nicaraguan rum brand Flor de Caña. Guests enjoyed a culinary soirée with hors d’oeuvres, pralines and chocolates and rum-based cocktails. Davidoff’s new cigar line, Yamasá, which celebrated a new earthy-spicy-sweet experience, was highly appreciated by the invited aficionados, who included Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of world-leading travel retailer DFS Group.

Distinguished guests at Davidoff Masters' Evening in Cannes

New benchmark store opens in mainland China

MJ Rabbit spoke with Oettinger Davidoff CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard at the TFWA show in early October, where the firm introduced its brand-building Discovery Experience on an impressive new stand. This year, it’s all about the Chinese consumer, thanks to the company’s acquisition of a majority in Bluebell Cigars Asia and its joint-venture collaboration with Sparkle Roll Group, which is distributing its cigars and accessories in China. The new partnership is going very well, says Hoejsgaard. “We’ve just seen the first fruits of our collaboration two weeks ago. A full-concept flagship retail space opened on September 4 at the Oriental Plaza mall in downtown Beijing. This is a benchmark store for the Davidoff brand.”

To mark the store opening, Davidoff is hosting a number of events in restaurants and bars and has linked up with the Johnnie Walker Houses in Beijing and Shanghai. Pairing events that match cigars with whisky, rum and Cognac are also being held.

Speaking about Chinese tastes, Hoejsgaard notes that this demographic group generally enjoys bigger and stronger cigars than the Americans. The sales mix is proving similar to the US and Europe, with Perfecto, Robusto and Toro formats proving popular. Hoejsgaard is seeing the global trend for shorter cigars also happening in China. Davidoff’s consumer research has found that enjoying a cigar is aspirational and a sign of success.

Top-end presentation: Davidoff Royal Release box of 10 cigars

Chinese New Year gifting

For the Chinese New Year of the Rooster in 2017, Davidoff will launch a limited edition of 10 cigars in gift packaging, which will be launched in key airports. Some 8,000 boxes are available worldwide, retailing at around $400 per box.

A new family of accessories is also being introduced for Chinese New Year, featuring a leather cigar case and a double blade cutter. China is a “vastly bigger” accessories market than other regions, observes Hoejsgaard, adding that the amount of shelf space devoted to accessories is much bigger in the Chinese market because the number of cigars permitted to be sold is smaller. “Over 50% of our sales are accessories, compared to 10% in the rest of the world,” he says.

As elsewhere in the world, the Chinese love the sense of ritual and ceremony around enjoying cigars. Davidoff recently unveiled a global social media campaign under the tagline #myritual, which aims to bring together cigar aficionados in their shared rituals associated with cigars.

So what about the opportunities presented by the Chinese consumer today? “The Chinese market is the single biggest opportunity in years to come – they are an incredibly important customer in travel retail,” he enthuses, adding that 45% of the company’s business comes from mainland Chinese visitors. Hoejsgaard also cites the example of the Davidoff store in Lucerne, Switzerland – a popular tourist destination for the Chinese traveller – where 2-3% of customers are Chinese, and yet they account for over 15% of its business in the store.

Davidoff Royal Release ashtray

The unveiling of Royal Release cigars and accessories

Next month (November) sees the introduction of Davidoff’s new Royal Release cigars and accessories, a top-end presentation featuring 10 cigars handmade with rare tobaccos in a royal blue lacquered box. Two formats are available, Salomones and Robusto. The cigars retail at between $80 and $100. 

The Royal Release lighter is manufactured by ST Dupont using a 500-stage quality controlled process, while the royal blue ashtray is mouth-blown by Murano glass blowers.

Lastly, in other travel retail news, Davidoff will open a new walk-in humidor at Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2E in January 2017.

Ambitious MCM talks shop

Some 18 months ago, MCM embarked on a rebooted travel retail strategy under its Travel Retail Director, Nicolas Roptin. Today, the 40-year-old German luxury brand is thriving in the airport and downtown channels, and recently showcased its latest collections at the 2016 TFWA World Exhibition.

MJ Rabbit meets a giant MCM bunny at the 2016 TFWA World Exhibition

Store openings in well-targeted locations

Roptin reports a double-digit upswing in travel retail sales over the past year – an impressive result, given the various geopolitical events that have profoundly affected all players in this sector. “We’re doing well,” he says, noting the travel retail channel’s resilience in the face of such challenges. “Like everybody else, we are facing geopolitical and economic issues, but overall we’ve been more resistant and we keep growing.”

MCM is popular among Asia’s luxury-loving travelers and the company is seeing increasing numbers of South East Asian customers. Middle Eastern customers are also very important, notes Roptin.

The ambitious company’s objective is to open good-sized stand-alone stores in well-targeted locations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. This has been achieved in Asia, where a major location spanning over 240sq m began trading in April 2016 at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, directly operated by MCM. The brand created a special-edition airport range for this milestone event, and the store features an eye-catching airport-style baggage carousel display for the accessories.

A sizable, 100sq m shop opened in Singapore Changi Terminal 1 in July, in partnership with Dufry. Also in a strategic location is a new store recently opened at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, operated by King Power. In China, a 60sq m stand-alone shop opened at Shanghai Pudong Terminal 1, operated with King Power Group (Hong Kong) subsidiary Orient King Power, boosting the operator’s fashion and luxury offer at the domestic terminal.

In Taiwan, the brand boasts three Taoyuan airport locations in Taipei, comprising two stand-alone stores and a shop-in-shop. And over in Australia, Gebr Heinemann opened a 60sq m space at Sydney Airport in May. Other Asian openings during 2016 have included Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Beijing Terminal 3. In September, a 75sq m store was scheduled to open in Shenzhen Airport’s domestic terminal, featuring a very high façade, says Roptin.

MCM's Milla Primary tote in vivid red

"Huge potential" in the Americas

In Europe, a key travel retail target, Munich Airport is another significant opening for the brand, which was established in the German city in 1976. Also in Germany, a directly operated airport shop in Frankfurt opened for business in September. Meanwhile, Lagardère Travel Retail is operating an MCM space in its multi-brand store at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

In the Americas, where Roptin sees huge potential for the brand, MCM has debuted at Toronto Airport. This follows the opening of a store at Los Angeles Airport in November 2015.

Now, the focus is on airports in London and Paris, where the company is scouting for locations, and is looking to return soon to Dubai International.

MCM rabbit charm

Autumn/Winter 16 collection celebrates 40th anniversary

Dubbed Munich Epoque, the Autumn/Winter 2016 collection continues MCM’s year of 40th anniversary celebrations and features designs inspired by its birthplace.

Looking to Munich’s artistic heritage, the collection incorporates Baroque-inspired patterns juxtaposed against clean yet vibrant colourways. Reds, gold, deep blues and yellow ochre create the palette. Taken in part from Munich’s Residenz Palace, the motifs and colours that run through the collection bring the designs back home with a contemporary feel. Details include hand-sewn embroidery, brocade, Swarovski crystals, applique velvet, beading and waxed canvas.

The Baroque Print line is a stylish and modern interpretation of classic German artisan tradition. This print adorns key silhouettes such as the lightweight Kira shopper and Stark backpack.

Inspired by MCM’s classic heritage travel collection, the lightweight Berlin Series pieces pay homage to the archive with the addition of bold rivets and studs. New season colour ruby red is introduced as well as a Tambourine cross-body style.

Newly restored from MCM’s archives, the youthful Patricia shoulder bag is roomy and features an adjustable strap with shoulder tunnel adornment, automatic laurel lock and rhodium hardware.

The Milla Gepard boasts luxurious calf hair, leopard patterns and a detachable fox-fur charm, and is available in tote, clutch, and backpack shapes. Resurrected from MCM's archives, the Mitte Brocade bag pays homage to the rich art of brocade in colored silks with gold and silver threads, and metal embroidery.

Inspired by vivid Bauhaus colours, the Milla Primary offers a classic tote made from Italian leather in bold hues such as blue, red and yellow. Meanwhile, the Luxus line features croco-embossed Italian leather and is available in a range of styles including backpack, messenger and briefcase. 

Nestlé experiences a playful Cannes show

Swiss confectionery giant Nestlé International Travel Retail celebrated 150 years of success during the 2016 TFWA World Exhibition with a decidedly modern and fresh approach to travel retail. The new strategy aims to target the important millennial traveller – the group that wants everything on demand, and fast. Oh, and make it fun as well.

The company’s fresh approach also seeks to attract the all-important emerging Chinese middle class. This group certainly has money to spend, but they’re not in the same league as the Chinese mega-spending traveller of a few years ago. They are aspirational, impressed by brand heritage, and hanker after the latest thing. So what’s Nestlé’s solution? Well, according to the brand’s Perfect Store initiative, it’s all about uniqueness, exclusivity and experiences.

KitKat travel retail exclusive sharing bags with travel-inspired themes

Multi-sensorial experience for millennial travellers

For the famous, red-hot KitKat brand, innovation and millennial engagement are the two major goals. The company’s 'However you break, SHARE IT' airport store activation made its debut earlier this year, urging shoppers to take a break and share it with their friends on social media using different themes. For 2017, a new Live Your Break promotion will be unveiled, centred on different millennial travel experiences. It will be accompanied by the launch of the second edition of the Celebrate the Breakers travel retail exclusive sharing bag. These packs target different profiles of millennial traveller: the Urban Breaker for the city-exploring breakers, the Festival Breaker for the live music-loving breakers and the Adventure Breaker for those who like a burst of adrenaline.

A second KitKat multi-sensorial experience has been developed that really signals the premiumisation of the brand. The KitKat Chocolatory chocolate lab enables airport passengers to create their own packaging. First, they play on a computer screen to choose their own ingredients – flavours include popcorn, caramel and cranberry – and then add their own visuals to the resulting chocolate box sleeve. The amazing thing is that the whole packaging personalisation process takes around 90 seconds, using a special – magic! – printing machine. I think even the most distracted millennial would wait less than a couple of minutes for this to be done.

Festive: Cailler Winter Selection

Cailler delivers a heritage experience

And now onto Nestlé’s Cailler heritage chocolate brand. Dating back to 1819, Cailler is said to be the oldest Swiss chocolate brand still in existence and is positioned in the super-premium segment. Targeting the aspirational Chinese traveller, the packaging evokes history and heritage, aiming to deliver firstly the finest ingredients, in milk and dark chocolate versions, and secondly, an all-important experience. For the latter, a local Swiss artist worked on the outer packaging, which features traditional Swiss paper with detailed embossing.

The airport activation will feature a virtual reality headset that takes consumers directly to the Cailler factory near Gruyères, Switzerland. Product-wise, a new premium Winter Selection box is being launched from November 2016 with festive flavours such as spicy gingerbread.

For Chinese New Year 2017, the Year of the Rooster, Cailler is unveiling a special-edition traditional Swiss paper chocolate box containing a black decoupage-style card inlay for family members, playing on a similar Chinese tradition. The intricate card design was created thanks to a collaboration between renowned Chinese artist Mrs Wang and Swiss artisan Marianne Dubuis.

Smarties Art Tube gift pack

Smarties unveils fun formats 

Last but not least, Smarties is being relaunched in fun, fresh formats following the cessation in January 2017 of Nestlé’s agreement with Disney. Designed to be entertaining and colourful, the new products include a range of cute, reversible plush finger puppets, sitting atop a tube of Smarties, and a format containing three crayons and a colouring-in leaflet. These two formats are gender-neutral. Then there are two Smarties gifts aimed at both boys and girls. For girls, there’s a Princess theme, and for boys, a Rocket. (MJ Rabbit will take the Rocket. We have lift-off.)

In addition, gift-seeking parents and grandparents can choose from a real telescope Smarties format and an Art Tube, containing coloured pencils and drawing tools.

With this collection of playful presentations, Nestlé seems to have it all covered.