MCM makes a statement in London Art Project

MCM has collaborated with five innovative artists in the UK edition of its Upcycling Project.

Marking the 45th anniversary of MCM, each UK-based artist has created unique and exclusive pieces based on the concept of identity, culture and the process of upcycling the classic cognac Visetos Stark backpack.

Each statement artwork is on display at MCM’s London flagship store and will be sold in a charity auction to support the creative arts. 

The five artists are:

Jess Cochrane: Cochrane’s work questions the relationship between society, consumerism and pop culture. Her focus is on feminine beauty, illustrated through the application of paint over photographic images. Cochrane reflects upon insecurity and perfectionism in the modern age. Connecting the history of art, design and advertising, she plays on the idea of pop culture and its roots that are planted in both displaying and disguising parts of ourselves. Her MCM work is seen below:

Ted Le Swer: Le Swer lives and works in London, having graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2017. His work formally combines moving image and sculptural processes that employ computer-generated imagery and the fabrication of props. His work examines how contemporary society values its relations to ecology, and how these diverse relations materialise and reveal themselves. His videos, which merge digital animation and live-action improvisation, use narrative as a means of negotiating the various realities and relations of the human and non-human agents in his films.

Imogen Frost: The London-based set designer studied Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Art & Design, where she developed her love of manipulating materials. She seeks inspiration from nature and the abundance of texture, shape and colour it provides. Her often tactile aesthetic is underpinned by attention to detail and paired with a touch of playfulness to create harmonious compositions.

Denzel Currie: “Curriegoat” is a multidisciplinary artist and content creator based in London. Working with rug making, painting, leather craft and bookbinding, his work explores mythology and surrealism with the goal of telling old stories in new ways.

Joe Sweeney: Sweeney is a conceptual artist working with a visual language created through British idiosyncrasies, everyday references and the banal, commenting on our fast-changing times by elevating the throwaway. Through quick observation, the artist encourages a pause for thought on the daily interactions that we don’t always pay attention to. Playing with Britain’s passion for nostalgia, he often creates morbid but humorous work through sculpture, print and installation.

MCM’s Creative Director Dirk Schoenberger can be seen in conversation with the five artists in the latest MCM Creative Minds video at https://www.instagram.com/p/CWfpHttq-dI/.

Davidoff roars with Year of the Tiger collection

Davidoff has launched its Chinese New Year 2022 limited-edition cigar and humidor.

To mark the Year of the Tiger in 2022, a zodiac sign characterised by strength, energy and determination, the company has chosen a piramides cigar with a Connecticut wrapper leaf, which is a first for any Davidoff limited edition.

The wrapper leaves were coloured applying a natural process to bring the fur markings of the tiger to life on the cigar.

Limited to 17,350 pieces worldwide, the Davidoff Year of the Tiger Limited Edition is presented in a box of 10 cigars. The packaging is inspired by the tiger's natural habitat, the jungle.

The exclusive collection features a cigar leather case, an ashtray in an iconic shape, and a pipe tobacco (only available outside the US).

Exclusive Masterpiece humidor

The Year of the Tiger Masterpiece humidor completes the exclusive collection. It was designed by Chinese artist Qi Xie and hand decorated in delicate marquetry by Rose Saneuil in France, in a collaboration between the two artists. Through meticulous marquetry, Rose Saneuil has brought Qi Xie‘s two tigers to life.

Each humidor contains 88 toro cigars, created exclusively for the humidor, and is limited to 24 pieces worldwide.

The limited-edition products will be available at selected Davidoff appointed merchants and flagship stores around the world from November 2021.

MCM marks Hainan opening with new interior concept

A new MCM store has begun trading on the Chinese holiday resort island of Hainan with a new interior design and exclusive limited editions.

Located in the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, Haitang Bay, the boutique (pictured above) is described as a sleek, modern space which is bold yet functional. The interior is decked out with exquisite materials such as travertine marble and a palette of carpets and velvets, adding a luxurious touch. A range of iconic international designer furniture and table lamps echo MCM’s attitude and heritage and aim to create a perfect shopping experience for customers.

Drawing on the brand’s best-selling Patricia collection, MCM has specially designed four exclusive limited editions to celebrate the new Sanya store opening. Each limited edition is dressed in the shopping centre’s signature vibrant begonia-inspired coral colour. The collection includes a Mini Backpack, Crossbody Bag, Mini Crossbody Bag, and Wallet with Shoulder Chain.

The new store opened its doors on October 1, 2021.

Bacardi reaches new milestone in its whisky mission

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has opened The Whisky Emporium, its world-first permanent boutique, in the Shenzhen Duty Free Mission Hills shopping complex in Hainan, China.

The store showcases its award-winning whisky portfolio and is dubbed “a significant milestone” in the company’s mission to grow its whisky business in China.

The 82sq m Whisky Emporium (pictured below) is designed as an omnichannel retail experience to engage a new era of Chinese whisky appreciators. Products include Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky and its award-winning malts portfolio – Royal Brackla, Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Glen Deveron.

A digital marketing strategy targets consumers before, during and after their trip to Hainan via a dedicated WeChat programme for The Whisky Emporium, benefiting from the huge audience on Shenzhen Duty Free’s e-commerce and social media platforms.

Consumers can plan their visit, pre-order purchases and book personal in-store experiences including private tastings, product personalisation and gift presentations.

Digital plans include partnerships with Ctrip, hotels and golf resort destinations and live-streaming events with key opinion leaders, such as for the Double 11 Singles’ Day Shopping Festival on November 11, 2021.

At Mission Hills in Hainan, the brands are presented in illuminated showcase walls that also house interactive QR codes.

Brand videos unlock the stories behind the whiskies, their provenance and the craftsmanship that led to the six medal triumphs for the new Royal Brackla Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The new Royal Brackla range is available in-store from November 1, 2021.

Vapour infusion jars and tutored tastings at the central bar help consumers explore their whisky before they buy.

“The Whisky Emporium is the personification of our vision to reinvent travel retail as an omnichannel market,” said Gaurav Joshi, Regional Director Asia Pacific, Bacardi Global Travel Retail. “Bacardi believes that multi-layered, digital engagement amplified along the extended travel journey, together with an exquisite in-store experience and disruptive innovation in whisky-making is the optimum strategy to maximise both the revenue and the brand-building potential with the Chinese whisky market. We are very grateful to Shenzhen Duty Free for their long-term partnership and we look forward to putting Mission Hills on the map as a premium whisky location.”

Shenzhen Duty Free Group Chairman You Jiangwei added: “This is an important moment in the development of Shenzhen Duty Free at our new Mission Hills complex. We are delighted that Bacardi has chosen Mission Hills for The Whisky Emporium, its flagship whisky boutique, and we welcome Dewar’s and the single malts portfolio and the great choice and quality offered to Shenzhen Duty Free shoppers. We thank Bacardi for their continued partnership in creating exciting initiatives like this.”

MCM sets the stylish wheels in motion

MCM has unveiled a luxury e-bike in an exclusive collaboration with German manufacturer Urwahn, as part of its 45th anniversary celebrations.

Powered by next-generation German technology, the 3D-printed e-bike is limited to 50 units and is made to order exclusively on Urwahn.com.

“We wanted to develop a collaboration which celebrates the essence of movement from the past to the future,” said Dirk Schönberger, MCM Global Creative Officer. “URWAHN is a quintessentially German company renowned for its quality engineering and is the perfect partner with whom to celebrate our 45-year legacy.”

The limited-edition e-bike is crafted with sustainability in mind and marks the first checkpoint on MCM’s active wellness journey, the German brand said.

Built upon Urwahn’s acclaimed Platzhirsch profile, the e-bike features a fully coppered 3D-printed steel frame. Chosen over aluminium and carbon, the metal provides unparalleled performance while also being easier to service, repair and recycle. The entire design, development, and production process takes place in Germany, resulting in reduced shipping emissions. Skilled craftsmen assemble each unit by hand.

A fully-integrated 250 Wh battery provides more than 80km of electric range. Each bike has a custom-made MCM logo brass-plate with a unique edition number as well as a limited-edition, custom-made matching bottle by 24Bottles.

The Dalmore celebrates Decades of expertise

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt has unveiled The Dalmore Decades, a one-of-a-kind selection of whiskies spanning six decades.

From one of the oldest liquids released by The Dalmore to the first Scotch created in the new millennium, the collection celebrates the visionary creators and stories behind each bottle.

Celebrated in the release of three collections, the first unique set of six whiskies, the No.6 Collection (pictured below), will be offered at auction by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2021. A significant percentage of the sale will be donated to Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee. The whisky brand has forged a four-year partnership with the museum to champion creative talent.

The Dalmore Decades is Master Distiller Richard Paterson’s personal selection. “This collection is a memento of our 180-year history in the making,” he said.

The six-bottle collection to be auctioned at Sotheby’s comprises:

The Dalmore Decades 1951 – Royal Heritage: This 60-year-old single malt is matured in twin sherry casks and displays the 12-point royal stag on each bottle;

The Dalmore Decades 1967 – Expertly Composed Spirit: This 53-year-old single malt was laid down in the year the stillhouse was created;

The Dalmore Decades 1979 – Curating Exquisite Casks: This 40-year-old single malt is a tribute to the relationship between González Byass and The Dalmore. The 1979 was matured in a sherry butt, followed by a Graham’s Port Vintage 1952 – one of port’s rarest vintages;

The Dalmore Decades 1980 – Unbroken Chain of Visionaries: The 1980s marked Richard Paterson’s arrival at The Dalmore and his tutelage by the last of the Mackenzie founding family. This whisky takes the traditional maturation of The Dalmore and reverses it;

The Dalmore Decades 1995 – The Creation of an Icon: A celebration of The Dalmore’s minimalist bell-shaped bottle;

The Dalmore Decades 2000 – Into the New Millennium: Workers at The Dalmore were the first in Scotland to run new spirit off the stills in the third millennium.

Travel retail collectibles

Alongside the No.6 Collection, The Dalmore will release 15 one-of-a-kind, collectible Decades sets – the No.5 Collection, containing five masterpiece Decades whiskies (1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, 2000). Each set is presented on a pedestal for display at home and retails at $270,000.

Five sets are available in the travel retail channel: China Duty Free Group (Hainan); Duty Zero by cdf (Hong Kong International Airport); Ever Rich Duty Free (Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport); Lotte Travel Retail Singapore (Singapore Changi Airport); and DFS during the Master of Wine and Spirit showcase in Macau.

Alongside the No.5 Collection, the No.4 Collection of 25 sets, each containing four Decades whiskies (1979, 1980, 1995, 2000), will be made available to purchase at $135,000 each. Four sets will be available in travel retail at China Duty Free Group (Hainan) and Lotte Duty Free (Seoul Incheon International Airport).

“Travel retail is the ideal channel to showcase exceptional masterpieces from The Dalmore in our customers' duty free shops and digital channels, allowing us to recruit millions of luxury consumers into the brand franchise,” said Richard Trimby, Travel Retail Director of The Dalmore brand owner Whyte & Mackay.

Hip hop artist A$AP Nast enters MCM M’ETAVERSE

Just days after announcing rapper Lil Ghost as its new Chinese brand ambassador, MCM has unveiled hip hop musician A$AP Nast as the face of its Autumn/Winter 21 collection.

The latest collection is part of the German luxury brand’s 45th anniversary campaign and spotlights the musician in MCM’s M’ETAVERSE. The M’ETAVERSE is described as “uniting multiple lives at a singular point, creating a nexus between the natural, virtual and communal worlds. A realm where contrast equals harmony”.

The campaign stars – A$AP Nast (pictured above), digital creators Stella Lucia and Kiddy Akita and model Lukas Marshall – navigate the M’ETAVERSE sporting the season’s leather goods in vibrant hues inspired by the sights, flavours and emotions of travel. The colours are digitally enhanced, resulting in tones that excel in the virtual and physical worlds alike, MCM said. Italian leather and embossed Spanish leather function as textured canvases for these upgraded shades, adding another layer of sensorial delight.

Through a mix of structured tailoring and deconstructed silhouettes, the elevated looks of the 45th anniversary apparel collection seek to epitomise the past and future of MCM. The styles are also designed to represent the modern individual.

The campaign introduces MCM’s new Cubic Logo and emphasises the timeless nature of MCM’s signature Visetos material, consisting of letters, laurel leaves and Bavarian diamonds. True to its nomadic roots, the heritage monogram graces miniature Boston bags inspired by archival luggage and modular crossbody bags for multi-occasion use.

In addition, MCM has revamped the classic crest with the Color Splash Visetos line. The codes shine brightly on black leather goods, aiming to “project starry optimism akin to a polychromatic night sky”, according to the brand.

The M’ETAVERSE also embodies MCM’s commitment to sustainability through the introduction of responsible fabrics. Tailored silhouettes are made from cruelty-free virgin wool. Recycled nylon and polyester outerwear seek to combine quality and performance, while regenerated cashmere and plush eco fur are also featured. Classic tops and sweatshirts round out the ready-to-wear line in organic cotton – farmed without the use of chemicals in order to minimise damage to the environment.

See the A/W21 campaign video: https://us.mcmworldwide.com/en_US/collections/autumn-winter-21

MCM goes on tour with Chinese rapper Lil Ghost

MCM has tapped Chinese rapper Wang Linkai (Lil Ghost) as its brand ambassador in China, as it seeks to appeal to younger customers in its 45th anniversary year.

The award-winning singer and producer stars in the German luxury brand’s Autumn/Winter 21 campaign, wearing collaborative apparel and accessory styles that unite the realms of music and fashion. A YouTube video is now live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eRV4cIi8Ns.

Wang Linkai (pictured below) was a member of the Chinese boy band Nine Percent from the 2018 Chinese survival talent show Idol Producer. MCM said his musical talent and vivacious personality align well with the brand DNA.

The company is aiming to reposition itself as a youth-driven luxury brand relevant to Gen-Z shoppers, and the Weibo social media hashtag #MCMBrandAmbassadorLilGhost has already attracted a lot of traffic.

In addition, MCM is launching apparel and accessories for hip-hop musicians, which includes signature Visetos-monogram bathrobes, boxing shorts, hats, Beats speakers and WizPak speaker bags. MCM’s new backpack-shaped fragrance created by Inter Parfums has also been introduced in China, following a successful launch in the US and Europe.

The company is making headway in the competitive Chinese market. During this year’s 618 Mid-year Shopping Festival, MCM’s gross merchandise volume recorded 48% growth compared to the same period last year. The Toni Shopper Mini Handbag featured among the top 50 products favoured by post-1990s consumers on Tmall.

MCM’s sales in China climbed 34% year-on-year in 2020 and are expected to jump 49% this year.  The company aims to grow its physical footprints from 38 to 52 boutiques within three years, with an emphasis on flagship stores in first-tier cities, the brand told Jing Daily.

Lil Ghost’s appointment is the latest in a long line of MCM collaborations with successful music artists, including Beyonce and Billie Eilish, and through the work of American stylist Misa Hylton with female rappers such as Mary J Blige.

Fashioning climate change solutions

Two forward-looking projects relevant to the fashion industry were among the companies showcasing their sustainability technologies to investors at the CleanEquity Monaco 2021 conference, held from July 22-23, 2021.

Among the impressive roster of speakers was Dr Andrew Steer, President & CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, which Amazon entrepreneur Jeff Bezos set up with $10 billion available this decade to help accelerate clean energy transitions. Among its initiatives, the fund is aiming to electrify US school buses to make the air cleaner and therefore improve children’s health.

Describing the challenges ahead as “an exciting revolution”, Steer urged all stakeholders to “take more risks” in their quest for a cleaner planet and to act smartly. He said 35-50 revolutions must take place in the areas of energy, transport, the built environment, food and manufacturing. He believes the heart of the solution lies with investors who “need guts to do the right thing” and that philanthropy should be leading the way, not governments. “These are exciting times but perilous,” he warned, adding: “Transformative change requires systemic change.” He acknowledged the role of activists in pushing for change, but added that it was important to have a “spirit of hope”.

Steer’s words were echoed by BP Europe’s Chairman Peter Mather, who described climate change as “a monumental challenge”. As an oil- and gas-based company, BP intends to produce 40% less oil by 2030 and added that the firm was “up for the responsibility” of energy transition. He described BP as not a “green” company but a “greening” company, as the vast majority of its profit was currently generated by oil and gas. However, BP is now moving towards renewables, electrification, carbon capture and hydrogen.

Two initiatives stood out for fashion industry watchers. The first is from a company called Qualus, which aims to reduce the water usage and harmful chemicals produced by the $20bn leather industry. The firm works with tanneries to replace water with sferes, lowering the cost of production while keeping the leather quality high. It has signed up as a client the large Mexican tannery Lefarc, which has become the most sustainable tannery in Mexico. A Brazilian customer will come on-stream later this year. Product demonstrations are being held with a global luxury goods brand and a footwear brand, according to CEO Vikrant Pratap. “Handbags and shoes are out there using our system and we expect to sign up customers in Europe and Asia this year.”

The second fashion initiative is from Circulariti, a company that is developing a digital platform to enable brands and retailers to scale and commercialise the circular economy. The UK-based firm has an impressive roster of executives and non-executive directors who have worked at Farfetch, Ted Baker, Tu Clothing, George, Swarovski and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, among others. Noting that the apparel industry produces 10% of the world’s greenhouse gases, CEO Jamie Goldring believes the industry has reached a “circular tipping point” that needs to scale sustainably.

The Circulariti system, which is under development, maps the genome of an apparel item and tells the consumer via an app the environmental impact of the product, such as the amount of carbon and water used in its production. The app follows the entire lifecycle of the product, both before and after the consumer buys it. For example, at the point of purchase, consumers can opt for carbon offset and pay more for the product. Thanks to the re-use module, the consumer can take advantage of a store discount if the item is returned to the store, or choose from different rental or resale options offered within the app. The product lifespan is increased with information about local repair stations, Goldring said. Overall, the app will provide five opportunities for revenue and reuse, thereby enabling the circular economy.

This year’s trio of CleanEquity Monaco award recipients (pictured above) were presented with a climate change-themed trophy from Bernard Fautrier, a Special Adviser to Prince Albert on sustainability matters. Designed by Clare McCluskey, a visual artist from Dublin, and made from sustainably sourced, traceable wood from the Lisnavagh Timber Project in Carlow, Ireland, the trophies contain an inner dimension that reminds the holder of their own agency, responsibility and creativity in seeking new possibilities for a better future.

The award recipients were: Conamix, in the research category; Vertoro, for environmental tech development; and Voltaware, for environmental tech commercialisation. CleanEquity Monaco is an annual invitation-only event organised by Innovator Capital, with contributors and sponsors including Covington, Cision, Taronis Fuels, EarthX, Cranfield University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Solve.

MCM marks a milestone with new monogram

MCM has taken over seven windows of New York’s landmark department store Saks Fifth Avenue as the brand celebrates its 45th anniversary with a reimagining of the signature Visetos monogram.

The neon Visetos panorama on Fifth Avenue features the new Vintage Jacquard Monogram and the collaboration campaign video developed with media brand Highsnobiety and creative collective Sucuk & Bratwurst now through July 14.

MCM's neon installation at Saks Fifth Avenue

The Vintage Jacquard collection evokes a lifetime of travel through a cultured patina pattern on specially-sourced Italian fabric. It's a nod to the past that celebrates Visetos through a new material treatment, MCM said.

The collection employs a weaving technique traditional of the Bauhaus Textile School, expressing the craftsmanship and design ethos that has defined the luxury house since its inception.

The Vintage Jacquard Monogram graces core MCM silhouettes as well as styles from the new homeware category.

In partnership with Highsnobiety, MCM worked with Berlin creative collective Sucuk & Bratwurst to produce a 3D animation for the collection.

To bring the monumental monogram to life, the team at Sucuk & Bratwurst turned to their lucky charm and logo: the ladybug. The connection was natural as the silhouette of the tiny beetle bears a striking resemblance to the monogram's iconic laurels. Recognised as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, the ladybug is overlaid with the new monogram to signal an auspicious start to the next chapter in MCM’s storied history.

The Vintage Monogram capsule is presented in three colourways: antique grey, modern blue and royal red.

“We, as a German luxury brand, are very proud to accomplish this work with Saks, which is one of the most famous luxury retailers in the world,” said Sung-Joo Kim, the Founder, Chairperson and Chief Visionary Officer of Sungjoo Group and MCM Holding AG.

MCM frolics in New York and LA

MCM offered up the chance of two days of fun in New York and LA with a celebration of the luxury brand’s collaboration with Korean artist SambyPen.

The pop-up event at MCM’s stores in New York and Los Angeles highlighted the artist’s cartoonish, graffiti-style aesthetics, featuring the cute characters Henry the Timid Lion, Kaiser the Blunt Puppy and Haru the Wicked Bunny. The latter is inspired by the German Easter Hare and is, of course, MJ Rabbit’s favourite.

Shoppers browsing the limited-edition collection of apparel, accessories and homeware were treated to iced brews and treats by LA bakery Sprinkles.

For more, see the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhKiupZkLJo.

Take a look at the pictures below:

Love!

New cigar celebrates vibrant Dominican Republic

Basel-based Davidoff has introduced the Davidoff Dominicana limited-edition cigar that celebrates the Dominican Republic’s culture and lifestyle.

The Dominicana cigar line (pictured below) is Davidoff's celebration of its Dominican roots. To achieve a vibrant taste sensation that builds on the joyful culture of the Dominican Republic, Davidoff's Master Blenders concocted a complex blend of five Dominican filler tobaccos united in an Ecuadorian binder and crowned with a Dominican Yamasá wrapper.

The extended six-year ageing of the tobaccos harvested in 2014 results in a sophisticated and complex taste journey that makes this full-bodied, yet pleasantly balanced cigar a total Dominican experience.

The Dominicana cigar line comes in Short Robusto, Robusto and Toro formats. All three will be available in wooden boxes of 10 cigars featuring a vintage sticker to accent the aged tobacco.

The Davidoff Dominicana hits the shelves globally in May 2021.

AVO Improvisation 2021 limited edition

In other news, Oettinger Davidoff is introducing the ninth instalment of the prized AVO Improvisation Series.

In 2001, Avo Uvezian was one of the first to produce an annual limited-edition cigar, and to celebrate his legacy, AVO Cigar is breaking the mould once again with a 2021 release.

The AVO Improvisation 2021 showcases the heritage and innovation of the line with four distinct yet complementary Dominican filler tobaccos. Both the binder and wrapper tobaccos from Ecuador bring a modern, innovative note to the improvised aromas. The wrapper is treated with a special ageing and fermentation process to amplify the creaminess and sweetness of the tobacco.

The AVO Improvisation 2021 will be introduced in European markets in June, with 4,550 boxes available globally.

For details, see @avocigar and #AVOImprovisation2021 on Instagram.

Bottega toasts two Prosecco bars

Italian liquor group Bottega, best known for its striking metallic Prosecco wine bottles in gold, silver and pink gold, has resumed its Prosecco Bar project with prestigious openings at two UK racecourses.

The Bottega Terrazza Bar & Restaurant is an elegant outdoor space where you can watch the horse races and sip Prosecco, while enjoying Italian dishes. This concept is complemented by the small-format Bottega Garden Bar, which serves drinks.

The two openings follow an agreement with UK group Arc (Arena Racing Company) for the introduction of Bottega's restaurant format at Bath, Windsor and, with a pop-up formula linked to specific events, for other racecourses in England.

Sandro Bottega, the dynamic President of Bottega SpA who champions made-in-Italy, explained the thinking behind these innovative venues: "We have always loved horse racing and the people who are part of this beautiful world, where everyone loves nature and animals. All this is closely linked to the unbreakable commitment to sustainability that our company has been having for so many years. These are core values both in our business and in our everyday lives, and the reason to raise a glass is not to win but to be part of it. ARC is a great organisation to which we have dedicated all our efforts, realising two great projects: Bottega Terrazza Bar & Restaurant and Bottega Garden Bar. We are confident that they will be a success."

The Prosecco Bar format was launched in 2014 onboard Viking Group's Cinderella ship, which operates on the Baltic Sea. It has since been introduced at the airports of Rome Fiumicino, Dubai, Birmingham, Bologna and the two Bulgarian airports of Burgas and Varna; in Guernsey (Channel Islands) on the terrace of the Slaughterhouse restaurant; inside the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat, Oman; in the Seychelles on the beach of the Hilton Labriz Hotel (Silhouette Island); inside the UK’s Birmingham Arena; in Tokyo on the terrace of the Anchor Gate Hotel; and, with a different formula, in the arrivals area of Milan Malpensa Airport; and at Belluno railway station, in the Veneto region.

Bottega’s Prosecco Bar aims to “exalt the excellence of Italy and gratify the palate of the consumer”, said Sandro Bottega, who also campaigns tirelessly for breast cancer awareness. The project reimagines the philosophy of the Venetian bacaro, an informal osteria where food is presented both as 'cicheti', appetisers to be eaten at the counter, and as more structured dishes to be served at tables. “The matching with Prosecco, favoured for its versatility, along with other Italian wines, contributes to making every moment spent in a bacaro a pleasant experience that enriches the spirit and refreshes the soul,” he enthused.

The project's mainstay is the "Perfect Match", meaning the ideal combination of typical food from Italian regional cuisines and the wines offered by Bottega.

“This is not a selection of starred recipes that are difficult to reproduce, but a homogeneous ensemble of traditional dishes, able to give great satisfaction to palates of all latitudes," said the company. "The wide range of wines, including Prosecco, sparkling wines made from the finest grape varieties, prestigious reds (Amarone, Brunello di Montalcino, Ripasso, Bolgheri), dessert wines, a selection of white and barrique grappas, together with a wide range of fruit and cream liqueurs, make Bottega a leading player in the beverage industry and a solid partner appreciated for its ability to offer different products with a consistently high quality.”

Italian authenticity

Bottega is a family-owned company located in Bibano, Treviso (45km north of Venice) that has been producing premium quality, typical Italian wines, grappa, spirits and food products since 1977. Bottega is a third-generation business, led by Sandro, Barbara and Stefano Bottega. Headquarters are situated in a 19th-century farmhouse, renovated to preserve the original architecture and environment, surrounded by 10 hectares of vineyards. The group also runs wineries in Valpolicella and Montalcino: here, the great red wines of the Veneto and Tuscany, including Amarone and Brunello, are produced. The company manages several different brands, including Alexander, Bottega and Cantina dei Poeti.

With the goal of delivering “health, wellbeing and pleasure” through its products distributed in more than 150 countries, Bottega advocates quality (Italian taste and authenticity), design (expression of the excellent aesthetic character of being made in Italy) and social responsibility towards the environment and the community.

For details, see www.bottegaspa.com.

Cutting a dash post-lockdown

MJ Rabbit is intrigued by bespoke tailoring as a way to stand out from the post-lockdown madding crowd.

To find out more, MJ Rabbit hopped over to Kent, Haste & Lachter, tailors by appointment to the ever-elegant Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April aged 99 after seven decades of stoic service to the UK. Their starry clients include Burt Lancaster, Rod Steiger, Tony Curtis, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Lord Mountbatten and Arnaud Bamberger.

Entering their Savile Row workshop, I was greeted with a cheery “One moment, please,” as John Kent (pictured below left) finished a conversation with someone he hadn’t seen for a year. Terry Haste, formerly of Huntsman and boasting Alexander McQueen among his clientele, was busy cutting a lightweight suit for a client in Palm Beach.

Some 2,000 books of precious fabrics lined the walls, like library tomes. A women’s evening jacket with turned-up silk cuffs and lapels hung on a tailor’s dummy. Apparently, this impeccably waisted garment contains two metres of silk. I started dreaming about wearing it.

I loved hearing the talented tailors reminisce discreetly about their many years in the business and purchased an off-the-peg accessory: a white organic cotton (GOTS) handkerchief, similar to the ones Prince Philip sported in his jacket pocket.

Suyamba Kumaresan, the company’s young under-cutter, explained the meticulous workmanship that went into this hand-stitched handkerchief. Pure (cotton) poetry.

For details, see kenthaste.co.uk.

Porsche Design’s eye-catching campaign in Beirut

Porsche Design’s first travel retail promotion fronted by Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey has debuted at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport with Beirut Duty Free.

The stand-alone display (pictured below) showcases Porsche Design’s stylish and elegant sunglasses in an attention-grabbing space. At the forefront of the eye-catching campaign is Dempsey, Porsche Design’s eyewear ambassador, Hollywood actor and motor sports enthusiast. 

The sleek, stylish shelves highlight Porsche Design’s assortment for travelling shoppers and spotlight the P’8928 model, which is an homage to the iconic original P’8478 model, created by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1978.

A social media campaign featuring Dempsey amplifies the German lifestyle brand’s values of perfection and precision. Meanwhile, staff are engaged through a selling incentive which aims to drive interaction with customers.

Rebecca Rauner, Sales Manager, Global Travel Retail at Porsche Design’s licensee Rodenstock, said: “This high-profile activation perfectly highlights why Porsche Design is a leader in stylish and eye-catching eyewear delivered with great precision and high level of innovation. We are delighted to bring the brand to life for shoppers at Beirut Duty Free.

“Along with our eyewear ambassador Patrick Dempsey, we know that a fashionable pair of sunglasses can be the ultimate fashion accessory, and this is why the category will play such a key role in helping the travel retail sector to recover as travellers return.”

To highlight Porsche Design’s plans and innovations, CEO Dr Jan Becker joined Dempsey for a digital press conference to give guests the chance to experience the world of Porsche Design and get in touch directly with the two hosts.

Beirut Duty Free’s promotion began in April and runs for one month.

Korean artist on Media Creates Madness (MCM)

For Spring/Summer 2021, MCM gets graphic, launching a limited-edition collection inspired by graffiti from up-and-coming Korean artist SambyPen, aka Sam Kim.

The collection illustrates MCM’s DNA of mobility and freedom through vibrant, youthful tones and light-hearted motifs with an attitude. The collection celebrates MCM’s core iconography and reimagines its brand codes according to SambyPen’s signature aesthetic.

The MCM logo design references graffiti street art in bold tones, while the remaining insignia nod to the brand’s journey from Berlin to Seoul through three animal characters: Henry the Timid Lion, inspired by the Munich Lion; Kaiser the Blunt Puppy, inspired by Wilhelm II and the symbol of Germany; and Haru the Wicked Rabbit, inspired by the MCM Rabbit and the German Easter Hare. (MJ Rabbit has a new friend, pictured below. Purr!)

Sam Kim explains how he has deconstructed traditional archetypes and reconstructed them into a modern expression: "The theme of MCM x SAMBYPEN is Media Creates Madness, addressing the contemporary society in which we live. We, who grew up in the Analogue Age, now live in a Digital Age, and have become a generation of chaos and adaptation. The media has an unavoidable role in modern society, where massive amounts of information flow through us via the internet and videos. My focus has always been to observe yet subvert this dynamic by employing unabashed and sarcastic designs against traditional iconography."

The MCM x SambyPen collection spans a full women’s, men’s and unisex ready-to-wear range of apparel and accessories, including jewellery.

Cobalt blue sits alongside bright pops of primary colour, while pastel hues and earth tones are paired with brazen graphics, referencing the chaos of creativity and conformity. Unveiling rich new shapes, the assortment introduces cushions, carpets and slippers as well as polo shirts, cargo pants and shorts for indoor lounging and outdoor living.

Each look is a series of contrasts - day to evening, fierce to vulnerable, intimate to bold, and dressed-up to dressed-down. The collection icons are juxtaposed against MCM’s Visetos, symbolising a journey from past to future.

Dirk Schoenberger, Global Creative Officer of MCM, said: "The shared ethos between MCM and SambyPen has resulted in a collaborative project where art, fashion and entertainment blend and the underground converges with luxury."

The collection is the latest in a series of global collaborations in MCM’s Global Creative Platform, and symbolises unbound freedom, community and playfulness as well as eccentricity and spontaneity.

The distinctive design celebrates Berlin street art and the renowned graffiti scene, reinterpreting it through a lens representing Seoul’s irreverent youth and diversity. The collection is available in-store and online from May 1, 2021.

Hollywood star inspires Porsche Design eyewear

Porsche Design Eyewear has tapped motorsport-loving Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey as its brand ambassador since January 2021. 

Dempsey fits the exclusive lifestyle brand perfectly, as demonstrated by his passion for motorsport and his determination to follow his vision, the German firm said. 

The same aspiration is reflected in Porsche Design Eyewear. In 1978, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created the world's first sunglasses with an interchangeable lens mechanism, the P‘8478. Some 43 years later, and with millions of pairs sold, they are still available almost entirely unchanged. 

A fresh take on this classic design is the P’8928, described as a modern, squared aviator style with a distinctive and edgy look. The partnership between the exclusive lifestyle brand and the celebrated Hollywood star is commemorated in a special way with the limited P’8928 P Collector’s Edition (pictured above). The colour combination of the limited edition, dark grey and black, is a tribute to Dempsey’s elegant and puristic style. The colour code is titled “P”, named after Patrick, who said: “The classic design is iconic while evolving with technology. I really love the elegant colour palette of the lenses.” 

Mix and match 

With the new Collector’s Edition, Porsche Design offers the exclusive P‘8928 P together with four additional pairs of coloured interchangeable lenses in a soft traveller box. Thanks to the easy-to-operate interchangeable lens mechanism, the different lenses can be switched out to match different style preferences or adapt to changing lighting conditions. 

The shades are equipped with Porsche Design’s innovative Vision Drive lens technology, which provides reliable scratch protection, making the lenses extremely impact-resistant, and UV400 protection. Whether choosing between polarized lenses with integrated contour and contrast enhancement, or lenses with a fashionable colour gradient, the elements of the Collector’s Edition bridge design and functionality. The 100% titanium frame ensures a lightweight and premium wearing comfort. 

The limited P’8928 P Collector’s Edition is available from May 1, 2021. The sunglasses come in a premium travel box along with four additional interchangeable, coloured lenses, retailing at €695. They are available in exclusive specialist retail stores, Porsche Design Stores, as well as online at www.porsche-design.com.

Black meets gold: 2021 colour of the year

With Porsche Design’s P’8478 model, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created a design icon in 1978, which is recognised around the globe by design lovers. As the world's first sunglasses with interchangeable lens mechanism, Porsche Design seeks to set trends in terms of design and functionality. 

The distinctive look of the spectacles has been reinterpreted in the 2021 colour of the year: a classy gold shade meets deep black contrasts, thus highlighting the classic design of the frame (pictured above). The dark grey lenses in aviator style complete the elegant look.

The 2021 colour of the year is limited to 1,500 copies and has an exclusive box with an additional pair of interchangeable lenses in an olive colour, retailing at €460.

MCM: In the court of the drum king Pauli

DJ and drummer Pauli The PSM staged a magnificent live performance with a special drum kit at MCM’s boutique in London. 

Pauli set out to christen his MCM-branded drum kit - and christen them he did, in hip-hop style (see below). Check out the YouTube trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs8lO_cBbPc. 

The award-winning drummer wowed the socially-distanced crowd. Choreographer and dancer Ramario Chevoy thrilled onlookers, who stopped to watch this magical vision as they walked past the MCM store on Conduit Street, in London’s tony Mayfair district. 

Pauli’s set included his recently written songs We Outside - an ode to the UK’s partial freedom from lockdown - and I Don’t Care. 

Speaking to MJ Rabbit after his dynamic performance, Pauli said he had been inspired to take up drumming thanks to a talented teacher and mesmerising gospel drum beats. 

MJ Rabbit has added Pauli’s performance to her list of three all-time best drumming moments. First, a King Crimson concert with not one but THREE drummers (yes, it was LOUD); second, a powerful performance from Alice Dellal, model/businesswoman, on Nowness; and third, Prince Albert of Monaco, drumming confidently on stage during a Richard Lord concert. (Yes, really. Or was I dreaming?)

Bacardi opens first whisky boutique in China

Bermuda-based spirits group Bacardi Limited is celebrating a significant first in China with the opening of a new luxury seasonal boutique for its whisky portfolio. The boutique is located in the China Duty Free department store at Haitang Bay Mall, Sanya, on the holiday resort island of Hainan. 

Trading for three months until the end of April, the 35sq m boutique (pictured below) presents the award-winning range of Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky, including Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old, which scooped Whisky of the Year in the 2020 International Whisky Competition. The retail experience also showcases the acclaimed single malts portfolio of Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Glen Deveron and Craigellachie.

A key highlight, exclusive to the store, is Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Exceptional Cask, which, with only 594 bottles produced, is a limited time offer appealing to connoisseurs and collectors. The aroma is delicately suffused with cinnamon and allspice, melting to creamy vanilla and frangipane. The whisky (54%abv) retails at $166 for a 70cl bottle. 

To promote the shop opening, Bacardi has activated a digital media campaign, targeting travellers while they are on Hainan island, spotlighting travel retail exclusives Aberfeldy 16yo and 21yo, both finished in Madeira casks. In-store, shoppers can watch the hand-dipping of bottles in gold wax, creating a luxury, celebratory memento of their vacation, and one that brings to life the Aberfeldy brand story of its unique water source – said to contain deposits of alluvial gold. 

Gaurav Joshi, Regional Director Asia Pacific at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “Our premium whisky brands are disrupting the category, and they are growing fast. New whisky appreciators – especially in markets like China – are looking for unconventional brands that offer aged whisky with authentic provenance and craftsmanship. That’s why, for example, Aberfeldy has grown from 20th to ninth largest malt in travel retail in just a few years, and recently Aberfeldy 12yo was voted by Chinese consumers as one of the top five brands in the Globuy Travel Retail Consumer Awards 2020.

"Dewar’s is the fastest-growing whisky in travel retail, up 14% year-on-year, with Dewar’s 12yo and Dewar’s 15yo growing at 23%. The Dewar’s Double Double range is driving one-third of Dewar’s total growth in travel retail [source: IWSR 2019].

“It’s very exciting for us to be operating in a dedicated space for our whisky portfolio in China, and we have worked closely with the China Duty Free Group team to bring this concept to life in a short time. We greatly appreciate the support we have received.”

Provenance and heritage

Ms Zhao Fen, Vice President of China Duty Free Group (CDFG), said: “Bacardi has always been a long-term strategic partner of CDFG. This is a perfect opportunity for our whisky customers, visiting from across China, to explore and discover the provenance and heritage behind Dewar’s, Aberfeldy and the range of single malts. The in-store presentation of the brands is highly engaging, especially with the feature vapour units and the Aberfeldy gold wax-dipping service elevating the shopping experience and engaging shoppers with the stories behind these brands. We look forward to working more closely with Bacardi to drive whisky business.”

In-store tutored tastings are designed to enable shoppers to appreciate the craft of Dewar’s Master Blender Stephanie Macleod in guiding the alchemy of the maturation process in this range of aged whiskies, resulting in smooth, textured, elegant and more flavoursome drinking experiences. Every bottle of whisky in the Bacardi-owned portfolio carries an age statement – a key benchmark of the spirit company’s commitment to ensuring superior quality across its broad range of whiskies.

The wider Bacardi premium portfolio is also available in-store, including Bacardi rum, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini vermouth and Patron tequila.

Self-expression alert: Bella Freud SS21

In a thrilling month that has witnessed the launch of the cutely-packaged new MCM Eau de Parfum, I see Bella Freud expressing what many women are thinking.

Her SS21 collection is called Don't Ever Let Them Silence You and is a tribute to the Riot Girrls.

Pictures below from Bella Freud’s SS21 campaign, shot by Sarah Piantadosi. Stylist extraordinaire, Katy England, you have excelled yourself. Again.

Pictured top: Model Devon Ross in Mythical Bunny Jumper in Grey Marl; pictured above: Model October rocking our world in Star Jacquard St James Jacket, Star Jacquard Chrissie Waistcoat and Star Jacquard Kim Trousers in Ivory

MJ Rabbit is hopping all over the place - just in time for Easter.