MCM refuses to stand still this autumn

Forward Motion is the theme of luxury brand MCM’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection. Inspired by the origins of the German Haus – founded with a focus on travel and mobility – AW22 is driven by the exhilarating culture of motorsports.

This season’s collection plays with construction and deconstruction, reimagining classic motoring styles in a changing world. Energised by youth and motion, AW22 blends inventive tailoring with modern cuts to form strikingly powerful silhouettes.

MCM AW22 campaign

The range includes the Munchen tote canvas bag, which is described as a fresh take on a classic to make travel fun and easy. Other pieces include the legendary Stark backpack in MCMotor Visetos, MCMotor Jacket in Cubic Jacquard and MCMotor Pants in Cubic Jacquard.

The Travia Shoulder Bag comes in quilted leather, while the Dessau drawstring bag is available in Vintage Monogram Jacquard. The Mode Travia Chain Wallet is crafted from Spanish leather.

AW22 sees shades of stark blacks and deep greens merge with soft wool, mohair knits and sleek leather. Colour-blocked boots rally alongside contemporary biker jackets, while biodegradable quilted nylon is combined with the "guilt-free opulence of pink faux fur", according to MCM.

MCM Munchen tote canvas bag

Campaign talent: Ga Young, Sculy and Leon.

Director: Felix Aaron

Director of Photography: Konstantin Mazov

Photographer: Dan Beleiu

Stylist: Raphael Hirsch

Hair: Virginie de Pinto Moreira

Makeup: Vassilis Theotokis

Set Design: Leonardo Papini

Video Production: modest dept

Photo Production: WA GMBH

Dufry takes a refreshing spa break in Australia

Long Haul Spa has launched its award-winning range of skincare and well-being travel kits in Dufry stores at Melbourne and Perth airports in Australia.

Long Haul Spa is a luxury collection of Antipodean skincare in seriously bright colours. Created and formulated by travellers for travellers, each kit contains 15ml bottles of cleansing micellar water, super saturating face mist, serum sorbet, eye balm, lip balm, rejuvenating and protecting facial oil, super-hydrating gel face mask, moisturising crème balm, disinfecting wipes and rehydrating towels.

Dufry's team at Melbourne Airport with a zesty orange Long Haul Spa bag

Dopamine beauty

Crafted from New Zealand-sourced natural botanicals that are vegan and cruelty-free, the ingredients are sustainably and ethically sourced and do not contain parabens. Long Haul Spa's vegan bags are presented in a rainbow of zesty colours in line with 2022’s hottest fashion trend for dopamine dressing, as reported by WGSN, the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster (whose Launch Editor was MJ Rabbit).

Long Haul Spa bags are sourced from Louenhide in Queensland, with bottles from Ant Packaging, the only zero-carbon-footprint plastics company in Australia, in the Byron Bay hinterlands. They are all wrapped in beautiful Aboriginal art sleeves depicting the 7 Sisters Songline created for Long Haul Spa by Barngarla Woman Jonas Dare.

For every bag purchased, Long Haul Spa plants a tree with One Tree Planted.

Christine Keeling, founder of Long Haul Spa, enthused: “When we launched Long Haul Spa in late 2019, the very positive response we had from retailers filled us with confidence that we had hit on something special with our skincare travel kits. Then the pandemic hit and the world stopped travelling, yet we continued to receive significant interest from retailers and to win multiple awards in the travel retail industry. Now, with most markets open and travel accelerating back fast, we are delighted to announce these listings with Dufry in two of Australia’s key gateways.  We are also in discussion with several other locations across the world and expect to announce further listings very soon.”

Long Haul Spa award successes include winning the QDF Factor 2020 with The Moodie Davitt Report and Qatar Duty Free, where the range is in-store at Hamad International Airport, Doha. Other accolades include Best New Beauty Product 2020, DFNI Frontier Asia Pacific Awards; Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body Product 2020, Travel Retail Awards, voted by shoppers; and Best Beauty Product 2020, Frontier Awards.

Long Haul Spa has partnered with Vincent McDermott of TR Partners for account management and business development opportunities.

 Long Haul Spa bag with Aboriginal art sleeve

About Christine Keeling

Canadian-born Christine Keeling began her career as a flight attendant, eventually becoming an international software executive regularly commuting between North America and the Asia Pacific region. Her biggest challenge was spending 24 hours in transit over 11 time zones and expected to rock up to a meeting with her A-game intact. Keeling created her own products to use inflight because she could not find what she needed to combat the impact of long haul travel on her skin. Keeling says even the worst winter at home is more gentle on her skin. She has lived in very humid Brisbane, Australia since 2013.

About Long Haul Group

Long Haul Group creates products designed for long-haul fliers "to help make long flights suck a little less", the company says. Founded in 2018 by former flight attendant and technology refugee Christine Keeling, Long Haul Group's first product is Long Haul Spa. Long Haul Spa products are crafted in New Zealand from locally and internationally sourced botanicals and are vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free. Long Haul Spa offsets "a tiny bit" of its carbon footprint by planting a tree for every kit sold, through One Tree Planted.

About TR Partners

TR Partners is an agency specialising in the development of brands in global travel retail. The company represents clients with retailers in airports, airlines, downtown stores, cruise ships, ferries, border stores and diplomatic channels. Services include business development and negotiation, sales and inventory management, category management, range development, merchandising and training, as well as distribution and logistics management.

A positive butterfly effect

Positive Luxury has announced that German fashion luxury house MCM has earned the Butterly Mark certification.

Achieving Butterfly Mark certification is a key milestone in MCM's vision to become one of the world's leading sustainable fashion companies by 2030.

A delighted Dirk Schönberger, Global Brand Officer at MCM, enthused: "At MCM we truly believe that it is our responsibility to drive sustainability. There is much more work to do, but we’re taking the right steps and are investing in the right initiatives. We believe it is urgent to create change within the fashion industry and want to be a positive example of innovation and progress for all sustainability targets.”

To achieve its sustainability ambitions, the company has formed MCM Vision 2030: setting emissions reduction targets which are grounded in climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Since 2021, MCM has been working closely with Positive Luxury to assess and embed measurable environmental, social and governance practices into its everyday operations.

About Positive Luxury

Positive Luxury began with a chance meeting between Sir David Attenborough and co-founder Diana Verde Nieto, who heard his inspiring story of the Large Blue Butterfly – which died out in the British Isles in 1979 – and the dedication of the scientist who successfully reintroduced it by unravelling the intricate web of interdependencies necessary for its survival.

Identifying the luxury industry as one that could drive enormous positive change, Verde Nieto and serial entrepreneur Karen Hanton founded Positive Luxury and the Butterfly Mark certification in 2011.

MCM channels self-expression through tooth gems

German luxury fashion house MCM has joined forces with London’s premium grillz adornment leaders, MILK & HONEY LONDON, in a specialty collaboration that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship.

The limited-edition capsule collection of tooth gems marks a new product launch for both brands, with an offering that delivers tooth embellishments.

MCM X MILK & HONEY LONDON (Photo: MJ Rabbit)

Using traditional goldsmiths’ methods, constructed from the finest, specialty-sourced 18ct gold, all pieces are co-designed by MCM X MILK & HONEY LONDON and intricately produced by grillz specialists MILK & HONEY LONDON in its studio, based in London’s renowned jewellery district of Hatton Garden.

These distinctive limited editions are available only in the UK and seek to connect with MCM’s 45-year-strong legacy of self-expression, embracing the zeitgeist and progressive luxury. This union sees the continuation of MCM's series of championing and spotlighting exceptional creatives through cross-arts partnerships and special projects.

“These highly coveted, precious tooth gems symbolise a moment of visual communication that heroes the UK’s strength of independent-led artisanal innovation, while inviting all to embrace self-adornment for every tooth type and smile,” the company said.

MCM Global Brand Officer Dirk Schönberger enthused: “This project directly embraces the legacy of London’s perpetually vibrant, creative youth culture that tirelessly continues to drive and elevate stylistic relevance. The partnership has been a collaborative union that delivers an exciting new offering for both brands, that highlights MCM’s tradition of luxury and MILK & HONEY LONDON’s artistry to present a totally unique style statement speaking to the expressive high-style leaders and creatives of the UK and beyond.”

Solange Garcia, MILK & HONEY LONDON’s Co-Founder, Creative Director and Designer, added: “This collaboration with MCM x MILK & HONEY LONDON holds a significant importance in storytelling, the evolution of Black culture through the celebration of the intersection between music, streetwear and high fashion.

“MCM x MILK & HONEY LONDON pays homage to both the past and present, embracing the pioneering style influence of cultural icons, connecting to MCM's long-standing legacy of supporting artists within the music and fashion sectors, allowing for this moment to happen. In this partnership we are exploring and celebrating the importance of true traditional craftsmanship and innovation; values grounded deep in the fabric of both brands. Our aim is to authentically continue to carry the culture forward, whilst redefining contemporary luxury for today’s consumer.”

The limited release was available to purchase on 11 July at MCM’s London flagship store on Conduit Street, with complimentary adhering services by appointment, courtesy of MILK & HONEY LONDON’s technicians. A set of three 18ct gold MCM-branded tooth gems retails at £220.

Co-founded by Garcia, MILK & HONEY LONDON was originally born to serve the female grill collector, in a space typically underrepresented by women. MILK & HONEY LONDON was specifically created to transform the experience of premium grillz and experimental lifestyle accessories. Creativity and storytelling is at the centre of all that the company does, from intricate designs to outlandish couture mouth jewellery.

A|X Armani Exchange pops up in Copenhagen Airport

German operator Gebr Heinemann has opened an A|X Armani Exchange pop-up store at Copenhagen Airport – the Italian brand's first pop-up in travel retail.

The Terminal 3 pop-up will trade until the beginning of January 2023. The 30sq m space carries men's and women's clothing and accessories from the summer collection, including shopping bags, baseball hats, dresses, skirts, jackets, pants and sneakers. An autumn and winter collection will follow.

A/X Armani Exchange at Copenhagen Airport

A|X Armani Exchange specialises in urban apparel for a younger audience than the Armani main line. In 2017, following a reorganisation of the brand portfolio, A|X Armani Exchange became one of the Armani group’s three main brands.

“We are delighted to surprise our passengers with A|X Armani Exchange's first ever pop-up store at an airport,” said Katrin Bamler, Managing Director of Gebr Heinemann Retail Denmark. “Thanks to our close, trusting co-operation with Copenhagen Airport, it is always possible for us to inspire passengers with new offers. This is how we turn their travel time into valuable time – the core of our mission statement vision at Gebr Heinemann."

Jan Richter, Director Purchasing Fashion, Accessories & Watches, Jewellery at Gebr Heinemann, stated: “Our new pop-up store underlines Gebr Heinemann's close strategic partnership with the Armani brand, which continues to generate ideas and impetus for new global concepts. We offer A|X Armani Exchange a prominent space at Copenhagen Airport with high visibility and travellers an exclusive shopping experience. In a relaxed atmosphere, they can try and shop new looks from a trendy, high-end leisure brand that has never been available in a pop-up store in travel retail before."

The shop was designed to be environmentally friendly. All the structures and walls are made of recyclable material. The furniture is modular, so it can be combined in different ways and used again. Low-voltage LEDs ensure energy efficiency in the lighting. The gwps – a lunch box and a water cup – are made of recycled plastic and can be reused multiple times.

Glenfiddich auction raises $180K for Ukraine

Glenfiddich, dubbed the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, has raised £150,000 ($180,000) to help the people of Ukraine after auctioning 460 bottles of its 2022 edition (The Cooper’s Cask) on Whisky Auctioneer.

Proceeds from the auction, which ended on 10 May, went to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (https://www.dec.org.uk/).

Glenfiddich Spirit of Speyside Edition 2022

Glenfiddich’s Malt Master Brian Kinsman created this special Spirit of Speyside Edition 2022 by selecting whisky from three different oak barrels – virgin American oak, ex-bourbon oak and refill American oak. Bottled at cask strength, it has an abv of 60% and each 70cl bottle was hand numbered 1 to 460 and signed by the Malt Master himself. Bottle number one (#1) raised the most, at £5,601 ($6,667).

Glenfiddich has a long history of producing an exclusive bottling to honour the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is one of the world’s largest and most celebrated events of its kind.

Glenfiddich global brand director Claudia Falcone said: “We are so happy that this year’s Spirit of Speyside exclusive bottling has succeeded in raising such a significant sum of money for such an important cause. The Disasters Emergency Committee is doing invaluable work in the region, and we hope that this contribution will assist in providing some relief to the families impacted by the conflict.”

To ensure as much as possible was raised from the auction, Whisky Auctioneer waived its selling fees and donated the 10% buyer’s commission in addition to the hammer price.

Success in sight for Rodenstock in Macau

German eyewear specialist Rodenstock has continued its partnership with China Duty Free Group by unveiling a high-profile activation in the key market of Macau.

The promotion at the Macau Grand Lisboa Palace featured striking visuals across digital and physical installations both inside and outside the hotel, with Rodenstock’s licensed Porsche Design sunglasses brand complementing the luxury setting.

It also marks the continuation of a long-standing collaboration between Rodenstock and China Duty Free Group, which saw the two companies work together throughout the pandemic to provide shopping and engagement opportunities for shoppers across digital channels.

Rodenstock's Porsche Design promotion in Macau

Now, with recovery in sight, Rodenstock has unveiled the latest physical retail collaboration between the two companies.

The Macau Grand Lisboa Place promotion featured a giant digital screen outside the venue which highlighted the campaign and the Porsche Design 50Y collection. Inside, a dedicated, branded space showcased the collection in a striking and premium manner, reflecting the cutting-edge design and materials used to create the models on show. To enhance the offer, the Porsche Design 50Y collection was joined by the Porsche Design Hexagon model.

Lucas Gestin, Director Global Retail & International Key Accounts Eyewear at Rodenstock, said: “It is our great pleasure to continue and enhance our partnership with China Duty Free Group with this exciting summer promotion in Macau. The Porsche Design brand speaks to consumers who enjoy luxury products, crafted from the very best materials, and that is perfect for the Macau Grand Lisboa Palace.

“We have long recognised the importance of Asia Pacific, and China in particular, as a market, and we believe that partnership is the best way to build recovery in this market. This promotion is a great example of putting those two together to create excellence for our industry and our customers.”

The promotions ran until the end of June 2022.

Greubel Forsey times a new launch perfectly

At one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in Singapore, overlooking the city and the sea, Greubel Forsey has launched its newest creation: the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture.

This exclusive timepiece, retailing at $500,000, was revealed to around 30 privileged collectors, who came from all across Southeast Asia to attend the event. (MJ Rabbit could only dream.)

Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture

Antonio Calce, CEO, Executive Board Member and shareholder, said: “Creating an engaging, three-dimensional movement architecture has always been a key element in the Greubel Forsey approach to fine watchmaking. Today, with the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture, we’ve finally created the physical manifestation of that very concept. We are very proud to launch this incredible timepiece in collaboration with our long-standing partner Sincere Watch Limited, who have been allocated the very first piece of the limited edition.“

Ong Ban, CEO of upscale watch-spotting paradise Sincere Watch Limited, added: ”We are cultivating a high level of watchmaking standards here in Singapore. Our clients are very knowledgeable, their tastes are refined and their curiosity is endless. It is an honour for us to accompany our clients towards the pinnacle of fine watchmaking, towards Greubel Forsey."

The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture will be limited to 11 pieces in 2022 and then to 18 pieces per year until 2025.

According to Greubel Forsey, the company’s brand new calibre is unlike any other timepiece ever created. Its case is described as “wholly atypical, its construction purposeful, its components sculptural, their mechanical interplay kinetic and the movement – simply spectacular”.

This new calibre within a new convex conical frustrum case shape represents a complete departure from traditional movement construction and aesthetics and brings an architectural experience to the wrist, it added. The case size is 47.05mm.

Top retailers to attend TFWA World Exhibition

Leading retailers have confirmed their participation in the 2022 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in October, alongside a very high number of exhibitors, which is close to pre-pandemic levels.

Organisations both large and small that have already signed up for the industry’s must-attend event in Cannes include: Dufry from Hong Kong, King Power from Thailand, Kansai Airports from Japan, Shinsegae Duty Free from Korea, Motta International from Panama, Muscat Duty Free from Oman, and a number of Europe-based operators, such as Gebr Heinemann, Lagardère Travel Retail, Istanbul Airport, Inflight Sales Group, Aer Rianta International, MSC Cruises and Fjord Line.

Held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 2 to 6 October 2022, TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will feature a refreshed event programme that includes an additional social element.

This year’s edition will offer plenty of networking opportunities, such as the much-awaited return of the Get Together opening event on Sunday evening, the after-work TFWA Lounge, and a new late-night social concept, hosted on the Carlton Beach.

To attend TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, register at: https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721

MCM parties in Tokyo and LA

MCM has celebrated the grand opening of its Tokyo flagship store MCM HAUS-1 Ginza with special guests including Dao, Reddy, Yayoi Daimon and Noboru Risa, among other luminaries.

And on the same day, June 9, TikTok powerhouse Everett Williams hosted a VIP event at MCM Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles to celebrate the launch of its Tribute to Pride capsule. A percentage of the event’s proceeds went to LA Pride.

A super-busy month for the German luxury brand on different sides of the world.

See the pictures below:

Guests celebrate the opening of MCM HAUS-1 Ginza, Tokyo

TikTok star Everett Williams at the MCM's LA Pride party