Monaco cycling event celebrates the power of sport

The Beking Monaco cycling event returns on 27 November with a group of champions to celebrate sport and solidarity.

Professionals, amateurs, families and today's and tomorrow's champions will be attending Beking Monaco, which aims to celebrate cycling and bring people closer to the bicycle – a symbol of sustainable mobility.

Beking Monaco consists of a day of races and activities for families and friends in the name of sport and solidarity. Among the big names attending the event on the Monaco circuit are Peter Sagan, Primož Roglič – winner of the first edition, held last year – Elia Viviani, Matteo Trentin, Tadej Pogacar, Philippe Gilbert, Luke Rowe, Lizzie Deignan, Elena Cecchini and Urška Žigart.

The programme includes a spectacular criterium on Monaco’s famous Port Hercule, activities for children, and an innovative format: the Pro-Am cycling race.

Speedy the sloth: Beking Monaco's digital mascot

"We are happy to announce the date of the second edition of Beking, an event that sees two companies, CMT and Awe, collaborate for this exciting project," said Matteo Trentin. "With the contribution of the Monaco Cycling Federation, we will welcome families, children, friends and athletes. Our aim is to share our philosophy with everyone, which is cycling and bicycles as a way of life, even in the city. We are expecting many children so that we can give them the opportunity to ride safely."

While the champions challenge each other on an exciting circuit, children and their families have a dedicated space to play and learn about road safety. The event’s digital mascot is a cute sloth called Speedy, who learns to ride a bike safely.

“Beking is above all about solidarity. Indeed, the event's mission is to create opportunities for development through cycling and the values of sport,” said Trentin.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Fight Aids Monaco, an association presided over by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, to support their projects.

Beking is also a milestone for international cycling, since the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI) annual meeting will be held the day after the event, on 28 November, in Monaco.

For details, see the event website at www.bekingevents.com.

MCM trills with Tweety

German luxury brand MCM is celebrating the 80th birthday of cartoon character Tweety in a special collaboration with Looney Tunes, unveiled in November.

The Looney Tunes x MCM collaboration sees Tweety enter the world of fashion.

“Even with 80 years of animated hijinks under his wing, the eternal fledgling remains forever playful,” MCM said. “His endless curiosity leads him to venture into the luxury sphere with MCM — where his uncaged spirit elevates classic silhouettes.”

Tweety stars in the Looney Tunes x MCM collaboration

The world-famous canary flaunts his trademark charm on a range of accessories and hands-free styles including totes, crossbody bags and backpacks. In addition, jacquard mohair sweaters, organic cotton hoodies and T-shirts for both adults and children serve as backdrops for the character’s street-smart personality.

Key items include the Looney Tunes x MCM Stark Backpack in Visetos, retailing at €1,190, and the Looney Tunes x MCM Lanyard Card Case in Visetos (€230).

In addition, Tweety Frankenstein, an original creation drawn up for the 80th birthday of the character, is brought to life on a card case. Crafted from Italian Visetos with a nappa leather trim, this accessory serves as a mobile wallet with outer card slots and a zip compartment for coins, keys, and small essentials. A leather lanyard strap completes the hands-free look.

Bric’s builds a collab with the Andy Warhol Foundation

For the first time at TFWA, Italian bag specialist Bric’s launched a collection in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Andy Warhol x Bric's Limited Edition Collection celebrates Bric's 70th anniversary.

“The Andy Warhol Foundation and Bric’s present the idea of Travel as Art, an expression of the value of rediscovered relationships, transformed into a limited-edition collection of trolleys and duffles to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Bric's,” the Como-based firm said.

The exclusive Bric's Limited Edition Collection features the prints of Andy Warhol (1928-1987), an avid global traveler during his lifetime, and embellished by his signature stamp, seeking to “amplify the emotions related to travel”, Bric’s said.

For the limited edition, Bric's selected two masterpieces, Flowers and Marilyn, to embellish the company’s signature Bellagio and Firenze bag models.

The Bellagio trolley is made of recycled polycarbonate, a lightweight, flexible, ultra-durable material, with four swivel wheels and leather finishes, and is offered in three sizes: cabin, medium and large.

The Firenze bag, available in two sizes, is made in Italy with an expertly crafted leather-effect material. It is water-resistant and incorporates leather details for practicality and high resistance.

Bric's Marilyn bag

To celebrate Bric’s 70-year heritage, the Limited Edition Collection Travel as Art will be made in only 1,952 pieces for the Marilyn model and in 1,952 pieces for the Flowers style, as 1952 was the year the company was founded.

The complete collection is available from November in Bric's stores, in selected international and online stores at www.brics.it and www.bricstore.com.

In related news, Bric's and The Andy Warhol Foundation of New York have signed a multi-year collaboration agreement for the production of a limited-edition collection of luggage and bags that incorporate Andy Warhol's universal masterpieces.

"We are happy and honoured with this partnership with the Warhol Foundation,” said Roberto Briccola, President of Bric's. “Seventy years after the company’s foundation, our father's teaching is always alive in the innovation that guides our work. We have always believed in the universal strength of international art as a positive message in a world that is evolving very quickly. Short or long journeys are experiences that are increasingly enriched with cultural values, and the works of Andy Warhol give new energy to our product that becomes a travel companion, perceived not only as an impulse to escape, but above all as a desire for empathy, for relationship and dialogue with others."

Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing and Sales at The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc, said: “Andy Warhol travelled extensively throughout much of his life and took inspiration from the people, places and art he encountered along the way. This collaboration is not only a fitting tribute to the rewards of travel but also a celebration of Warhol’s continued influence on contemporary culture. We are delighted that proceeds from sales will contribute generously to the Foundation’s endowment from which it distributes grants to support the visual arts.”

Since its founding in 1987, in accordance with Warhol’s will, The Andy Warhol Foundation has established itself among the leading funders of contemporary art in the US. The Foundation has distributed over $250 million in cash grants which support the creation, presentation and documentation of contemporary visual arts, particularly work that is experimental, under-recognised or challenging in nature.

Bric's Porsche Design trolley

Also at the TFWA show in Cannes, Bric’s unveiled its Porsche Design collection of bags, luggage and accessories. The collaboration fuses Porsche Design’s functional design philosophy and engineered mindset with Bric’s fine craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise. Combining the heritage of the two renowned brands, the Porsche Design luggage and leather collection are designed to reflect timeless elegance, innovation and tradition, as well as functionality and high quality.

Additionally, Bric’s showcased the Zero Halliburton aluminium luggage range from an American brand renowned for craftsmanship, ”legendary” protection and celebrated design since 1938.

Last but not least, Bric’s introduced its new Bric’s-branded collections of refined luggage, elegant bags and functional accessories.

Louis XIII Cognac crowns its new Harrods boutique

French luxury Cognac brand Louis XIII has relaunched its European flagship boutique at London department store Harrods.

Harrods is introducing a fresh look for all future global retail experiences offered by the famed Remy Martin Cognac brand Louis XIII, which is owned by French spirits specialist Remy Cointreau Group.

Located on the lower ground floor, award-winning French architecture firm RDAI is the design team behind this high-end boutique concept.

Louis XIII Cognac's Harrods boutique

“Time being the ultimate raw material of Louis XIII, the boutique space represents an evolution of the Century Wheel into the Swirl of Time, an element connecting all future boutiques under this retail design identity,” explained the company. “Tailor-made for Harrods, the space draws inspiration from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau features of the luxury department store, including the iconic listed Rococo ceiling.”

A journey of movement is created through the walls, the ceiling and the furniture which evoke organic and natural shapes, emphasised by the intricate plaster work of French artisans.

“A skilful mix of elegance and noble materials expresses the poetry of Louis XIII and envelops guests in this new retail experience,” it added.

Customers can explore limited-editions and large formats, as well as the full range of accessories and gift collection coffrets. Exclusive crystal engraving services complete the experience.

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Leonardo Ferracina said: ”This boutique is the first European expression of our new global retail design. Modern and sensual, this space creates an environment for clients to enter the Louis XIII universe and discover daring innovations going beyond the product.

“Elements of our patrimony, engaging stories and digital content will bring the vineyards and distilleries of Cognac Grande Champagne to life at Harrods, immersing visitors into the exceptional world of Louis XIII which is shaped by generations of expert craftsmen.”

Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward enthused: “We are delighted to celebrate our long-standing partnership with Louis XIII through the reveal of their new European flagship boutique in Harrods.”

In related news, Louis XIII hosted an immersive pop-up on Harrods’ fifth floor which was available throughout July 2022.

Wu-Tang Clan scores with MCM

Misa Hylton, super-stylist to hip-hop stars and German luxury brand MCM’s long-time global creative partner, has created one-of-a-kind looks for the Wu-Tang Clan – including an eye-catching goalie mask emblazoned with the MCM monogram print.

All the MCM looks honour the American group’s hip-hop legacy as well as their New York State of Mind Tour.

Wu-Tang Clan spotlights MCM

In addition, Misa Hylton has compiled her favourite Wu-Tang Clan tracks for MCM on Spotify, including C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me).

In other exciting MCM news, the company says: “MCM has been at the cultural forefront for almost five decades, and we had to give mention to breakout actress and luxury real-estate mogul Christine Quinn. CQ wore a darkly stunning MCM look for New York Fashion Week – and we certainly admire her taste."