MCM: From Munich to Milan

Milan’s magnificent Palazzo Bovara hosted MCM’s Spring/Summer 24 Press Presentation, where guests departed on a voyage across spaces symbolising the storied past, present and future of the German luxury brand.

MCM SS24 Press Presentation in Milan's Palazzo Bovara

The event, which took place at Milan Fashion Week, invited guests on an immersive journey from past to present, setting the stage for a bold new era.

More than 500 guests, including 110 notable talents, were in attendance to celebrate the next chapter of MCM.

First, they voyaged through The Heritage Room, drenched in the brand’s signature Cognac Visetos print. This grand room catapulted guests throughout the years, commemorating MCM’s storied history from 1976 to the present day. The space displayed suitcases and one-of-a-kind archival pieces, showcasing its roots in travel and intersections with pop culture.

The Heritage Room - MCM

Next, The Red Velvet Hall paid tribute to the iconic collaborations that shaped the MCM legacy in the music, art, and design worlds. Dubbed “a captivating celebration of ingenuity and teamwork”, the legendary collaborations on display, including Puma, Bape and Crocs, transcend genres and categories, nodding to the pioneering spirit of the House.

The Red Velvet Room - MCM

The final Blue Room unveiled the SS24 collection, representing a new chapter and beginning for MCM. The collection highlights design codes that have comprised its renowned visual signature since 1976. Honouring its roots and looking forward to the future, SS24 sees the classic Visetos pattern deconstructed to its iconic Laurel and Diamond motifs, introducing a new logo for the brand.

The Blue Room showcases MCM SS24

Made for movement is the continued focus for SS24, with ready-to-wear centred around comfortable urban sportswear and accessories reimagined for expanded visibility and multi-functionality.

Under MCM Global AG’s President Sabine Brunner, the new global design direction will be helmed by Tina Lutz Morris out of the Milan design studio, while MCM’s creative direction will be led by Katie Chung in Seoul.

Stay tuned for the exciting new chapter ahead with MCM’s SS24 collection.

MCM steps out with vibrant Crocs collaboration

German luxury fashion house MCM has introduced a re-edition of its iconic collaboration with footwear brand Crocs for Spring/Summer 2023.

Reimagining the Classic Clog in two colourways, the collectible new styles kick off the summer season in style.

MCM x Crocs for Spring/Summer 2023

The second drop combines MCM’s heritage in travel, craftsmanship and design with Crocs’ vision for innovation, fun and comfort.

Referencing MCM’s upcoming collection palette featuring brights such as white and lime green as well as earth tones of khaki and black, the limited-edition launch is designed with the signature mini belt bag over both Classic Clog styles.

Inspired by MCM’s archival Belt Bag silhouette, the mini belt bag is crafted in MCM’s black and white Visetos and features a 3-in-1 modular design which is interchangeable by shoe, and can be detached and worn as a fashion accessory.

Precious collectible Jibbitz charms bearing MCM's house codes adorn the front of each shoe, from laurels and Bavarian diamonds to brass plates and MCM lettering. Nodding to Crocs’ design philosophy, each shoe can be customised according to the personalities and lifestyles of their wearer through mixing and matching mini-belt bags as well as Jibbitz charms across each shoe.

The drop is a teaser for the next collaboration later this summer, which is described as “a high fashion piece that will disrupt your summer garderobe”.

The new colours are available from 15 June in MCM stores and on the brand’s website (www.mcmworldwide.com) as well as selected wholesale partners.

Suntory celebrates centenary with Hollywood stars

Japanese whisky maker Suntory has partnered with two Hollywood film icons and introduced new limited-edition whiskies to toast its centennial.

The company has released a Suntory Anniversary Tribute film as imagined by Academy Award-winning director Sofia Coppola and starring actor Keanu Reeves, as well as exclusive 100th anniversary editions of its whiskies. These will be available domestically and in selected travel retail doors.

Twenty years after filming Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola returned to Japan to create the Suntory Anniversary Tribute. The film tells the story of the brand’s heritage and whisky-making legacy over the last century, depicting the meaning of “Suntory Time” through the eyes of its creator. 

The film features actor Keanu Reeves, who previously appeared in a Suntory Reserve ad campaign in 1992. It debuted on 23 May during the Suntory Time 100th Anniversary Global Premiere event in New York City and can be viewed on the House of Suntory website https://house.suntory.com/100-years-anniversary.

Keanu Reeves stars in the Suntory Anniversary Tribute film

"As the pioneer of Japanese whisky, the House of Suntory played a significant role in shaping culture and leading craftsmanship in Japan over the last century,” said Jon Potter, Managing Director of House of Suntory. “To mark this historic milestone, partnering with Sofia and Keanu, who are Suntory whisky fans, makes perfect sense. From our fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo’s striking blends to Sofia and Keanu’s unique cinematic creations, this commemoration has surpassed all expectations to celebrate our iconic Japanese whiskies.”

This summer, Reeves will star in another creative project in partnership with Suntory: a series of documentary shorts titled “The Nature and Spirit of Japan”, directed by Roman Coppola. The series explores Japanese whisky culture inspired by harmony with nature (Wa), elevated by Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri) and enjoyed as an authentic Japanese cultural experience (Omotenashi). The docuseries seeks to educate and entertain, aiming to foster a deeper exploration of Suntory and Japanese culture. 

"I’m honoured to partner with Suntory whisky again 30 years after our Suntory Reserve campaign,” said Reeves. “I’m a huge fan of Suntory whisky, so it’s very special to collaborate in honour of this milestone anniversary. My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a docuseries is a thrill.” 

Travel retail roll-out

In honour of the centennial, the company is releasing several limited-edition whiskies, including Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old will also be released for the centennial. 

These limited editions will be available in selected airport doors from mid-June, supported by a series of immersive pop-up activations and high-profile advertising campaigns. The first hero activation will take place at Singapore Changi T1 departures, from 15 June to 25 July, in partnership with Lotte Duty Free Singapore. This installation will incorporate tastings, interactive digital activities and exclusive anniversary gifts.

The limited-edition anniversary whiskies will also be available at Shanghai Pudong, Dubai, Delhi Indira Gandhi and London Heathrow airports. Activations at these locations will take place from July.

“This centennial is truly a milestone achievement, and we are very much looking forward to collaborating with our travel retail partners to mark this accomplishment,” noted Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez. “Together, we will really bring the celebrations to life through our planned programme of distinctive airport activations, designed to showcase the very special 100th anniversary editions of these exceptional Japanese whiskies and the art of Japanese whisky.”

The centennial of the House of Suntory began with the establishment of its Yamazaki Distillery in 1923 — the first malt whisky distillery in Japan. The founder Shinjiro Torii began with a dream to “create an original Japanese whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftsmanship”, which his grandson Shingo Torii continues today. The House of Suntory is known for its spirits Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao, as well as Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.

To mark the anniversary, the House of Suntory is investing ¥10 billion ($77 million) to enhance its Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries which are closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen this fall.

MCM fetes the fusion of art and fashion in Venice

German luxury brand MCM has announced its sponsorship of the Korean Pavilion at the 18th Architecture Venice Biennale 2023.

The exhibition, titled "2086: Together How?" and curated by Jung So-ik and Park Kyong, explores the theme of living together in 2086 amid the environmental crisis.

The Korean Pavilion at the 18th Architecture Venice Biennale

In line with MCM's heritage rooted in art and creativity, the partnership holds special significance.

“MCM has long celebrated the connection between fashion and art, recognising the power of artistic expression to transcend boundaries and inspire innovation. By supporting the Korean Pavilion, MCM reaffirms its commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and pushing the boundaries of creative exploration,” the company said.

The Korean Pavilion exhibition showcases case study-oriented projects and interactive games, envisioning future ecosystems and reflecting on humanity's relationship with architecture and cities. The exhibition runs from 20 May to 26 November 2023 at II Padiglione Coreano, Giardini della Biennale in Venice.

MCM President Sabine Brunner said: “MCM is proud to be supporting the Korean Pavilion's exploration of the challenges everyone faces today. By fostering critical thinking and engagement, MCM believes in creating a more sustainable future."

MCM takes its monogram to the max

German luxury fashion house MCM is all set for take-off with its new Maxi Monogram collection for Autumn/Winter 2023.

Designed with a maximalist take on the brand codes, the collection introduces an oversized monogram through the diamond, laurel and MCM lettering, highlighting the iconic elements which have comprised its signature design since 1976.

MCM Maxi Monogram collection 

The campaign nods to MCM’s heritage in travel, “paying a conceptual tribute to movement by reimagining the digital, imaginary and physical destinations we traverse into a modern expression”.

“From the natural to the virtual and worlds in-between, the campaign illustrates MCM’s DNA of freedom of movement and freedom of expression through dynamic, playful imagery where journeys and destinations converge,” the company said.

Transit-inspired backdrops contrast warm earth tones against cool cerulean hues, depicting moments of mobility which are described as modern, playful and nostalgic. Shot between wide-angle and fisheye lenses, the visuals introduce an interplay of scale, depth and perspective, conceptualising the collection’s oversized aesthetic.

The dynamism of the imagery and movement of the models was inspired by the capsule's multifunctional, versatile and multi-occasion designs, through sets that alternate between indoor and outdoor.

The striking capsule introduces key silhouettes ranging from the Munich Tote to the Weekender, Belt and Boston Bag, as well as new shapes such as the contemporary and playful top handle Nylon bag. The range is complemented by hands-free options, such as backpacks, as well as smaller accessories.

The campaign and collection aim to embody the spirit of movement through an ageless, seasonless and transformative approach to design.

The collection is available from 1 June in stores and online worldwide.