Furry friends inspire new MCM fragrances

MCM has introduced the MCM Fragrance Collection – a whimsical array of scents inspired by the iconic animal characters of the Munich brand.

The new collection, manufactured in Italy by Inter Parfums, “delivers a unique olfactory experience, capturing the essence of you through the guise of your favourite furry companions”, the company said.

MCM Fragrance Collection - Jolly Rabbit 100ml Eau de Parfum

The fragrances were created to embody the Maverick mindset, with each scent tailored for distinct attitudes, such as bravery, boldness, mischievousness and joyfulness.

The olfactory experiences comprise the woody florals of Mighty Bear, the citrus scents of Jolly Rabbit, the bergamot notes of Charming Pup and the spicy nuttiness of the Darling Doxie dog character.

The fragrances ($150 for 100ml Eau de Parfum) come in logo-engraved glass bottles, with the corresponding ornamental figure on top.

In separate news, MCM has created a digital store in the Caliverse, a community-driven metaverse platform.

MCM Virtual Haus in the Caliverse

Unveiled at the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas, the MCM Virtual Haus immersive space lets you create and customise your own avatar, style yourself with signature MCM pieces, and get online MCM purchases delivered straight to your door.

The Caliverse is a next-generation metaverse platform based in Seoul, South Korea, combining gaming, social and shopping elements with high-quality hyper-real graphics.

Suntory to sponsor APTRA India conference

Suntory has announced its commitment as a Gold Partner sponsor for the 2025 APTRA India Conference, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 7 to 9 April, following its sponsorship of the inaugural event, held in Delhi last March.

Suntory’s renewed sponsorship underscores the strategic importance of the Asia Pacific region, the Indian traveller, and this market’s potential for growth.

Liquor is a dominant category in this region, and is poised to maintain its robust growth trajectory. Thanks to its highly sought-after spirits portfolio, Suntory Global Spirits is strategically positioned to leverage these emerging opportunities.

Within the Indian travel retail channel, the spirits category is mainly characterised by Scotch whiskies, a sector where Suntory benefits from multiple renowned brands that resonate with Indian consumers. Additionally, the rapidly rising demand for Japanese whisky presents a significant opportunity for Suntory’s premium Japanese offerings, including Toki, which has been a key growth driver in 2024.

Investing in the market

“We are delighted to once again sponsor APTRA’s India Conference,” said Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham. “India represents a pivotal opportunity for our travel retail business, and we are investing in the market to accelerate growth and build on the solid foundations we have already established.

“Through strategic partnerships with our customers and a focus on immersive branding touchpoints at airports, Suntory aims to deliver premium products and experiences tailored to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. The increasing sophistication of travelling shoppers, coupled with the ongoing expansion of the premium spirits category, positions India as a key market for our long-term growth."

MCM makes a bold statement in Macau

MCM has expanded its retail footprint in Greater China with a new flagship store in Macau. The boutique is located at the prestigious Galaxy Macau mall in Cotai and showcases the German fashion brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 Under the Sea collection.

The grand opening event was attended by Thai actor Pond Naravit and other fashion personalities.

Pond Naravit at the new MCM store in Macau

Commenting on the evening, Pond Naravit said: “I’m grateful to have been part of the opening of MCM flagship store in Macau. An incredible night celebrating bold creativity and iconic design in a city full of energy. It was an honour to experience this moment with MCM and be part of the Maverick journey.”

MCM is currently distributed in 584 stores in 43 countries.

Rémy Cointreau’s Westland whiskey sets sail

Rémy Cointreau has introduced its Westland American Single Malt Whiskey to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, in partnership with operator Avolta.

As the home of Westland Distillery, the Seattle opening marks a milestone for Westland in the travel retail channel, and highlights both Rémy Cointreau’s ambitions for the brand in the region.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey

Westland’s award-winning whiskies are distilled in Seattle’s SoDo neighbourhood, where visitors to the distillery can enjoy tastings and tours. As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery welcomes the official recognition – announced last year – of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey, and establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey made its global travel retail debut last year with International Shoppes at New York JFK Terminal 1 and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Terminal D, followed by openings at JFK T4 and San Francisco and Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal, in partnership with DFS Group.

A new partnership with Holland America

In an exciting new development, Westland has partnered with Holland America Line to secure its debut cruise listing, starting with the company’s Alaskan itinerary. In 2024, Westland Distillery was proud to obtain B Corp Certification, which demands adhering to the highest levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency and accounting.

The brand’s sustainable practices were a key factor in its selection by Holland America, which also strives to offer passengers high-quality, locally produced spirits.

A unique Westland Single Cask bottling will be available to purchase on the cruise company’s Alaskan routes, alongside Westland Flagship. A second, exclusive single cask whiskey will be available on all of Holland America’s Caribbean ships. Furthermore, to celebrate this new partnership, renowned bartender Sam Ross – inventor of the famous Penicillin cocktail – has updated his signature whisky sour recipe to include Westland whiskey. The PNW Penicillin will be available for passengers onboard.

Elsewhere in US travel retail, the product focus centres on Westland Flagship, a DFS-exclusive Single Cask and Colere 4, in line with the brand’s vision to delight travellers as they explore new possibilities within the malt whiskey category.

Westland Distillery Managing Director Jason Moore said: “Westland is thrilled to launch its American Single Malt in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and onboard Holland America, allowing more people globally to savour the iconic whiskey. We are excited to embark on this journey of delivering exceptional spirits to more discerning customers worldwide, setting a new standard for the duty-free shopping experience.”

MCM lands in Riyadh at prestigious Solitaire Mall

MCM has expanded its presence in the Middle East with the grand opening of its new flagship store at the upscale Solitaire Mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Al Moallim United.

Located in one of the city's most prestigious shopping destinations, the space embodies MCM’s signature fusion of heritage, innovation and luxury.

MCM's new store in Solitaire Mall, Riyadh

Inspired by the mall’s geode-like architecture, the 152sq m boutique is a harmonious blend of sleek minimalism and warm earthy tones, reflecting both MCM’s German craftsmanship and the vibrant cultural energy of Saudi Arabia.

Designed to elevate the shopping experience, every element – textures, materials and ambience – immerses visitors in the fashion brand’s bold aesthetic.

This milestone also marks MCM’s growing presence in the region with the launch of a dedicated local e-commerce platform, ensuring a seamless shopping experience both in-store and online, the company said.

The store’s grand opening was hosted by Iraqi entrepreneur and MCM Maverick Noor Stars, who has just been named Arab Woman of the Year 2025.

Halewood boosts promotions for its craft spirits

British distiller Halewood Artisanal Spirits is bringing its brands Whitley Neill Gin and Dead Man’s Fingers Rum to UK airports with a series of engaging activations.

From April, travellers will be treated to gin and rum experiences in locations across the UK and Europe, as part of its partnerships with major retailers Avolta, Lagardère, Gebr Heinemann and Aer Rianta International (ARI).

They will be able to sample innovative new offerings from the two brands, including Japanese Yuzu & White Strawberry Gin, the Distiller’s Cut London Dry Gin and Dead Man’s Fingers White Rum. In addition, travellers can enjoy best-sellers including Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, along with Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum, Mango and Cherry plus various flavoured Tequila Cream Liqueurs. 

Whitley Neill Japanese Yuzu & White Strawberry Gin

Activations run from April throughout the summer at UK airports including pop-up campaigns featuring digital pillars/screens, tasting bars and merchandising units at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and London Stansted airports; and events at Stansted, Newcastle and Manchester. Activities are also planned with P&O Ferries.

In addition, Halewood will be running shared brand activations throughout the year with Gebr Heinemann to bring exciting gin and rum experiences via tasting bars, impulse podiums and digital screens to international airports across Europe, including Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Billund, Denmark.

The company also has a dynamic collaboration with ARI in Cyprus which will see activations at the busy airports of Larnaca and Paphos for Whitley Neill and Dead Man’s Fingers through the key trading months of June, July and August.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits Global Travel Retail Director Eamon Prunty said: "Our activations provide the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our latest innovations and best-sellers in an exciting and interactive way. As always, our main ambition is to get liquid on lips through tastings, supported by bold impactful displays that reflect the colours of the various brand flavours. We want to connect with consumers in a fun and engaging way whilst being informative too, and our new Lift & Learn digital experience allows consumers to explore the various flavours in a dynamic and engaging environment.”

Prunty continued: “We know that to succeed in travel retail demands campaigns that travellers cannot fail to engage with. Fun, eye-catching and impactful pop-ups, merchandising units and digital screens are the first step in engaging with travellers; encouraging them to taste and explore the various flavours is the second vital stage in sales conversion. We’re delighted to again be working with specialist retail agency Kounter this year to bring this ambition to life.”

MCM thinks pink in Thailand

MCM celebrated the season of love with its Soft Pink Pop-Up Store in Bangkok, showcasing its signature pink Visetos Monogram leather goods.

MCM Maverick Yoghurt Nattasha

The launch, at the stylish Bangkok shopping mall ICONSIAM, introduced the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, brought to life by MCM Mavericks, including Mew Suppasit, Tul Pakorn, Yoghurt Nattasha and Becky Rebecca.

The pop-up – a first in Thailand for the German brand – remained open at the Thara Hall event space in ICONSIAM until 28 February.

Whyte & Mackay to sponsor APTRA conference in India

Whyte & Mackay is to sponsor the 2025 APTRA India Conference, set to take place in Mumbai on 7-9 April, which will bring together stakeholders in the travel retail industry to explore the potential of the Indian market.

As a Gold Sponsor, Whyte & Mackay is committed to progressing the conversation around the Indian modern luxury consumer.

Whyte & Mackay's portfolio includes The Dalmore Scotch whisky

Whyte & Mackay Regional Director Global Travel Retail Clarisse Daniels will once again take to the conference stage to share her insights. Last year at the inaugural event, Daniels participated in an insightful panel discussion that highlighted Indian consumers’ taste for single malt – and the significant growth potential in travel retail for both this demographic and this category. This year Daniels will address the luxury experience expectations of Indian modern luxury consumers, in order to drive footfall and conversion.

“I am excited to be partnering with APTRA once again, and look forward to engaging with industry partners to share our insights, learnings and ideas on how we can drive headline growth together in the region,” said Daniels. “Whyte & Mackay continues to experience significant and category-leading growth in the Middle East and India, which is underpinned by Indian consumers seeking high-quality and great-tasting single malts.”

She added: “However, we know that what brought us this far won’t take us to the next level. We are therefore continuing to invest in understanding the consumer journey, building shopper and category insights, and obtaining real clarity about how best to optimise them. We recognise that our best route to growth is to grow the whole category, and we want to share our thoughts on the high value spirit opportunity – and the consumers and shoppers it serves.”

Whyte & Mackay’s brand portfolio includes award-winning brands such as The Dalmore, the fastest-growing luxury malt brand (according to IWSR 2019-2023 sales by volume), Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.

Daniels concluded: “Last year’s inaugural APTRA India Conference was a true eye-opener, revealing the immense potential for growth this region holds. The intimate setting allowed for meaningful discussions with customers and suppliers. I look forward to strengthening those connections as we work together to seize the great opportunities ahead of us all."

MCM celebrates Ramadan with capsule collection

MCM has partnered with influencer, podcaster, vlogger and tastemaker Noor Stars for a Ramadan collection of apparel and accessories designed to respect the traditions of the Muslim holiday.

The modest Ramadan look has an MCM edge and includes a flowing black silk robe with Laurel logo embroidery and crystal embellishments, along with matching wide-leg pants.

MCM x Noor Stars Ramadan Collection

The accessories offer features a black silk satin nylon crossbody bag with embossed Laurel logo motif, diamond hardware handle and chain strap, and calf suede ballerina shoes with gradation-patterned crystal embellishments.

Noor Stars is pictured here carrying the German brand's new X-Large Aren Shopper in nappa leather, a natural leather shopper bag featuring an abstract fishnet cut-out design with Visetos monogram printed leather trim and removable pouch.

Speaking about co-creating MCM's Ramadan Collection, Noor Stars enthused: “I’m incredibly excited to headline as the new MCM Maverick for their Ramadan collection. Co-creating these pieces has been nothing short of a dream – every detail reflects my love for bold elegance. Whether you’re dressing up for the holiday season or embracing everyday chic, this collection is designed to make you feel powerfully radiant.”

Frankfurt Airport welcomes Suntory shop-in-shop

Suntory Global Spirits has opened a new shop-in-shop showcasing its premium Japanese spirits at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1’s B-West store.

The liquor group’s first House of Suntory shop-in-shop in Europe is operated by Frankfurt Airport Retail, a joint venture between Fraport Group and Gebr Heinemann. The store reopened last year as a World of Fine Taste experience.

To celebrate the opening, on 30 and 31 January, specialist brand ambassadors were on hand to help travellers discover The House of Suntory portfolio through tastings, and learn more about Suntory’s whisky heritage.

Suntory's shop-in-shop at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Gebr Heinemann Head of Buying Spirits Manuel Schilling, Frankfurt Airport Managing Director Gordana Schiel and Suntory Global Spirits General Manager Global Travel Retail Gareth Jones.

The boutique incorporates The House of Suntory’s signature merchandising design features, inspired by harmony with Japanese nature and elevated by Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri).

Lightboxes and a screen displaying eye-catching images of Japan’s beautiful landscape illustrate Suntory’s harmonious balance with Japanese nature and traditions.

The space features Suntory’s luxury Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. Highlights include rare exclusives such as Hibiki 40 Year Old – a blend of Japanese whiskies from Suntory’s globally acclaimed distilleries Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita – each matured for over 40 years. Only 400 bottles of the ultra-luxury Hibiki 40 Year Old have been released globally.

The offer will include other sought-after releases such as the travel retail exclusive Kogei Collection, and the limited-edition Tsukuriwake Series. Premium offerings from the brand’s Toki and Chita whiskies are spotlighted through a Japanese garden-themed merchandising pillar, alongside other Japanese spirit categories, notably Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.

“The opening of this new shop-in-shop is a testament to our strong collaboration and long-term partnership with Gebr Heinemann,” noted Gareth Jones, General Manager Global Travel Retail Suntory Global Spirits. “The space has been curated for Frankfurt Airport and offers travellers a unique sense of luxury, storytelling and Japanese culture.”

“Step into our newly opened shop-in-shop boutique and embark on a journey of inspiration,” commented Gebr Heinemann Head of Buying Spirits Manuel Schilling. “Our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits brings [travellers] an unparalleled experience that combines luxury with the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.”

“We are excited to delight our customers with the unique combination of various flavours and aromas from the House of Suntory,” added Frankfurt Airport Director Gordana Shiel. “With authentic Japanese spirits, we bring a piece of Japanese nature into the bustling environment of the airport, inviting our customers to immerse themselves, indulge their senses, and take their taste buds on a special journey.”

An MCM bag with a big heart

MCM has launched the Cognac Visetos Heart Bag, a one-of-a-kind upcycled Valentine’s Day bag.

Hand-painted hearts spell out the classic MCM letters atop the German brand’s signature Visetos monogram.

MCM Cognac Visetos Heart Bag 

This upcycled crescent hobo has 24ct gold-plated metal hardware and is accompanied by a detachable, adjustable leather strap and chain handle, resulting in two ways to carry.

A matching chain wallet is also available.

Louis XIII Cognac drinks to the holiday season

To celebrate the holiday season in Asia, Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac has unveiled new limited-edition coffrets, along with travel retail activations.

The high-end spirits brand has introduced the Lunar New Year Edition in selected key airport locations. The limited-edition coffret features an exclusive design by renowned artist Liu Lihong.

Louis XIII Lunar New Year Edition 2025

Louis XIII has collaborated with the Palace Museum Cultural Innovation Institute since 2021 to customise traditional Chinese papercut designs for the brand’s Lunar New Year editions. The art of papercutting dates back thousands of years and is often used to depict beauty and express good wishes.

For the Year of the Snake, a snake and winter jasmine motif has been created using the traditional Chinese stamping technique, to evoke good fortune, health and prosperity.

Throughout January and February, the Louis XIII Lunar New Year Edition is being showcased through high profile activations at DFS Macau, the Shoppes at Four Seasons and at Singapore Changi Terminal 3 Departures.

As part of the holiday celebration, on 16 January, Louis XIII Cognac introduced the Hong Kong Limited-Edition Decanter, exclusively at the Hong Kong Duty Free Store at the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Link station, in partnership with travel retailer Avolta. Designed to pay tribute to the city’s Victoria Harbour, the personalised decanter features a red-sail junk boat design, brought to life through gold leaf etchings applied by skilled artisans.

Only limited quantities have been released. The launch was supported by live artist demonstrations at the station’s departures store in January.

Paying homage to Hong Kong

The launch of this special edition follows the November 2024 introduction of the Louis XIII Hong Kong Edition Victoria Harbour Coffret. Created exclusively for Hong Kong International Airport in partnership with China Duty Free Group, the collectible limited-edition presentation was designed to capture the city’s landmark Victoria Harbour and skyline, using gold leaf etchings delicately hand-applied by artisans.

Only 33 Victoria Harbour Edition coffrets were released. The launch was supported by activations in Hong Kong International Airport, featuring in-store displays and live artist demonstrations of the coffret’s gold leaf etching process.

This location-specific strategy will be enhanced and extended to other key travel retail locations. To further demonstrate its commitment to delivering elevated shopping experiences for travellers, in November 2024 Louis XIII opened a new private room in Tokyo Narita Airport T1, in partnership with operator FaSoLa.

"I am delighted to collaborate with some of our key travel retail partners to offer these crafted Limited Editions to our valued customers during the auspicious Lunar New Year period,” said Fida Bou Chabke, Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail’s CEO.

“Travel retail offers us a unique opportunity to connect with our clients, and offer them unique elevated live experiences and services. We have created an exciting pipeline of innovation, underpinned by sought-after limited editions and exclusive services to embody the ultimate luxury, heritage and craftsmanship of Louis XIII.”

MCM walks on the wild side for Lunar New Year

German luxury brand MCM has unveiled bags and accessories made from a new snake-print fabric to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

MCM Year of the Snake collection

Available in Old Gold and Blush Pink colourways, the realistic snake-print fabric has a natural-looking lustre and is sustainably crafted in Italy.

MCM Year of the Snake T-shirts

In addition, a Year of the Snake monogram printed leather patch appears on a clothing collection made from soft Japanese bouclé, including a cropped hoodie in pink, a bouclé zip hoodie in oatmeal and a pair of bouclé T-shirts, available in both pink and oatmeal colours.

Women in Travel Retail+ unveils 2025 charity

Women in Travel Retail+, the forum for women in the travel retail industry, has announced that its elected charity for 2025 is Toutes a l école, nominated by Priscilla Haibe de Walque.

Toutes a l école is a charity committed to providing a high standard of education to 1,700 underprivileged girls in Cambodia so that they can become free, educated women and play a useful role in their country. In Cambodia, scarred by the Khmer Rouge genocide, poverty dominates the rice fields and girls are often the first to be deprived of an education, instead toiling in the fields.

Toutes a l'ecole educates 1,700 underprivileged girls in Cambodia

During 2025, WiTR+ aims to raise €15,000 to renovate the dormitories of the 400 post-baccalaureate girls, to provide them with a healthy living space and good conditions to support their studies. With a 100% pass rate, many have gone on to pursue studies in medicine, engineering, law, agronomy and more.

The dormitories are essential as some live far away and cannot afford accommodation in Phnom Penh. They are currently damp and covered in mould. Funds raised will cover the cost of replastering, the application of anti-fungal paint and the installation of dehumidifiers in all the rooms.

Priscilla Haibe de Walque said: “I am so proud and thrilled that WiTR+ has voted for Toutes a l école. I had the opportunity to visit the school in Phnom Penh several years ago, and was incredibly moved by the impact it has on these children’s lives. Inspired by this, I have been sponsoring a young girl through the association for the past five years, and it has been a rewarding experience to see how this support has made a difference. I truly believe in the mission of Toutes a l école and the vital work they are doing.”

“Clean rooms to sleep and study are something that we take for granted. I am absolutely delighted that WiTR+ is going to make such a fundamental difference to this cohort of girls, and to future students,” said WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho. “Let’s all work together to make sure we hit the target and enable this transformation."

For details on the charity, visit www.toutes-a-l-ecole.org/fr/

Penfolds toasts 180 years of Champagne in Hainan

Australian winemaker Penfolds has brought its celebrated Champagne series to North Asia travel retail with an engaging pop-up at CNSC Duty Free Shopping Mall in the city of Sanya, located on Hainan Island, China.

As a highlight of Savouring Sanya 2024 Wine and Spirits Week, the activation invites visitors to explore “Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens” – a celebration of Penfolds’ 180-year tradition of winemaking excellence, reimagined through its innovative Champagne collection.

"Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens" at CNSC Duty free Shopping Mall in Hainan

Open from 6 December 2024, the pop-up was inaugurated by Penfolds Brand Ambassador Wang Yang at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an exclusive VIP yacht tasting and luxury dinner.

Located in the heart of the mall, the pop-up offers a vibrant and immersive environment for visitors. A tasting space introduces shoppers to Penfolds’ latest release, while portfolio displays showcase the breadth of Penfolds Champagne offerings and educate visitors on the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Surrounding digital screens amplify the storytelling, drawing visitors into Penfolds’ fusion of Australian innovation and French winemaking traditions.

At the centre of the activation is Penfolds non-vintage Champagne Cuvée Brut, crafted in collaboration with Champagne Thiénot. Made under the guidance of Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, this blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay delivers vibrant citrus notes, botanical aromas and subtle hints of raspberry, nougat and sherbet, embodying Penfolds' house style.

This marks the fifth release in Penfolds' partnership with Champagne Thiénot, following earlier launches of single-vineyard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Non-Vintage Rosé Champagne.

Michael Jackson, Global Director - Global Travel at Penfolds, said: “For 180 years, Penfolds has been synonymous with innovation and excellence, and our Champagne is a testament to that legacy. France, where Max Schubert’s vision for Grange began, continues to inspire us as we explore new frontiers in winemaking.

“Bringing this milestone to Hainan is both a celebration of our heritage and a step forward in redefining luxury wine experiences in global travel. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners at China Tourism Group and the Hainan Tourism Bureau.”

Lin Mingkuan, Executive Deputy General Manager at China National Service Corporation (CNSC), added: “Champagne Through a Penfolds Lens adds a fresh dimension to our Savouring Sanya 2024 Wine and Spirits Week celebrations. Penfolds’ blend of classic and modern winemaking offers travellers an exceptional experience that combines tasting, interaction and cultural exchange. The new Champagne collection showcases Penfolds' craftsmanship while introducing a fresh and innovative perspective on the Champagne region. As one of the most important travel retail operating entities in Hainan, we are proud to host this milestone activation and look forward to Penfolds’ continued success in the region.”

MCM dives into its latest drop

MCM has introduced its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Under The Sea, diving straight into the depths with styles inspired by the beauty of the marine world.

MCM Spring/Summer 25 Ella Boston Bag in Cubic Coral Visetos

The collection explores the colours and energy of the underwater world in timeless silhouettes, new materials and fresh shapes featuring classic patterns and new graphic prints.

From canvas weekenders and leather bags to cotton T-shirts for a relaxed summer look, the oceanic inspiration shines through in the ocean blues of the Night Diving print and the vibrant palm tree Beach Club motif, as well as the playful sea creature charms.

MCM Spring/Summer 25 Stark Backpack in Cubic Coral Visetos

Leather accessories are available in soft colours, while new leather belts and sneakers come in the German brand’s signature Lauretos and Visetos prints.

“The collection’s innovative, lightweight ready-to-wear is designed to be worn year-round, helping to reduce unnecessary consumption and promote sustainable shopping choices – and making it perfect for travelling as a Maverick digital nomad,” said MCM.

Bowmore celebrates first travel retail boutique

Suntory has opened the first boutique for its single malt whisky brand Bowmore in the travel retail channel, in partnership with global operator Avolta.

The 100sq m space is located in the main T5 Departures area at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. The pop-up will be present until the end of January 2025.

The boutique showcases the new, exclusive Bowmore Appellations Collection, which made its European travel retail debut in October at Heathrow Airport, in partnership with Avolta. These four whiskies mark an innovative collaboration with some of the world’s finest wine-producing regions. From the vineyards and wineries of Burgundy and Bordeaux to the exclusive port houses of the Douro Valley, these single malts combine influences from Bowmore’s Islay home with the charm of renowned European terroirs.

Bowmore's first travel retail store at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5

The retail space also spotlights a selection of rare, vintage and limited-edition expressions. They include Bowmore 30 Year Old, Bowmore Timeless 33 Year Old, Bowmore Vaults 1971, and the Bowmore Frank Quitely 23 Year Old, 24 Year Old and 34 Year Old.

The boutique design reflects the new Bowmore visual world, incorporating the fluidity and dominant use of the colour black showcased on the new whisky packaging. Key features include distinctive transparent panel detailing and oak textured merchandising units.

A selection of interactive elements allow travellers to connect with the Bowmore brand on a deeper level. Visitors are invited to taste the new Bowmore Appellations 14 Year Old and 16 Year Old whiskies. They can also learn about and sample Bowmore's permanent collection, and explore the rare and vintage expressions.

“The opening of our first-ever Bowmore boutique in global travel retail, at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, marks another significant milestone for the brand, as we strive to captivate the travelling consumer by offering multi-dimensional and immersive experiences to stimulate the senses,” noted Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail, Ashish Gandham. “It also underscores our commitment to travel retail, which remains a key brand-building channel for our portfolio.

“This new retail concept has been created to offer travel retail shoppers a deeper, richer experience, and aligns with our vision of positioning Bowmore as the world's most desirable single malt whisky. We are thrilled to partner with Avolta to open this landmark boutique, and further elevate our global travel retail offering through innovative and experiential best-in-class brand building.”

David de Miguel, Global Head of Liquor at Avolta, commented: “We are constantly seeking new and exclusive products to offer to our customers, whilst making the retail experience as immersive and engaging as possible. We are delighted to have been able to work in close partnership with the team at Bowmore, to help launch this first Bowmore boutique in travel retail. The multi-sensory experience it delivers, alongside the exceptional range of whiskies, will definitely delight and surprise travellers.”

Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, noted: “We’re thrilled to welcome the first-ever Bowmore boutique to Terminal 5, offering our passengers a unique and immersive experience from one of the world’s leading whisky brands. Heathrow has recently been voted the Best Airport for Shopping, and this Trinity partnership between Heathrow, Avolta and Suntory Global Spirits highlights Heathrow’s commitment to providing exciting travel retail experiences that engage and inspire our global travellers."