Ferrero unveils hazelnut-shaped airport experience

Ferrero has launched its first global digital communications campaign at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, bringing its Quality at Heart commitment to life through an innovative installation to showcase Ferrero's values, heritage and responsible sourcing.

From 23 September to 20 October, travellers at Nice Airport are invited to explore an eye-catching hazelnut-shaped installation that guides them through the lifecycle of Ferrero’s ingredients, featured in best-selling products such as Ferrero Rocher. It traces the journey of the hazelnut, from the fields where it is cultivated to the final product enjoyed worldwide.

Ferrero's hazelnut-shaped Quality at Heart installation

Passengers could also walk through an immersive sustainability-themed digital tunnel inside the airport, alongside a network of 73 screens, ensuring strong brand visibility during their journeys.

The campaign was spotlighted at the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, where Ferrero unveiled upcoming novelties from its powerful brand portfolio, while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.

Ferrero has renewed its Hazelnut Charter which promotes regenerative farming practices, fair working conditions and full supply chain transparency.

Today, more than 90% of hazelnuts are traceable back to individual farms, and more than 21,000 farmers have been trained in sustainable cultivation.

Exclusive Tic Tac TWO campaign

In other news, Ferrero Travel Market has partnered with Avolta and Ticketmaster to create a high-impact promotional campaign to support the global roll-out of Tic Tac TWO – the brand’s first sugar-free offering in the travel retail channel.

Following its debut at the 2024 TFWA World Exhibition, Tic Tac TWO has rapidly gained traction among a new generation of travellers, attracted by its sugar-free positioning and distinctive double-layered flavour experience.

Travel retail exclusive: Ferrero's Tic Tac TWO campaign

The Tic Tac TWO initiative is exclusive to travel retail and offers shoppers the opportunity to win a Ticketmaster voucher worth up to €300. 

The Ticketmaster partnership pays homage to Tic Tac’s long-standing association with music and festival culture, engaging younger consumers through fun, socially shared experiences.

The promotion runs from mid-September through October at high-footfall airport locations in Barcelona, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca – all selected to engage the brand’s key Gen Z and millennial target demographics.

The Tic Tac TWO x Ticketmaster competition is open to all travellers who are members of the Club Avolta loyalty programme. Shoppers who purchase two Tic Tac TWO products are entered into a draw to win a €300 Ticketmaster voucher. Each location has been allocated 10 winning vouchers.

To amplify visibility and encourage participation, the promotion is being supported by a branded newsletter and Club Avolta member push notifications.

A new chapter for Tic Tac in travel retail

“The launch of Tic Tac TWO represents an exciting new chapter for the brand in travel retail,” said Sergio Salvagno, General Manager of Ferrero Travel Market.

“By partnering with Avolta and Ticketmaster in this way, we are not only showcasing innovation in product development, but also delivering an engaging, relevant experience for today’s travellers. This campaign is a perfect example of how Ferrero is evolving its travel retail strategy to better connect with different consumer profiles and evolving purchasing behaviours.”

Tic Tac TWO is available in two flavours: Strawberry & Lime and Spearmint Fresh & Mild. Each box contains 38 Tic Tac Twos, all of which are double the size of traditional Tic Tacs. The two layers deliver two distinctive flavours at the same time – consumers simply flip to enjoy.

Bric’s brims with confidence at TFWA World Exhibition

Italian luxury luggage brand Bric's presented its collection of Porsche Design luggage at the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition in October.

Speaking to MJ Rabbit on its super-busy stand at the Cannes fair, Bric’s Travel Retail Manager Michele Maccapani said: “The Porsche Design Collection of aluminium luggage has been highly successful for us, and Orlando Bloom is the new brand ambassador.

“Also, we’ve had a major hit with the Bric’s Bellagio collection of luggage, which was recently carried on set by Anne Hathaway.”

The Bellagio collection features the cute new mini Bellagio Legacy bag, which was modelled at the fair by Bric’s PR & Communication Manager Luisa Puggioni.

Orlando Bloom is the new Porsche Design brand ambassador

Bric’s inks luggage deal with Replay

In other news, Fashion Box, the premium casualwear group and parent company of the Replay denim brand, has signed an agreement with Bric's to create and distribute a collection of luggage and travel accessories.

The exclusive worldwide licence lasts four years and includes the launch of the first Bric's Replay Fall/Winter 2025 collection in high-end retail shops, in Replay flagship stores and online: www.replayjeans.com and www.brics.it.

The special edition is inspired by Bric’s best-selling X-Collection, made of recycled fabric. It includes soft trolleys, a weekend bag, an underseat backpack, handbags and other travel items.

All items are available in two colour variants: camouflage with orange lining, or sand-wood with teal blue lining.

Passion, innovation and heritage

The collection stands out for its branding: Replay’s signature triangle denim label, customised R-shaped pull-tabs, inner linings embellished with Replay’s tagline 'Follow your dreams', and a metal rhombus-shaped co-branded logo.

Fashion Box CEO Matteo Sinigaglia said: "Bric's is an Italian company with an important background in the luggage sector. We immediately saw an affinity that led to this partnership, as we share passion, innovation and an extraordinary heritage."

Bric's President Roberto Briccola said: "We are excited about this collaboration with Replay, a brand that shares our values of tradition and innovation. This collection combines Bric's know-how with Replay’s unmistakable identity, creating a unique offer for contemporary travellers."

Swaine accelerates its global expansion

Swaine is set to expand internationally to meet the growing demand for quiet luxury.

Adding to its London flagship in New Bond Street, the brand is joining UK department store Harrods. A dedicated corner within the luxury menswear collection showcases its three iconic lines: leather goods, umbrellas and hats.

Swaine, a symbol of British luxury since 1750, is continuing its international expansion, starting this Summer with a corner at the prestigious Hotel Palace in Montreux, Switzerland.

And in Autumn 2025, Swaine will reach a new milestone by opening its first US location in Beverly Hills, at the heart of Los Angeles' luxury district.

Swaine's London flagship store

The US represents Swaine’s largest and most dynamic market and is a major driver of growth and brand influence. This opening also reinforces the brand’s deep connection with the film industry, just steps from Hollywood. The boutique will feature an exclusive selection that blends iconic on-screen pieces, timeless classics, bespoke offerings and a capsule collection of small leather goods available only in Los Angeles.

In addition to these openings, Swaine has launched a series of trunk shows. The first took place in Monaco in September, followed by a second edition in February 2026 at Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz.

Carine de Koenigswarter, President of Personal Goods at Swaine's Paris-based owner Compagnie Chargeurs Invest, said: “Swaine’s development is part of a long-term investment strategy. Over the past few years, Swaine has strengthened its offering for women, men, the home and the art of living. In parallel, the establishment of new workshops in England has reinforced its exceptional craftsmanship and its ability to showcase the finest materials in leather goods, hats and accessories.”

Swaine's London flagship store

A lifestyle brand

Reflecting the spirit of Swaine’s reinvention as a lifestyle brand, this targeted expansion is “cost-conscious and not driven by a race for scale. Rather, it embodies a meticulous approach, offering high-quality touch-points dedicated to serving our clients”, de Koenigswarter said.

“The trunk shows we are launching will extend the experience of our flagship store – a privileged encounter with bespoke craftsmanship, even far from New Bond Street.

“This commercial strategy is designed to leverage the very specific interest of affluent consumers in quiet luxury brands – those that are discreet rather than ostentatious, valued for their creativity, authenticity and exceptional quality." 

The invitation-only trunk shows offer an immersive experience into the world of Swaine, presenting made-to-measure pieces to international clients and partners.

About Compagnie Chargeurs Invest

Compagnie Chargeurs Invest is a mixed industrial and financial company with a role as an operator and developer of global champions in industry and services, and as an investor with a culture of active portfolio management of high value-added businesses. Present in nearly 100 countries with around 2,600 employees, Compagnie Chargeurs Invest relies on the long-term  commitment of Groupe Familial Fribourg, a committed controlling shareholder, and on its portfolio of assets, to meet the major challenges of its markets. Compagnie Chargeurs Invest achieved revenues of €729.6 million in 2024.

Furla chief sets out new brand ambitions

Italian fashion accessories brand Furla has renewed its commitment to the travel retail channel under new CEO Eraldo Poletto.

The seasoned fashion executive has made a welcome return to Furla, where he worked as CEO alongside the founding Furlanetto family more than a decade ago. (For details, see my interview with Eraldo Poletto in 2013.)

Furla's Iride bag

Speaking to journalists at the TFWA World Exhibition, Poletto hinted at his long-term ambitions for the accessible luxury brand and acknowledged that the journey has only just started.

He spoke of a “relaunch of brand passion for the product”, sparked in no small way by Gerry Munday, the supremely experienced travel retail executive whose passion for the channel knows no bounds.

“We can rebuild the brand with our knowledge and expertise,” Poletto said, noting the evolution of the airport shopping experience, where he’s seeing the establishment of more malls. “It’s an exciting time,” he enthused.

The travel retail market focus for Furla will centre on airports in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including China.

Furla Spring/Summer 2026

At Cannes, Furla introduced its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which explores Milan’s intimate details: refined entryways that open onto secluded gardens, interiors where metal meets marble, glass offsets ceramic, and mosaic plays against natural stone.

Leading the season is the Iride bag, dubbed ”the ultimate expression of the brand’s colourful and playful spirit and a vibrant explosion of joy”. At the heart of this new icon stands a sculptural jewel-like hardware, where Furla’s signature arch logo is reimagined with a diamond-cut design. Smooth and rounded to the touch, the closure is both a visual and tactile centrepiece, guiding the bag’s entire design.

The hardware plays with light and perspective, offered in either classic gold tones or in the same bold, vibrant hues of the bags. Seasonal colours are Mudec Yellow, Amatore Blue, Aperitivo Orange, Velvet Pink and Carta da Zucchero Blue.

Named after the Italian word for iris and rainbow, the Iride bag is available as a crossbody or a mini hobo and with an adjustable leather strap that allows for versatile styling.

With a nearly century-long heritage dating back to 1927, and a renewed vision for the future, Furla returned to TFWA to strengthen its presence in travel retail.

“This is the perfect moment to re-engage with our partners, introduce our newest designs and reaffirm our position as a leading voice in accessible luxury. Our objective is to highlight the evolution of Furla, where heritage meets innovation, and timeless elegance embraces playful modernity,” he concluded.

Margaret Dabbs London puts its best foot forward

Luxury British beauty brand Margaret Dabbs London returned to the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition with its luxurious medical problem-solvers for feet, hands, nails and legs – now elevated with innovative new launches.

The UK-manufactured range harnesses concentrated, powerful ingredients to deliver visible results, while making once specialist treatments accessible to all.

Hero product: Margaret Dabbs London Miracle Foot Cream

Already available onboard airlines across the Middle East and Asia Pacific – including a new October listing with Singapore Airlines for its Firming Leg Serum and Miracle Foot Cream – Margaret Dabbs London is accelerating growth across Europe and the Americas.

The brand’s hero Miracle Foot Cream product was a highlight at Cannes. “Get your feet back on track with this award-winning overnight balm that transforms feet and nails. It treats, protects and delivers visible results from the very first use. Apply before bed and wake up feeling like you have new feet,’ said the company.

The Firming Leg Serum with Legance is a customer favourite, formulated to relieve tired, heavy and uncomfortable legs while targeting puffiness. It aims to deliver an instant cooling, energising sensation with a support-stocking effect, making it a travel essential.

Impulse buys

To drive incremental sales, Margaret Dabbs London is presenting its Grab & Go opportunity for duty free stores, featuring impulse-friendly best-sellers such as Miracle Foot Cream, Firming Leg Serum, Pure Nail Strengthening Treatment and the Ultimate Manicure on the Go Nail File & Cuticle Oil Duo. These results-driven formats are tailored for travel retail and seek to drive cross-category purchasing.

Following its successful TFWA Asia Pacific debut, the brand showcased its advanced LED Hand Mitts, harnessing red and green light therapy to rejuvenate skin health. The mitts expand the brand’s footprint in the fast-growing wellness category globally.

“Travellers want solutions that really work – from tired legs and neglected feet, to ageing skin – and this is where Margaret Dabbs London stands out,” says Commercial Director Julia Lettner. “Our expertise in targeted treatment formulations delivers proven results, and our products not only complement existing beauty assortments but also drive incremental revenue across all touchpoints."

Margaret Dabbs London Grab & Go airport mock-up

Founded by Margaret Dabbs OBE – a podiatrist, entrepreneur and British Beauty Council Advisory Board Member – the brand aims to redefine foot and hand care by combining medical credibility with luxury beauty. Its formulations, trusted by professionals and celebrities alike, are designed to improve wellbeing.

Visitors to the Cannes fair also experienced the sought-after Margaret Dabbs London Medical Pedicure with a 30-minute on-stand treatment.

Rémy Cointreau serves a feast for the senses

French spirits group Rémy Cointreau offered a feast for the senses at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes to illustrate how its Rémy Martin XO Cognac pairs with a wide range of delicious foods.

The travel retail team guided journalists through the delights of Cognac with Parmesan cheese, ham, la baguette tradition with Échiré butter (MJ Rabbit’s favourite butter brand), candied orange, chocolate truffles and tiny canelé pastries from the Bordeaux region of France. (Sublime!)

During the Cannes show, Rémy Cointreau shone the spotlight on its commitment to retail excellence, innovation and sustainability, presenting its portfolio of spirits and wines with supreme storytelling.

Travel retail as a global shop window

“Travel retail is a unique window to the world – a channel where brand visibility and immersive experiences converge to inspire and drive conversion,” said Fida Bou Chabke, CEO Global Travel Retail. “The TFWA Cannes show is a pivotal moment for us each year, reaffirming our long-term commitment to premiumisation, to value creation for our partners, and to building lasting connections with consumers.”

Louis XIII Cognac remains at the forefront of Rémy Cointreau’s brand portfolio, embodying the group values of people, terroir and time. Following the success of its Lunar New Year and Hong Kong Bespoke Editions earlier this year, Louis XIII will reveal new icons, immersive activations and elevated gifting concepts.

Rémy Martin also unveiled fresh initiatives, building on the global impact of its XO x Anish Kapoor collaboration. Highlights include the limited-edition “This Is My City” wall, featuring the new Dubai VSOP expression and digital shelf, alongside the next wave of festive campaigns and collectible editions.

Travel retail exclusives

Beyond Cognac, Rémy Cointreau continues to fuel momentum in whisky, tapping into a growing consumer demand for authenticity, terroir and craft. At Cannes, the group premiered the latest chapter of Bruichladdich’s Black Art series, which the company describes as “a mysterious, crafted release that embodies the brand’s innovative spirit”.

Bruichladdich, Octomore, Port Charlotte, Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Westland underscored the group’s leadership in terroir-driven single malts with savoir faire and provenance.

The portfolio’s diversity was also on display with Metaxa and St-Rémy brandy, as well as Cointreau liqueur, including the Cointreau limited edition and ready-to-drink range. In Champagne, Maison Telmont presented Réserve de la Terre Rosé, the newest expression of its pioneering organic viticulture and bold vision for sustainable Champagne-making.

Pictured right: Louis XIII Cognac at the TFWA World Exhibition

Sustainability as a cornerstone

Sustainability remains integral to Rémy Cointreau’s growth, embodied in its “Sustainable Exception” roadmap. At Cannes, the group highlighted its B Corp-certified brands – Bruichladdich single malt Scotch whisky, Westland US whiskey and The Botanist gin – as proof of its commitment to ethical sourcing, responsible consumption and environmental commitment.

Alongside these brands, Rémy Cointreau showcased Telmont, the organic Champagne leading the way in sustainable viticulture, and Domaine des Hautes Glaces organic French whisky, which has been awarded Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status.

“Sustainability is not an add-on for us – it is embedded in every decision we make, from product development to activation design,” Bou Chabke concluded. “Today’s consumers are clear: they expect brands to act responsibly and authentically. We are proud to be setting new standards for sustainable spirits and wines in global travel retail."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.