MCM taps Matt Dillon for Munich-to-Mars campaign

Hollywood actor Matt Dillon stars in MCM’s space-age FW24 campaign, taglined From München to Mars.

“Since our first small steps, MCM has been bringing German innovation and engineering to the fashion world. With FW24, we’re shooting beyond the moon and straight for the red planet,” said the German luxury brand.

Matt Dillon for MCM FW24 - Collier Schorr

MCM selected Dillon, whose most recent role was playing the part of Marlon Brando in the film Maria. The biopic was presented at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

For MCM, Dillon teams up with up-and-coming actress Zelda Adams and model Steph Shiu. Collier Schorr, a photographer known for her youth fantasy style, shot the campaign.

MCM’s new Diamant 3D bag is the highlight, along with other key pieces in the collection, such the Stark backpack in the brand’s signature Cognac Visetos colourway, visionary eyewear and ready-to-wear items in futuristic metallic silver and Cognac Visetos.

MCM Diamant 3D bag is featured in this AI image - @mcmworldwide

MCM Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim noted that AI plays a big part in the campaign, saying: “Our motto From München to Mars is about pushing beyond limits. Our mission is to serve the needs of digital nomads. We’re committed to testing boundaries, leveraging new technology to explore new horizons. AI plays a significant role in this campaign, not only by taking a leap in innovation but also taking the path towards a more sustainable future."

Campaign credits:

Creative Director: Katharina Korbjuhn

Photographer 1: Collier Schorr

Photographer 2: Jeremy Liebman

Styling: Thistle Brown

Hair: Tsuki

Makeup: Jezz Hill

Director: Rebekah Campbell

DOP: Cory Fraiman-Lott

New Sekonda team member gets onboard

Time Products (UK) has boosted its travel retail team with the appointment of Louise Stevenson as International Key Account Manager.

She joins the business to focus on Sekonda’s growing cruise and ferry business, with the expansion of existing accounts and a number of potential new partners promising increased presence for the watch brand in 2024 and beyond.

Stevenson joined Time Products (UK) on 31 July 2024 and has a wealth of travel retail and jewellery experience, having previously worked at Buckley Jewellery with many leading cruise and ferry retailers and operators.

“I am delighted to be joining Sekonda’s international team and returning to the exciting travel retail landscape at this time of focus on international growth. I look forward to working closely with our cruise and ferry partners to give passengers every opportunity to engage with the strong range of Sekonda products they will find onboard,” she said.

Time Products UK Head of International Sales Myalee Sofield added: “We’re delighted to welcome Louise to the team. Our travel retail business is growing fast, buoyed by the rapid expansion of the cruise and ferry market. Louise’s experience and contacts in this sector will definitely help us to maximise the opportunities that are out there.”

Suntory unveils 2024 Tsukuriwake Series at Changi Airport with Lotte

Japanese whisky specialist Suntory has partnered with Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Lotte Duty Free Singapore to present the Tsukuriwake Selection 2024 Limited Edition range at Singapore Changi Airport. 

This world-first airport activation showcases four single malts from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, alongside the inaugural global travel retail exclusive Yamazaki and Hakushu Kogei Collection (2024 Japanese Kimono Edition), plus other House of Suntory craft spirits such as Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, Toki and Chita.

The event went live in July in Changi’s T1 Departure/Transit Zone, and will run until 25 August.

The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series comprises Yamazaki Golden Promise (retail price: $520), Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt ($520), Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt ($1,400) and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara ($1,800). 

Suntory's 2024 Tsukuriwake Series activation at Singapore Changi Airport

The unique art of Tsukuriwake translates as “artisanship through a diversity of making”. Accordingly, each expression spotlights different elements of Japanese whisky artistry. The Tsukuriwake approach transcends diversification of cask maturation, incorporating whisky-making elements such as ingredient selection, peat and cask choice. It is driven by the core values of wa (harmony with Japanese nature), monozukuri (elevated Japanese craftsmanship) and omotenashi (the enjoyment of an authentic Japanese cultural experience).

“We are renowned worldwide for the innovation and artistry of our prestige spirits – and this exceptional series raises the bar once again,” said Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham.

“The 2024 Tsukuriwake Collection is the perfect showcase for the diversity of elements that go into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies, which are sought after globally by discerning travellers. We are delighted to partner with Lotte Duty Free Singapore and Changi Airport Group for the global travel retail introduction of these four remarkable expressions, which epitomise the quality and craftsmanship that imbues our entire portfolio.”

Bespoke gifting

Highlights of the Changi activation include a central display case containing the Chiso kimono pattern that inspired the 2024 Kogei Collection (Japanese Kimono Edition). Dedicated stations explain the essence of Tsukuriwake; key details of the new Tsukuriwake 2024 Collection; and the uniqueness of the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries.

Passengers can discover the tasting notes from the Kogei Collection and other key spirits, through nosing elements and sampling opportunities at the activation’s Tasting Bar. Finally, at the Art of Gifting station, dependent on spend, travellers can receive a selection of upscale gwps, including a decorated paper gift bag, branded coasters and limited-edition lapel pins.

“We are excited to unveil this House of Suntory flagship activation at Changi Airport Terminal 1, in partnership with Suntory Global Spirits and Lotte Duty Free Singapore,” said CAG Head of Airside Concessions Chandra Mahtani. “Not only does this immersive experience invite visitors to better appreciate the story behind the crafting of each spirit, but it presents a unique opportunity to purchase limited-edition bottles, complemented by bespoke gifting options.”

Lotte Duty Free Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong Soongyu said: “Lotte’s customers are always looking for innovation, and we know this new collection will have huge appeal, fuelled by the rise in demand for high-end Japanese whisky."

TFWA reveals more Cannes fair details

Leading retailers, landlords and distributors have confirmed their attendance at TFWA World Exhibition, held from 29 September to 3 October 2024, including international operators Avolta, Gebr Heinemann, Lagardère Travel Retail, CDFG, Dubai Duty Free, DFA and DFS.

International airports, airlines and cruise lines have also registered delegates at an early stage this year, while brand regional distributors such as Bluebell, Luxasia, Overseas Distribution, Eternal and Beauté Luxe Duty Free have confirmed they will send substantial delegations to Cannes.

Among this year’s suppliers are L’Oréal, LVMH Beauty and Estée Lauder in fragrances and cosmetics; Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Suntory Global Spirits in wine and spirits; and Hermès, Giorgio Armani and Zegna in fashion.

Other big names include EssilorLuxottica, Safilo and Thélios in the eyewear category; Swarovski and Thomas Sabo in jewellery; and Ferrero, Mars, Nestlé, Kusmi Tea and Fauchon in confectionery and fine food.

This year will also see the return of Philip Morris International after an absence.

During the conference on Monday starting at 09:00, and a workshop session entitled Reimagining Travel Retail which will run on Tuesday from 08:00, delegates will hear from a high calibre range of speakers. The exhibition halls will be open from Monday afternoon to Thursday.

The inspiring TFWA i.lab will offer exhibition visitors the opportunity to explore fresh ways to engage the travelling consumer, while the TFWA ONE2ONE meeting service will provide plenty of opportunity for exhibiting brands, key buyers, airports and trade agents to focus on the serious business of the week, TFWA said.

The networking programme will begin with a pétanque tournament on Sunday morning, sponsored by Haribo and Bloom Dead Sea Life.

Also on Sunday, a blind football and wheelchair rugby tournament will be organised by Stade Toulousain Wheelchair Rugby Association and m1nd-set.

This will be followed by the Nuit Blanche opening cocktail party held at the Carlton Beach from 19:00. The dress code is smart-casual with "a touch of white", TFWA said. Access to all networking events is complimentary for badge holders.

The TFWA Lounge will return with both after-work and night-time sessions taking place on Monday and Tuesday between 18:30-21:00 and 22:00-01:00.

A highlight of the week will be the Starry Night closing party to mark TFWA’s 40th anniversary, which will take place on Wednesday evening from 20:00-02:00. Attendees are invited to dress in their glamorous best with "a dash of gold".

TFWA thanked all sponsors of this year’s event, including the main partner of the TFWA Lounge, Qatar Duty Free, TFWA Lounge sponsor Mondelēz International, and product distribution sponsors Santa Margherita, Heineken, Crafter’s, Duty Free Global, Nemiroff Vodka, Perfetti Van Melle, Wonderful Pistachios and Seeberger.

TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “In my final year as President, the delight of hosting such an inspiring event has not faded. I, like many others across the industry I’m sure, am very much looking forward to meeting with colleagues as we mark TFWA’s 40th anniversary.”

To see the full event programme, see: https://www.tfwa.com/programme/tfwa-world-exhibition-and-conference/2024.

MCM and Harper Collective launch upcycled luggage

MCM has teamed up with Harper Collective, founded by actor, musician and activist Jaden Smith and entrepreneur Sebastian Manes, to launch a luggage set with enhanced sustainability.

The upcycled sea-plastic collection, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week in February, is inspired by Harper Collective's Ghost collection, named after the abandoned fishing nets used in its materials. 

MCM x Harper Collective luggage

Harper Collective’s hard-shell rolling travel cases are crafted from a blend of 70% recycled ocean plastic, such as fishing nets, and post-consumer plastic, and are produced at an Italian workshop near Milan.

MCM has integrated its own upcycled components into the collection, while Harper Collective has introduced new elements, resulting in lightweight and distinctive luggage pieces. The collection comprises three silhouettes: Cabin, Cabin Expandable (a new development), and a large check-in case.

Notably, the luggage range features MCM’s iconic Cognac Visetos wrapping lightweight aluminium handles and interiors lined with MCM’s signature recycled quilted nylon. Upcycled MCM webbing straps from three different decades complete the interior, and luggage tags are crafted from upcycled Maxi Visetos material.

Each piece is unique due to the upcycled nature of the source material, reflecting Harper Collective's vision of embracing the beauty of imperfection. For both cabin bag models, every item contains 480g of sea plastic and 640g of landfill plastic, while for the 4mm shell of the larger checked bag, that rises to 790g of sea plastic and 1.5kg of landfill plastic.

MCM Chairperson Sung-Joo Kim said: “The MCM brand was founded during a time of innovation, exploration and discovery across culture, travel and technology in Munich, in 1976. This inspired our Smart Luxury philosophy where sustainability is our ultimate goal. As a leading luxury fashion house, it is our responsibility to do things better for our planet and society.”

Every piece includes a blockchain-linked NFC chip provided by Temera, a Beontag company, enabling customers to verify the authenticity and sustainability of their purchases. This Digital Product Passport, facilitated by the Aura Blockchain Consortium’s platform, aims to ensure transparency and trust in the luxury industry.

MCM Digital Product Passport

The collection launches with a CGI (computer-generated imagery) campaign, conceived by Jaden Smith and featuring artwork by Japanese graffiti artist Inagaki.

It is available at MCM flagship stores, the Harper Collective website, and the Harper Collective shop at Selfridges London.

MCM opens new store at Incheon Airport

German luxury brand MCM has opened a new stand-alone boutique at Seoul Incheon Airport. The store is located in Terminal 1 and operated by Hyundai Department Store Duty Free.

MCM's new store at Seoul Incheon Airport

In other travel retail news, China Duty Free Group (CDFG) has won an open tender to operate an MCM boutique at Singapore Changi Airport, according to The Moodie Davitt Report.

Hillary Rodham Clinton to headline TFWA conference

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be the star speaker at this year’s TFWA conference, which will take place in Cannes on 30 September.

Secretary Clinton has spent over five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, US Senator, US Secretary of State and presidential candidate. She will explore the ever-evolving global political landscape and the trends that are impacting the geopolitical environment in which the travel retail industry operates.

Stephen Sackur, broadcaster, journalist and presenter of BBC World’s HARD Talk, will return as the moderator of the conference.

To provide insight into the future of business and travel, NASA astronaut Anousheh Ansari will also address delegates. As the first female private space explorer and CEO of XPrize Foundation, Ansari will unveil strategies for companies to embrace a mindset of exploration and bold innovation, essential for thriving in a constantly changing arena.

And to explore emerging trends and changes in consumption behaviour, delegates will hear from Sam Rad, an anthropologist, futurist, best-selling author and CEO of meta-media studio Radical Next.

TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “TFWA has always been dedicated to providing a conference programme that features exceptional speakers that bring the most relevant and valuable perspectives to our delegates. This year’s line-up will truly reflect that commitment, and it is an honour to welcome such a distinguished individual to the stage, in this, our 40th anniversary year.”

Those wishing to attend TFWA World Exhibition (29 September-3 October 2024) can register here: https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721