Accessories

Montblanc flagship at the top of the Champs Elysees inspired by a luxury boutique hotel

If this summer you stop by Paris, I suggest you to experience the new Montblanc flagship at the top of the Champs Elysees inspired by a luxury boutique hotel with lobby and concierge areas, “bagagerie , salons d’écriture et d’horlogerie ainsi qu’une suite privée”…

After opening Montblanc Haus few months ago, it is great to see their new unique client experience. Full of beautiful and authentic details like a restored 1950s vintage counter, Art Deco mosaic floor, ink bar creative space and unexpected surprises making guests feeling home.

Serious pen collectors can now plunk down six figures in the plushest setting imaginable, complete with staggering views of the Arc de Triomphe over flower boxes blooming with perfect roses.

The check-in desk that once sat in a Montblanc boutique in the 1950s (photo by Davide Leggio). 

The 2,400-square-foot corner unit, home to a Montblanc boutique for the past 20 years, just reopened after an extensive renovation and expansion to accommodate a new concept that merges retail with hospitality.

“When you have a great stay at your favorite boutique hotel, you don’t ever want to leave”, Montblanc chief executive officer Nicolas Baretzki explained, bringing to mind the lyrics of a famous Eagles ditty. “We hope our customers will feel just the same about their visit. When you have a great stay at your favorite boutique hotel, you don’t ever want to leave”, he added, bringing to mind the lyrics of a famous Eagles ditty. “We hope our customers will feel just the same about their visit”.

Visitors to Montblanc Suite 4810, the number representing the elevation in meters of Europe’s famous snow-capped mountain, alight upon a mosaic threshold like those found in palace hotels or Paris’ famous covered passages, and are invited to ‘check in’ at a retro, wooden reception counter.

Watches are displayed in a fixture resembling a cocktail bar (photo by Davide Leggio). 

There, sales staff can orient visitors toward what they might be seeking, or invite them to discover the 116-year-old German luxury brand, starting with its emblematic resin writing instruments, through to timepieces, leather goods and other personal accessories.

Products are sparsely merchandised throughout the airy ground floor, but there is much to discover, from the ‘ink bar’, where visitors can test a range of nibs and quirky colors with cigar-sized fountain pens, to a wall niche displaying the latest Montblanc collectible: a hand-carved ebony pen in the shape of a wandering stick from its Writers Edition dedicated to the Brothers Grimm, priced at € 40,300.

High-rollers might be escorted directly upstairs to the VIP salons via an elevator done up in gleaming black, a wink to its emblematic Meisterstück pen, and lit up with calligraphy animations. Or they can stroll across the pale hardwood floors, the same as the ones found in Montblanc’s historic Hamburg ateliers, and discover everything from sporty crossbody bags and business cases to sunglasses, belts and wallets.

The concierge desk offers personalization, among other services (photo by Davide Leggio).

The decor resembles the lobby of a boutique hotel with its cushy armchairs, piped-in music and staff at the ready to offer refreshments. Baretzki said the boutique, which has an Art Deco feel, is a one-off that winks to other units.

Full of beautiful and authentic details like a restored 1950s vintage counter, a small concierge desk, located near the entry, is where customers can have accessories personalized, or receive advice on writing techniques. A salon dedicated to writing instruments and timepieces is done up in the style of a cocktail bar, serving up watches instead of martinis, while the penultimate room showcases large leather goods on shelves and small ones in marble drawers. There’s enough room here to test-drive roller suitcases.

Montblanc’s famous pen nibs can be found embedded in the iron safety grill, displayed over the ink bar, and recurring as zipper pulls in the leather goods department. Smartwatches, headphones and other personal tech items — Montblanc’s latest brand extension — are displayed in a pop-up location next door.

Montblanc’s Suite 4810 upstairs salons can host events and VIP clients (photo by Davide Leggio). 

The VIP suite includes an expansive living room with a bookcase, a vast straw marquetry-topped coffee table, and comfortable seating. A second room, the walls lined with safety-deposit boxes, features consultation tables perfect for inspecting rare pens, some of which are sourced from the Montblanc Haus in Hamburg, an immersive brand emporium that blends elements of a museum, art gallery, hall of fame and school offering calligraphy classes.

Montblanc also operates freestanding boutiques in Paris on the Rue de Rennes and Boulevard des Capucines, plus shops-in-shop at Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Le Bon Marché.

Enjoy and happy summer. Come into the beautiful world of Montblanc.

Montblanc Revives Its Early 20th-Century ‘Baby’ Pens

Montblanc has been dishing out luxury pcket goods since 1906, and the brand is acknowledging its heritage by reviving one of its original products. The German label’s new Rouge et Noir Baby Pen is a reimagined take on its archival Baby pens from the 1910s and ‘20s.

As its name implies, these new pens garner inspiration from Montblanc’s original fountain pen developed in 1906, the Rouge & Noir. This revived accessory is put forth in a pair of sleek colors. You’ll be able to choose between a black body with platinum-coated hardware or an ivory tone coupled with gold-coated fittings. Each measures just 3.9″, making the pen a perfect choice for elevated EDC, if your job requires you to constantly be on the move.

Both colorways will also be available in either a fountain pen configuration for those with an affinity to the classics or a ballpoint pen mechanism for those who prefer something a little more modern. Finishing the pens are red Montblanc logos at the tip of the caps or pushers that’ll go perfectly with a set of cufflinks the company is also offering.

Additional pieces in this Art Deco-inspired collection include a leather-crafted pen pouch, pocket notebook, and red resin-embellished cufflinks, each of which is available in the same color palettes as the neighboring pens. While the notebook and pen pouch each serve as formidable accents to this classy utensil, they bode just as well on their own. On the other hand, the cufflinks are guaranteed to make any suit look even swankier.

If you’re interested, the new Montblanc Rouge et Noir ‘Baby’ series will be available soon over on the luxury brand’s boutiques and website, with prices ranging from $465 to $795 USD. Come into the beautiful world of Montblanc.

A collaboration between Balenciaga and Bang & Olufsen: Introducing a new concept for listening, the Balenciaga x Bang & Olufsen Speaker Bag

Today, a collaboration between Balenciaga and Bang & Olufsen was unveiled at Balenciaga’s 51st Couture show in Paris. The music, an integral element to each and every Balenciaga show, was delivered to the audience through the Balenciaga x Bang & Olufsen Speaker Bag, carried by models along the catwalk.

The Balenciaga I Bang & Olufsen Speaker Bag is the creative brainchild of Balenciaga and Bang & Olufsen’s partnership. Crafted to resemble the sculptural form of Balenciaga’s handbags, the speaker bag is a fully functional bag and portable speaker; a true hybrid that pushes the perceptual boundaries of design and combines the worlds of fashion and technology in newfound ways.

“This collaboration really demonstrates our capabilities for making bespoke solutions for our customers. We can make endless configurations within sound and design, and we are excited to show our customers more of that in future collaborations, projects, and products” says Bang & Olufsen’s CEO Kristian Teär. “Working with Balenciaga has been an incredible experience and will also shape how we drive products and experiences that will disrupt the technology market in the future”.

“This bag is a testament to what happens when two very special companies with an unparalleled heritage of craftsmanship join forces. Both design teams are dedicated to excellence, and I think we together created something unique,” says Miklu Silvanto, Bang & Olufsen’s Chief Design Officer. “Couture is custom, exclusive, culture creating and art of making by extremely skilled craftsmen. From our aluminum factory to Balenciaga’s atelier to an entirely remarkable product. You have to see, hear and feel it and we are so excited to show it today”.

Each piece in this limited-edition run is milled from a block of solid aluminum, before being pearl-blasted, anodized and hand-polished at Bang & Olufsen’s Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark, over a period of several days for the perfect satin finish. Working with one solid block of raw aluminum allows for a continuous flow all the way from handle to base; the seamless attention to detail expected of two brands with such rich heritage of design. 

The front of the Balenciaga x Bang & Olufsen Speaker Bag features Bang & Olufsen’s signature portable speaker styling; a perfect pattern of speaker holes meticulously placed to ensure the best sound quality without compromising on a sleek aesthetic. Behind the striking aluminum body lays a powerful portable speaker, offering up to 18 hours of battery life and multipoint connectivity. Although the speaker bag is a bespoke creation with an avant-garde, boundary-pushing design, the fundamentals of sound quality and customer experience is considered at every point.

At the speaker bag’s rear, a door opens to reveal a sizeable compartment wrapped in Balenciaga’s Italian lambskin leather, assembled by hand. Finished with a set of controls placed under the handle, Balenciaga and Bang & Olufsen’s logos are laser etched into the top of each piece.

After a dramatic debut at Balenciaga’s Couture show in Paris, only 20 editions of the speaker bag will be available to purchase at the newly opened Balenciaga Couture boutique in Paris.

For more information, come into the beautiful world of Balenciaga.

Balenciaga Unveils Porcelain Couture Figurines and a Candle

The legendary French couture Maison, which has thrust itself into the limelight in recent seasons – thanks to creative director Demna – presented unusual products for the latest Couture Fashion Week.

It’s an extraordinary collaboration presented in the wake of the latest couture show. Balenciaga is setting up its own couture store on Avenue George V in Paris. With specially developed products sold exclusively at the historic location of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s salon, the French Maison is giving itself a new direction. Or perhaps that of the entire industry? After all, it has always been a problem to make couture accessible to those who don’t have an unlimited fashion budget.

Among the first limited-edition pieces from the Balenciaga Objects Line are handmade porcelain figurines that are modeled on the original looks of Balenciaga couture, and a candle.

The figurines are the ones we have seen on the catwalk with models Aki Nummela and Minttu Vesala in their outfits from the 50th Couture collection. They were made purely by hand at Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg near Munich. The manufactory, founded in 1747, is one of the few remaining porcelain makers in the world where porcelain is still made purely by hand. This process includes meticulous hand-painting in a historic master workshop overlooking Nymphenburg Castle.

The limited-edition Balenciaga Couture figurines replicate on a small scale the exact look dictated by a number card that each model holds in their miniaturized hands, with the same attention to detail as the artistic creations they represent. 

Next up in the objects line is a minimalist candle that comes in a round mirror-polished silver tin. With notes of burnt incense, old paper, tobacco smoke, tanned leather, aged wool, oak and more, the aroma channels Balenciaga’s Couture heritage and its subsequent re-emergence. Additionally, the refillable candle comes in two sizes.

Both the limited-edition porcelain couture figurines and the candle are available now for purchase at Balenciaga’s Couture store located at 10 Avenue George V in Paris. Come into the beautiful world of Balenciaga.

You can shop Dior’s Birkenstock Collaboration Now

After unveiling the collaboration at the start of the year, French Maison Dior has now officially released its capsule with Birkenstock. The collection features two signature silhouettes — the Tokio Mule and Milano Sandal — and takes inspiration from Christian Dior’s love of gardening.

Celebrating this influence, the two silhouettes mix functionality and elegance in tribute to the couturier. The mule and sandal also arrive in a variety of finishes, including black nubuck calfskin, grey felted wool and, for the Tokio Mule, a ‘Greige’ nubuck calfskin.

Alongside the Birkenstock collaboration, the French Maison has also released its new CD 1947 capsule. This collection is based on a dialogue between Kim Jones and the legacy of Christian Dior, with this relationship exemplified by a new ‘Christian Dior’ signature combined with ‘1947’ in honor of the first Dior show.

Both the CD 1947 collection and the full Birkenstock collaboration are available now via the Dior web store.

Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills celebrates latest Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Collection with immersive in-store activations

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Courtesy of John Daniel Powers.

Neiman Marcus, in part of an ongoing collaboration with Spanish fashion house Loewe, announces the second iteration of the Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza pop-up exclusively at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. The pop-up experience, aptly named La Playa, features the latest capsule collection of Balearic staples alongside artful activations such as a complimentary nail art station and specially curated cocktails.

Our customers are ready to travel again this summer, have fun with shopping experiences, and express joy in their personal style. As we continue our special partnership with Loewe, we are creating an exciting, exclusive Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza immersive installation that gives them the opportunity to explore the carefree playfulness of summer in Ibiza. We always look to innovate the ways in which we engage with our customers, and the vibrant ready-to-wear and accessories from this collection transport our Beverly Hills store visitors all the way to Spain through the one-of-a-kind La Playa experience.

Lana Todorovich, President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Neiman Marcus

The La Playa experience at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills nods to Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s signature fun and lively culture by featuring a curated selection of vinyl records with 100% of the proceeds benefitting The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Customers can also enjoy a complimentary manicure and nail station offering original artwork, custom cocktails at the Bar on 4, and opportunities for exclusive one-on-one shopping experiences with style advisors.

Inspired by the endless party that is associated with Ibiza’s identity, the new Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza collection is full of vibrancy for a colorful take on easy-to-wear staples. With an emphasis on personal freedom, liberation, hedonism, and sensuality, the gender-neutral assortment features ready-to-wear, accessories including new degrade leather on the iconic Puzzle, as well as two new handbags – the Anagram Degrade Basket Tote and the Flamenco Petal Clutch – exclusively available at Neiman Marcus first. Paula’s Ibiza pieces are adorned with feisty and playful prints, made with artisanal fabrics crafted in Japan, featuring colorful overdying on faded denim and crocheted elements. Dresses and tops are sparkling with all-over sequins, and relaxed shirts are made of silk. For accessories, the collection features small leather goods with marquetry cocktail motifs, sunglasses, hats, charms, and jewelry, with an emphasis on woven straw and raffia textures.

The experience at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills runs May 5 – 23, and the pop-up runs at Neiman Marcus Atlanta from May 16 – 31. The collection is available now at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, select stores and on neimanmarcus.com. Come into the beautiful worlds of Loewe and Neiman Marcus.

Sydney Sweeney named Tory Burch’s brand ambassador

American fashion designer Tory Burch is pleased to announce Sydney Sweeney as the fashion house’s ambassador for handbags and shoes. 

An award-winning actor and multi-hyphenate, Sweeney has garnered rapid global attention for her role in HBO’s record-breaking series Euphoria. She has appeared in a diverse range of films and TV shows, including The White Lotus, The Handmaid’s Tale and the forthcoming Marvel film ‘Madame Web’.

Sweeney began acting at the age of 15, having created a business plan to convince her parents to move to Los Angeles. In 2020 she established her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, to spotlight up-and-coming female directors, screenwriters and authors. Off-screen, Sweeney restores vintage cars and is trained in mixed martial arts.

I’m so excited to partner with Tory Burch as her brand ambassador. I’ve been a fan of her clothing and accessories for years, and I admire her tireless work to support women. I’m inspired not only by Tory’s vision and the business she has built, but also by her kindness and philanthropy. I am so looking forward to the beautiful partnership and meaningful conversations to come.

Sydney Sweeney

Sweeney’s incredible talent, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for supporting women resonated with Burch instantly. “Sydney is one of the most talented and relevant young actors working today, but I am equally inspired by her curiosity and confidence,” Burch says. “She is unapologetic and empowered in her approach to acting and business. I am thrilled to start working together”. 

About Tory Burch

Founded in 2004 in New York City, Tory Burch is an American luxury brand known for beautiful, timeless pieces. As a designer, Tory draws inspiration from art, her family, and women globally. Her collections include ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home and beauty.

Empowering women is Tory’s guiding principle, underpinning her design philosophy and driving the work of the Tory Burch Foundation. Tory launched the Foundation in 2009 to advance women’s empowerment and provide capital, education, and digital resources to women entrepreneurs in the United States.

Come into the beautiful world of Tory Burch.

Louis Vuitton meets Nike

Introducing LVandNike. Created and crafted in a collaboration between French Maison Louis Vuitton and Nike for the Spring-Summer 2022 Collection by Virgil Abloh, the Nike ‘Air Force 1’ fuses the iconic sneaker’s classic codes with the insignia and materials of the Maison. The collaboration is a symbol of the hip-hop culture that inspired the Men’s Artistic Director and is an authentic celebration and union of Abloh’s worlds.

On January 26th, 200 limited-edition pairs will be auctioned by Sotheby’s, where all proceeds will benefit The Virgil Abloh™ ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund which supports the education of academically promising students of Black, African American, or African descent. Stay tuned for more. Come into the beautiful world of Louis Vuitton.

Chopard plays the game

The Swiss watch and jewelry house Chopard is also known for its luxury accessories, which revolve around sophistication and craftsmanship. Now they’ve had the ancient, highly regarded board game Backgammon hand-crafted as an art object by French craftsmen.

The cassette is decorated with meticulous inlays made of sustainable walnut and oak wood. The stones are made of galalite, a beautiful, biodegradable and extremely hard material with a milk protein as raw material – hence the nickname ‘milk stone’. The choice of this material implies an ethically responsible alternative to horn, mother-of-pearl or other animal-derived materials that have traditionally been used for this type of application.

Made from noble materials, the deluxe games created by Chopard are the product of precious know-how. Whether as a gift or for relaxing with friends and family, these sophisticated items are as pleasant to handle as they are to contemplate. When the rules of the game are combined with the rules of the art, it matters little whether you win or lose, because it is done elegantly.

The Chopard LUC Backgammon is available at Chopard boutiques and selected stores worldwide at € 11,400. Come into the beautiful world of Chopard.

Fusing exquisite craft with kaleidoscopicfantasy: Loewe x Spirited Away

Loewe’s latest collaboration with renowned animation house Studio Ghibli is inspired by their animated epic Spirited Away. The capsule collection brings the 2001 film’s whimsical characters and lyrical backdrops to life across signature Loewe bags, ready-to-wear and accessories.

Fusing exquisite craft with kaleidoscopicfantasy

Spirited Away’s iconic hand-drawn motifs are playfully rendered in Loewe’s signature handcrafted techniques: from leather marquetry, embroidery and appliquè, to jacquard, patchwork and print. For a playful finishing touch, explore the collection’s meticulously crafted small leather accessories, charms and scarves.

Purchases from the Loewe x Spirited Away collection will arrive in limited-edition packaging featuring the film’s iconic characters and motifs.

Limited stock available in selected Loewe boutiques and online at their website. Come into the beautiul world of Loewe.