ALWAYS ON THE MOVE
Whether it’s partnering with an esteemed racing tyre maker or a global organisation helping in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Montblanc never stops innovating
From impeccable writing instruments to finely crafted leather goods, and from stylish jewellery to precision timepieces, German luxury manufacturer Montblanc has been creating some of the most sought-after, one- of-a-kind products for 114 years. Also under the maison’s purvey are numerous goods for travel, including a wide range of innovative luggage solutions.
Even the most discerning travellers on the planet will be delighted by the new Montblanc x Pirelli Trolley Collection. In collaboration with the renowned Italian tyre maker and based on the acclaimed Montblanc #MY4810 design, this limited edition trolley cabin is efficient, reliable and comfortable. Lightweight and built to last, it features high-performance 360° ball-bearing wheels and a multi-stop precision handle bar.
Its sleek, modern aesthetics are further enhanced by the iconic Pirelli P ZERO tyre tread motif on the yellow and black luggage tags and on the trimming – which may have you wishing you were on the track, revving up your engine and getting ready to break your previous lap record. Boasting a lightweight polycarbonate shell in blue with rubberised leather trimming in black, and with splashes of yellow that reference the Pirelli colour codes, this is a bold piece of luggage with a need for speed.
Featuring versions with or without a pocket, and limited to just 5,000 pieces, the Montblanc x Pirelli trolley cabin is perfect for the modern globetrotting gentleman. The collection launched to great fanfare at the Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2019 in Shanghai, where Pirelli is the Global Tyre Partner for the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Meanwhile, Montblanc continues its partnership with ( RED), the global organisation founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Partnering with the world’s most iconic brands, (RED) has generated US$ 600 million to date for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which assists in battling those diseases across sub-Saharan Africa and has reached some 140 million people through its programmes.
Following the launch of the (Montblanc M)RED line in 2018, Montblanc recently extended the line with a series of new writing instruments and a stylish new travel trolley. Through the partnership, the maison gives consumers the opportunity to make a real impact by donating five euros – enough to provide more than 25 days of life- saving medication – with every purchase of a (Montblanc M)RED product.
Based on the design of the maison’s signature #MY4810 line, the new (Montblanc M)RED trolley will make a powerful statement wherever you go – and you’ll be reminded that you’re doing a world of good with (RED) through the colour scheme. The trolley features a bold red polycarbonate shell, red leather on the handles and on the corners of the trolley, a central leather band and matching luggage tags in black and red, and an elegantly lined interior with inspirational quotes in red.
“This special partnership with (RED) is more than just about raising funds for prevention and medication,” explains Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki. “It’s about educating others to understand that, as a community of global citizens, we can be more effective in ending epidemics like AIDS when we work together.”
IN THE PAST, WE USED TO WORK WITH OUR HANDS, BUILDING THINGS. WE ARE NOW IN THE DIGITAL/KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY AND WE’VE BEEN WORKING WITH OUR HEADS. I SEE THE FUTURE AS WORKING WITH WHAT WE’VE LEARNT – NOW, WITH HEART IS HOW THE WORLD IS GOING TO CHANGE. THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IS: IN BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BRAND, HOW DO WE ENGAGE OUR AUDIENCE AND SCALE WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? IT IS IN CREATING RADICAL BRAND AWARENESS, FUELLED BY CREATIVITY IN DESIGN, PASSION, AUTHENTICITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
JO BLACK chief creative officer of B.Base International Design Group
CONVENTIONAL COTTON IS ACTUALLY VERY TOXIC FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, BECAUSE THEY USE A LOT OF PESTICIDES AND FERTILISERS ON THE CROPS. ALL THE FUMES ARE TOXIC TO HUMANS. CHOOSING ORGANIC COTTON MEANS THAT THE PRODUCTION OF COTTON DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY CHEMICALS.
KAYLA WONG founder of Basics for Basics
FASHION SUSTAINABILITY IS SUCH A COMPLEX ISSUE THAT UNFORTUNATELY CAN’T BE RESOLVED OVERNIGHT. BUYING NOTHING OR PRE-OWNED FASHION, INSTEAD OF NEW, WILL MAKE THE MOST IMPACT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. WE ALL NEED TO BE CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS AND USE OUR WALLETS AS A WAY TO VOTE FOR HOW WE WISH TO SEE OUR FUTURE.
SARAH FUNG founder of Hula
WE LOVE THE OUTDOORS AND NATURE, AND WE ESPECIALLY LOVE EXPLORING IT WITH OUR THREE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, ZAYA. SEEING THE AMOUNTS OF TRASH AND DISCARDED PLASTIC DURING OUR ADVENTURES LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION THAT PUSHED US TO TAKE ACTION. WE FOUNDED THE ADVENTURE CLEAN-UP CHALLENGE TO GIVE PEOPLE A CHANCE TO COMBINE THEIR PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS AND NATURE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLEAN UP SOME OF THE TRASH. EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF PLASTIC WE BUY NEVER REALLY DISAPPEARS. ONLY NINE PER CENT OF THE WORLD’S PLASTIC GETS RECYCLED; THE REST GETS DISCARDED AND ENDS UP IN OUR ENVIRONMENT. SO IF WE START PICKING UP SOME OF THE TRASH WE SEE, WE CAN, THROUGH A SIMPLE ACT, MAKE THIS WORLD CLEANER AND LEAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT.
ESTHER RÖLING adventure activist and co-founder of Adventure Clean-Up Challenge
PAUL NIEL producer of The Loop: Coasteering Hong Kong
OUR FOOD INDUSTRY HAS BEEN UNWELL FOR THE LONGEST TIME SINCE AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR. IT HAS BEEN UNWELL FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THE OUTSIDE IN. AND UNTIL WE CAN EDUCATE AND EMPOWER WITHIN, FROM THE GROUND UP, WE CANNOT HEAL OTHERS AS WE SHOULD, AS FOOD IS MEANT TO HEAL. RESTAURANTS NEED TO SERVE MORE THAN JUST FOOD. THEY NEED TO CREATE VISIONS THAT GO BEYOND WINNING MICHELIN STARS AND COOKING GOOD FOOD. WE HAVE A CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY TO DO MORE – TO FEED PEOPLE NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND TO BROADEN PEOPLE’S IDEAS OF WHAT WELLNESS CUISINE ENTAILS.
PEGGY CHAN founder, managing director & executive chef at Grassroots Initiatives Group