THE JOY OF WRITING Alessandra Elia
ALESSANDRA ELIA recounts the the awe-inspiring story of space exploration behind Montblanc’s StarWalker collection and how it inspires people to reconnect with the planet
Since it was launched in 2003, Montblanc’s StarWalker collection has continued to evolve while preserving its most iconic elements, thereby becoming ingrained in the brand’s history. By taking up space exploration as its theme, the collection inspires people to reconnect with the Earth. Recounting the StarWalker’s journey to Prestige’s Liviani Putri is Alessandra Elia, Director of Writing Culture at Montblanc International.
When the first time you fell in love with writing instruments? And how important is writing for you?
I fell in love with writing instruments during my childhood. Learning how to write with a fountain pen was such a rewarding experience as a student. I loved everything that came with it: The sensation of the nib gliding smoothly over the paper, the gentle pressure needed as opposed to when using a ballpoint. The comfortable feeling of lightness holding the instrument in my hand triggered a great sensation of freedom and an invitation to self-expression initiating what I can describe as “the pure joy of writing”.
Since then, writing instruments have been a really important element in my life. I owned a few Montblanc ones before joining the company and still treasure them just as much. Today, the importance of those instruments in my life became even more prominent as I like to alternate “experiencing” different writing instruments every day, depending on the mood and the occasion. I like to revisit my notes and observe the different output depending on the mode and instrument used each time.
Why did you decide to join the writing culture management at Montblanc?
I decided to join Montblanc in July 2018 after having a very inspiring discussion with our CEO Nicolas Baretzki, where he explained his vision for the brand. It occurred to me how much writing was not only a gesture linked to an object but literally one of the most significant means by which we leave a mark of our existence, express thoughts, transmit a heritage and connect with others. Suddenly, I realized how much more there was behind the topic of “writing culture” and the immense opportunities for the future of this category.
My role feels like being the conductor of an orchestra. The team is responsible for leading the development of all our new collections from the concept stage, working with the designers, up to technical realization with the operations team, down to demand and sales planning collaborating with all relevant teams cross-functionally. The role of this category is very important as we have responsibility for the business and the future development of all new and existing collections.
Why was space exploration chosen as the main inspiration for Montblanc’s StarWalker?
Space travel is the ultimate form of exploration, hence a very coherent association with our maison. I would use the terms modernity, engineering and futuristic spirit as the key words to define this collection. With its modern aesthetics and innovative materials, the StarWalker collection embodies the ethos of the visionary engineers and entrepreneurs who founded the maison in the early 20th century with an unrelenting desire to push the boundaries of innovation. The newly redesigned collection is imbued with the same spirit of continuous exploration, one that drives many of today’s engineers, scientists and inventors to make the future brighter by challenging the limits of technological advancement on earth and in space.
How did the company ensure that every Montblanc writing instrument is of the very highest quality?
Quality testing is the credo of our maison. Every single part of a writing instrument requires multiple stages of development. In the case of StarWalker, for instance, it took months to develop its new blue translucent dome. There are more than eight steps in the development of that dome—a patented technology— ensuring the perfect reflection and flawless execution.
In this age of smartphones and technology, why is it important to have at least one fine pen?
Owning and using a fine pen is an extraordinary experience because it represents the purest form of creativity. Taking the time to write with a fine pen does not come close to any digital experience. It is a special moment leaving a true trace, something that will not be auto-corrected or lost in the digital space. It is the freedom of expression, a form of art in a certain sense.