UNCOILING A CLASSIC
Montblanc’s journey from its humble beginnings as a writing instrument creator to leather goods purveyor and finally, a respected watchmaker. Montblanc’s Asia Pacific president Julien Renard reaffirms the brand’s significance in the field of luxury by pointing out that its business has evolved into the art of creating quality ‘lifetime companions’.
It is only right that Montblanc returns to its beginnings for its 110th-year anniversary by commemorating one of the first product lines it created in the early 20th century. The brand unveiled its all-new Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge & Noir writing instruments to mark the occasion. While the design of this pen has a vintage feel, it is also accorded with a contemporary twist via a slimmer and longer silhouette and a modern piston technology. Unique materials are brought to the forefront when it came to the creation of the three writing instruments in this anniversary collection. The first 2016 Rouge & Noir Limited Edition 1906 is made from hard rubber—a material that was once one of the only viable and available materials from which Montblanc could create fountain pens. The cap and barrel of the writing instrument are
“For a contemporary man, style has always been about the state of mind than anything else. He is a man of substance”
crafted from ebonite, which contains natural rubber with sulphur and linseed oil used in a model from 1909 and manufactured according to a traditional process. These instruments feature a common serpent motif on the clips and nibs—an ode to Montblanc’s 1920s writing equipment during the Art Deco period. The spotlight on snakes is also figuratively chosen for a purpose. “The uncoiling serpent, rising to the sky, is a celebration of the pure energy of life in ancient civilisations. It takes centre stage in our 110th year collection across all categories, evoking the creative vitality that continues to define Montblanc’s passion for fine craftsmanship,” says Renard. In a tier above, the Rouge & Noir Serpent editions go beyond luxury. Also prominent here is the serpent theme from the previous collection—its motifs elevated further in