I recently attended the first ever South African showcase of Montblanc. I was pleasantly surprised that Montblanc goes beyond writing instruments.
I’d always thought Montblanc to be fancy, luxurious and expensive writing instruments, but being immersed in the culture of the brand had me swooning and trying to see ways I can readjust my budget to buy one or two collectors pieces for that one day I secured that one dream deal I’m working towards.
Also, as a person very interested and inquisitive (in a very nerdy way) in the luxury space, I am always on the lookout for pieces that are easy to maintain, easy to keep and store and that hold value. So, things such as the fact that Montblanc makers destroy some of the instruments that they use to make collectors’ items after the collections are done as a sign of respect and value of the collectors is such an ‘aha!’ for me – that value retention is important for me.
The showcase included:
Time pieces (timeless pieces, if I do say so myself):
the 1858 Collection
Heritage Chromometrie Collection
the Limited Edition writing instruments (not pens – please) include
Avicenna – Inspired by one of the most significant thinkers and writers of the Islamic Golden Age, Montblanc’s tribute to Ibn Sina, also known as ‘Avicenna’ pushes creative boundaries to tell the story of a major historical figure who made countless contributions to medicine and the European Renaissance.
The Beatles Edition – Montblanc puts a spotlight on the ground-breaking work and cultural influence of one of the most famous music acts of all time, The Beatles.
Hannibal Barca – In honour of his strategic genius, a Punic military commander from Carthage, Hannibal Barca (247 – between 183 and 181 BC) is considered one of the greatest military commanders of the antiquity alongside Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. He is sometimes referred to as the “father of strategy” because his military tactics were adopted by his great nemesis, Rome.
Oh, and this collection includes cuff links too…
Miles Davis (My favourite of this collection) – Miles Davis’s innovative approach to musical exploration is interpreted through pioneering design and fine craftsmanship that are at the very heart of Montblanc’s heritage. The unique trumpet shape makes the latest Great Characters Limited Edition stand out, complete with trumpet valves on the clip and a cone shaped like the special “Heim” mouthpiece Miles Davis used to play. I am particularly obsessed with the inscribing of Miles Davis’ favourite words “Black is Beautiful” on the pen lid. This piece seals the deal for me. It is also limited to just 90 pieces in celebration of what would have been his 90th birthday in 2016.
Patron of Arts Homage to Ludwig II – As part of its ongoing support of arts and culture worldwide, Montblanc has been recognizing the exceptional contributions of today’s patrons of the arts since 1992 with the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award. The latest Montblanc Patron of Art edition celebrates the extraordinary life and cultural legacy of Ludwig II of Bavaria (25 August 1845 – 13 June 1886), referred to as the “Swan King” or the “Fairy Tale King”. As a patron of Richard Wagner, he facilitated the creation of the composer’s greatest works including Tristan and Isolde, Die Meistersinger and Parsifal. In addition to his support of music and theatre, King Ludwig dedicated himself to the construction of extraordinary palaces such as the fairy tale Schloss Neuschwanstein, a dramatic romantic fortress decorated with scenes from Wagner’s operatic masterpieces.
Each of these instrument designs brings together elements from the characters, the motifs, passions and characteristics of the icons. It cements the timelessness and makes it an item with a story and endless value.
Each of these instrument designs brings together elements from the characters, the motifs, passions and characteristics of the icons. It cements the timelessness and makes it an item with a story and endless value.
I also had a moment to play with the MST (short for Meisterstück Selection) Sfamuto Leather collection – this is the masterfully painted leather and contemporary sophisticated style, the Meisterstück Selection Sfumato collection blends age-old traditions with Montblanc’s passion for the finest craftsmanship and innovation.
See the video below to see the technique explained:
