SWITZERLAND. Johnny Depp was there. Naomi Campbell was there. And many of the world’s leading travel retailers were there. The occasion was a remarkable celebration of 100 years in luxury by writing instruments to jewellery group Montblanc in Geneva last night, where the company unveiled the extraordinary Montblanc diamond, cut with 43 facets in the shape of the legendary Montblanc star.
Around 3,000 guests, including The Moodie Report from the travel retail press, were on hand as Montblanc created an amazing imaginary journey to the famed mountain whose name the luxury house bears. They ‘boarded’ an imaginary Montblanc International Airlines flight and ‘disembarked’ into a giant area resembling the slopes and surrounds of the mountain. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just landed on the top of Mont Blanc,” said the captain.
“I hope you will all become frequent flyers of Montblanc if you are not already,” said Montblanc International Managing Director Wolff Heinrichsdorff. He unveiled the Montblanc diamond, describing it as a tribute to the company’s 100th anniversary. Look out for our report, coming soon, on the range of limited edition luxury items that Montblanc has introduced in this most special of years. In the meantime, come with us on an alpine journey for a taste of last night’s centennial celebrations.
![]() | ![]() |
“Your flight to Montblanc from Geneva on Montblanc International Airlines is about to board.” | |
![]() | ![]() |
The paparazzi gathered as VIPs disembarked from their short Montblanc International Airlines flight | |
![]() | ![]() |
(Left): “I hope you will all become frequent flyers of Montblanc if you are not already,” – Montblanc International Managing Director Wolff Heinrichsdorff; (Right): Naomi Campbell looked ice cool as she modelled the most expensive ladies’ watch Montblanc has ever produced | |
![]() | ![]() |
(Left): Film star and Montblanc aficionado Johnny Depp is presented with a gift by Montblanc International co-Managing Director Lutz Bethge; (right) Johnny Depp’s partner Vanessa Paradis was also on hand | |
![]() | ![]() |
(Left): John Garner of DFASS, Mary Ann Welsch Fuerst, and Jan Luijendijk of Montblanc; (Right) These images epitomise Montblanc’s successful diversification into a women’s luxury brand | |
![]() | ![]() |
(Left): Zainub Sareea, General Manager Travel Retail of Visions, Montblanc’s travel retail representative in the Middle East, with Fiona Nagi and Sharon Beecham of Dubai Duty Free; (Right): The Moodie Report Publisher Martin Moodie with Frank Passmann, General Manager Travel Retail – Western Hemisphere for Montblanc |