FRANCE. French luxury goods brand ST Dupont put on display updated versions of its signature lighters and pens at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes last month.
New-generation items include cigarette lighters for fashion-conscious people that are designed to work in any situation, and a pen set with 502 diamonds.
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Ergonomic: ST Dupont’s streamlined MaxiJet Collection includes torch flame lighters, a travel humidor and a cigar cutter |
LIGHTERS
ST Dupont created the first aluminium lighter in 1941 made from a solid brass section, requiring 70 components, 600 manufacturing operations and 300 quality control tests. The company’s lighters are known for their precious material decorations, such as yellow, white or pink gold, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, alligator skin, leather, Chinese lacquer and palladium.
This year, the company introduces the Ligne 2 Liberté cigar lighter which is described as one of the most powerful torch lighters in the world. The line comprises two lighters in palladium: one decorated with black Chinese lacquer and the other in club-style chocolate leather. In addition, ST Dupont offers cigar accessories in matching colours consisting of two humidors: one in black lacquer, the other one in warm wood. The precious wood humidors are made, polished and finished by hand and the humidifier maintains a constant humidity level of 72%. The collection also includes two travel humidors made of black or brown leather, as well as adjustable cigar cases which can hold all cigar sizes.
MaxiJet Collection: This new collection of torch flame lighters is available in black, chrome, grey or blue. Featuring a streamlined design and slender curves, MaxiJet lighters have an ergonomic style. The line offers an innovative travel humidor, made of highly resistant transparent resin. The MaxiJet collection also includes a cigar cutter using a patented opening system. Made of chrome-plated metal and black lacquer, it opens automatically when pushing on the triggers with the hand.
New Ligne 2 Collection: The new Ligne 2 lighters are equipped with the traditional flame that can also be adjusted to a double flame for cigar smokers. The collection comprises Alligator, representing alligator skin; Palladium Graphic, featuring a destructured Diamond Head pattern; Black Mother-of-Pearl; and Crocodile Placed Lacquer, representing crocodile scales and finished in black Chinese lacquer and palladium.
MiniJet Collection: Two lighters targeted at a fashion-conscious audience, featuring a laser, blue-tinted flame that is designed to stay straight in any position and light a cigarette in any situation, according to the company. The 5.5cm MiniJet has a slender and curved design and is available in seven colours, including black, white and red. A 1GB USB key, in white or black lacquer and brushed palladium, completes the collection. The key is designed as a piece of jewellery and can be worn as a pendant.
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Left: New Ligne 2 lighter; Right: The colourful MiniJet lighter collection | |
WRITING INSTRUMENTS
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ST Dupont Olympio Alligator pen |
In 1996, ST Dupont introduced the Olympio line of “bespoke” pens, fashioned from metal, requiring 150 operations and 200 quality control tests. The rhodium-plated 18ct gold nib is hand crafted, polished and tested, while the cap is engraved with the letter D on metal coated with black lacquer. The subsequent application of Chinese lacquer represents the signature feature of the Olympio collection.
Olympio Crocodile placed lacquer: This new pen is described as a modern version of the crocodile hide look, in a blend of Chinese lacquer and palladium. The nib is long in rhodium-plated, solid 18ct gold and decorated with arabesques. Available in fountain pen, roller ball and ballpoint versions.
Olympio Graphic palladium: The application of guilloche techniques adorn this pen with reflections, like a diamond. The brand’s iconic diamond head motif is revisited irregularly, to reflect the light. Available in fountain pen, roller ball and ballpoint versions.
Olympio Alligator: This handmade pen is covered in Florida alligator leather and has a soft texture, and the guilloche application on the cap mirrors the reptile’s scales. It features matt and shiny contrasts. Available in fountain pen, roller ball, and ballpoint versions.
Olympio Black mother-of-pearl: This pen is forged from black mother-of-pearl and is available in fountain pen, roller ball and ballpoint versions.
Olympio Pink Champagne: Both the cap and the barrel of this pen are made of solid pink-gold set with 125 diamonds and reminiscent of Champagne with its bubbles, the company said.
Olympio Champagne: Described as the most luxurious pen in the Olympio collection, the barrel and cap are in white-gold and set with 502 diamonds like Champagne bubbles.
Caprice Mother-of-pearl: This model is decorated with a pearlescent lacquer and incorporates a ring inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Shantung model in Chinese lacquer: Named after one of China’s silk-producing capitals, this hand-applied Chinese lacquer is designed to create unusual reflections. The updated Classique line is presented in grey or red, in a choice of ballpoint pen or mechanical pencil.
For details, contact Marie Guérin, Area Export Manager, ST Dupont, tel: +33 1 5391 3352, fax: +33 1 5391 3085, or e-mail mguerin@st-dupont.com Visit www.st-dupont.com
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