In a world adorned with myriad languages, cultures and histories, a common thread weaves the human experience together — the profound and universal power of words. Words — both written and spoken — have an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries, ignite imaginations, and connect souls across continents. It is this very essence of words — their ability to create, inspire, and preserve — that Montblanc explores in the Montblanc Library Spirit global campaign.
Through the lens of the Library Spirit, Montblanc invites us on an enchanting journey that traverses not only the globe but also the realm of human expression. The campaign stands as a homage to the rich tapestry of words that have been inked onto countless pages throughout history, forming the cornerstone of cultures and civilisations. What better place to house words than in a library? Across vast hallways, past rows of sprawling bookshelves — where the sounds of paper flipping puncture the silence — lies a sanctuary of knowledge and stories resting in their eternal abode.
For Montblanc, their relationship with words began at the company’s genesis in 1906, built on the foundation of the now iconic writing instruments. Over the next century and beyond, they have become conduits that bring imagination into reality, a vessel for ideas to transcend the boundaries of the mind and take shape upon the canvas of paper. It begins at a personal desk, where intimacy and stillness allow one to tap into an infinite pool of creativity flowing from within. The symbiotic relationship between pen and paper endures even with technology and digitisation transforming work processes forever. As part of the Library Spirit campaign, Montblanc is releasing the Montblanc StarWalker SpaceBlue Metal Fineliner writing instrument. An intricate Widmanstätten pattern, —characteristic of meteorites — runs across the precious resin and dark ruthenium-coated metal case, celebrating the wonders of our vast galaxy. Accents of midnight blue — most prominently seen on the cap top subdome — evoke hues of the starry sky where the Montblanc emblem floats gracefully.
Yet, the Library Spirit is not confined to the pages of books, the nibs of pens or desks at home — it extends its embrace to the heart of cities worldwide. While the universality of words knows no borders, the expression of this allure is uniquely shaped by the distinctive character of different cities. From the historical archives of Milan to the literary havens of Shanghai, literature, poetry, philosophies and even down to the everyday casualness of a cookbook offers a window into the city’s culture and history.
As the pages of the Library Spirit unfurl, they unveil a visual feast of the expanded Montblanc Extreme 3.0 collection first unveiled last July. Designed to meet the demands of everyday movement where functionality is in equilibrium with contemporary style, the current collection is joined by two new colours — fern blue, a sophisticated shade of teal, and silver. In contrast, the existing shades of British green and forged iron are broadened by new styles.
With an array of shapes, sizes and functions, the Extreme 3.0 collection is the perfect travel companion where mundane journeys yield exhilarating adventures. The modularity within the collection brims with versatility thanks to purposeful rings and hooks. Urban travellers exploring cities with the new crossbody Montblanc 142 Bag can simply attach the Extreme 3.0 Round Case to hold small essentials such as coins and the latest Montblanc MTB 03 In-Ear Headphones. The roomy Extreme 3.0 Large Backpack or Duffle will provide ample room for overnighters, retrofitted with a redeveloped M LOCK 4810 buckle. Inspired by carabiners used in mountaineering, an innovative mechanism within the M LOCK 4810 buckle guarantees secure closure but slips open like butter when needed.
The hard-wearing leather of the Extreme 3.0 collection features a carbon fibre-like motif inspired by images created by Grete Gross — Montblanc’s head of advertising —who deeply influenced Montblanc’s visual language in the 1920s. Given the various accessories in the collection, the motif has been adapted accordingly — a more prominent treatment for bags and a smaller one for small leather goods. Leathers from the Extreme 3.0 collection are produced with a CO2-neutral tanning process, which is achieved by offsetting CO2 emissions generated by this process. Conversely, the lining is made from recycled fabric. Beyond its aesthetic splendour, the Library Spirit campaign is a testament to Montblanc’s commitment to sustainability. It mirrors the libraries’ role as custodians of knowledge, reflecting Montblanc’s dedication to conserving and preserving our planet for future generations.
Once you’re done reading about the Montblanc Library Spirit, click here to catch up with our August 2023 issue.
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