German purveyor of fine writing instruments and leather goods, Montblanc, has collaborated yet again with children’s charity UNICEF to release a collection of limited edition writing instruments, timepieces, accessories and leather goods.
The Writing is a Gift pen collection emphasises the universal nature of writing, incorporating the multi-cultural aspect of language into the design of its Montblanc Meisterstück. The collection includes a Fountain Pen LeGrand, Rollerball LeGrand, Ballpoint Midsize, and a Rollerball and Ballpoint Classique — with each writing instrument featuring the first letter from each of six different world languages — Roman, Hindi, Arabic, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.
Each pen is made to measure from materials such as precious resin, sterling silver or ebonite. To symbolise the UNICEF partnership, each piece is accentuated with a precious blue sapphire.
The collection is inspired by the Rosetta stone, which Montblanc creative director Zaim Kamal saw at the British Museum. The stone was discovered in 1799 and carved in 196 BC with three different ancient inscriptions — hieroglyphic, demotic and Greek.
“When you talk about writing and the power of words, about how they pass from generation to generation, you realise that writing is what helps to communicate,” explained Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki in a recent interview with The Telegraph. “Without that carved stone we would never have been able to understand the rich culture of ancient Egypt.”
Our favourite piece from the collection is the Meisterstück 149 3D Skeleton, a pen that combines the brand’s fine craftsmanship with UNICEF-inspired design elements. The writing instrument is a unique Skeleton piece made from a platinum-coated tube turned and milled to create three-dimensional calligraphy, making use of a special blue resin that matches UNICEF’s characteristic colour.
To top it off, the cap top is made from mother of pearl and onyx, and embellished with a 2.5mm blue sapphire to symbolise the UNICEF partnership. It protects the piece’s handcrafted Au 750 white gold nib.
The six text characters run throughout the collection, engraved and embossed into other products such as a selection of Montblanc backpacks, bags and small leather goods, as well as a special edition of the brand’s leather Augmented Paper case.
Over the past 13 years, Montblanc has garnered over S$13.9 million for UNICEF to ensure that every child around the world has proper access to an education. The initiative, endorsed by Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman, gives individuals the ability to own a Montblanc piece that carries true purpose — making a valuable contribution to the work of UNICEF in communities around the world.
The Montblanc UNICEF collection is available at Montblanc boutiques and online at Montblanc.com. Each item sold between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018 contributes to the minimum of S$2 million Montblanc has committed to donating to UNICEF, to provide more children access to education.
(All images: Montblanc)
Dewi Nurjuwita
Senior Writer
Dewi Nurjuwita is a travel and design writer who can be found exploring the streets of foreign cities with passport in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
