THE JOURNAL
Montblanc X Public School New York Brings Us Environmentally Conscious Luxury Accessories
At its heart, style is a question of identity – of leaving your mark in the world, of how we portray ourselves and how we would like to be seen. In recent times, we have been asking ourselves other questions, too, such as how we can do this in a way which respects the planet. We want to make conscious choices about what we buy so that we can be more confident of the impact of our actions upon the world we live in.
It’s a concern shared by Montblanc. Producing luxury and timeless creations has always been at the heart of the luxury maison, which started out over a century ago as a maker of fine writing instruments. While the brand has defined the art of writing since, its classic design signature can now be found on everything from luxury watches, accessories and leather goods. And over the last few years, Montblanc’s relentless pursuit of innovation has seen it shift focus to the environment around us.
That is the spirit of its latest five-piece limited-edition collection consisting of bags and accessories made from regenerated fabric and created in collaboration with US streetwear brand Public School New York. Founded by Messrs Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne in 2008, PSNY is a renowned industry disruptor, unafraid to challenge convention and ask the big questions of fashion. It’s not shy about asking questions of itself, either, which has led to the brand rebuilding around more conscious principles.
“The collection stylishly embodies the on-the-go energy of PSNY’s hometown, with bags for every possible city adventure”
The result of this coming together of two like-minded brands is Montblanc X PSNY, a five-piece collection that marries both parties’ aesthetic sensibilities with a shared commitment to environmentally conscious design. The collection stylishly embodies the on-the-go energy of PSNY’s hometown, with bags for every possible city adventure. The envelope bag, with the collection signature acid-green trim, makes perfect sense for intrepid journeys back to the office, while the belt bag is made for off-duty exploring and the robust duffle for those weekend escapes from the city. All are stamped with the kind of classic design and modern luxury synonymous with Montblanc.
Materials have been carefully chosen for their low environmental impact, with the outside and inside lining of each piece made of a recycled nylon yarn ECONYL®, produced from waste including fishing nets, carpets and fabric scraps. Fabrics such as these not only reduce waste but help to prevent scrappage, since they can be recycled again for further use. Finding the lowest environmental impact possible was a goal threaded through every aspect of the design, from 100 per cent recyclable steel in the detailing to recycled polyester straps, the production of which requires less than half the energy of using virgin polyester.
The Montblanc X PSNY project’s commitment to positive change is reflected in the design, too. Inside each bag is a leather tag bearing the manifesto of “Those who dare, those who will, those who care make the difference”, while on the black and acid-green leather card holder (made from a combination of leftover leather that has undergone a CO2 neutral tanning process) is a statement to the power of ideas as instruments of change: “The Pen(cil) is mightier than the sword”. It’s a fitting final touch for an expertly crafted luxury collection that hands its owner the ability to make conscious choices about their individual environmental impact. Sounds like a stylish way to leave your mark.
