Hennessy partners with designer Kim Jones
Cognac brand Hennessy has collaborated with fashion designer Kim Jones to produce a collectible range, including a £25,000 (US$30,288) decanter.
The LVMH-owned brand and British designer have produced the Hennessy XO x Kim Jones collection, which comprises a Hennessy XO Masterpiece decanter, designed by Jones; a limited edition Hennessy XO bottle; the brand’s first pair of limited edition trainers – the HNY Low by Kim Jones. "We are thrilled to embark on a new odyssey blending Cognac-making and couture with Kim Jones, a creative master of our time," said Laurent Boillot, Hennessy CEO. "Inspired by the emblematic personality of Hennessy XO, Kim has developed a resolutely contemporary collection that is destined to make an impact on culture today and in the future." This is the first time Hennessy has partnered with a fashion designer. “I’m fascinated by the rich heritage of Hennessy, a household name behind which artisans have spent hundreds of years creating this special Cognac,” said Jones. “Storytelling is very important for me regardless of what I’m designing or who I’m collaborating with – I want my designs to educate and inspire people through the stories they tell.” The trainers were inspired by basketball shoes, and feature the Hennessy XO x Kim Jones logo on the underside, and the initials KJ and the Hennessy emblem on the heel. They are available to buy for RRP £620 (US$750) per pair. Jones added: “I wanted it to be elevated and chic, to reflect both the long heritage of Cognac and my own design values. “I wanted it to feel like you’re almost looking into the bottle. It’s a glass of cognac in sneaker form.” 200 Masterpiece decanters produced Meanwhile, the Masterpiece decanter was created using 3D-printing technology, and only 200 were produced. The decanter itself has been dipped in gradient colours, an effect inspired by the shades of the different eaux-de-vie selected by the master blender to compose Hennessy X.O. The decanter will retail for RRP £25,000 (US$30,288). Jones added: “When I saw how the vintage Hennessy bottles were wrapped, it spoke volumes to me about how precious each one is, and how they were handled. "I was particularly touched by their history, and the sense of how generations have dedicated their time to making each step of the process better and better. That same process also holds true with fashion.” Finally, the 700ml limited edition XO bottling, retailing for RRP £200 (US$242) is encased in an aluminium 'second skin'. The collection will launch on 17 March, and is available to purchase from clothing store Flannels in Oxford Street, London. The Cognac brand recently teamed up with global hospitality company MGM to create a fan experience for upcoming feature film Creed III.
