Montblanc’s irrepressible spirit of adventure and exploration expressed in an new fragrance inspired by the blue of nature
Blue is the colour of the sky and the seas; the colour of ice-covered mountain peaks and expansive lakes. On the horizon of every adventurer, blue always invites discovery and exploration. It is also the inspiration for Montblanc’s fragrance Explorer Ultra Blue, an irresistible invitation to embrace the explorer’s adventurous spirit, and embark on an epic olfactory journey. The fragrance is the newest addition to the Montblanc Explorer line first launched in 2019 as a tribute to the Maison’s passion for exploration and heritage as a trusted travel companion to explorers for nearly 115 years. The second pillar of the Maison’s fragrance brand, Montblanc Explorer has been embraced by a new generation of adventurers, challenging conventions and looking to leave their mark in the world.
Embarking on an energizing new olfactory journey across waters
An ode to the blue of nature, Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue celebrates the Maison’s connection with nature, and the distinctive citrus, woody and marine notes of the fragrance reflect it. Three world travellers and exceptionally talented noses – Givaudan’s Jordi Fernandez , Olivier Pescheux, and Antoine Maisondieu – have come together to develop an original scent fit for today’s explorer, one that awakens a desire to discover nature’s palette of blues: sky, lakes and mountains.
The top notes of Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue can be described as a luminous and zesty fusion of Italian bergamot and citrus of the finest quality, with the addition of a touch of pink peppercorn to deliver a fresh spicy note with woody facets reminiscent of pepper and elemi. Marine accord is the beating heart of the fragrance. The blue aquatic depth that comes from fusing citrus with the marine and airy notes evokes the freshness of Alpine landscapes, with the subtle hint of a sea breeze. The fresh, iodine, watery, salty and airy notes contrast with grey amber notes. One final stop on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia delivers the base notes that define the structure of Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue. A singular patchouli of the finest quality has been exclusively crafted for Montblanc. Cleared from the usual dark earth facets it naturally comes with, this patchouli is then masterfully combined with refined woods giving it an earthy and rich base, with leathery facets.
Exploration is about uncovering the finest ingredients and skills, and bringing them together to create something new. Intense, infinite and fresh, the Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue journey doesn’t end with the fragrance.
A fragrance bottled up with all the artistry and fine craftsmanship of Montblanc
It continues with the design of the ingenious bottle that holds it, leaning into the Maison’s long tradition of fine European craftsmanship with stops in Germany, Italy and France. Assembled by hand in the Maison’s Pelleteria in Florence, the bottle’s Ultra Blue leather-like protective sheath is printed with the elegant Saffiano motif used on Montblanc leather creations since 1926, and decorated with the Montblanc emblem crafted in Montblanc’s Hamburg manufacture. The polished white metal engineering gear cap on the bottle is elegantly engraved with ‘Montblanc Explorer’. With the greatest care and attention to detail in design and quality, the bottle’s thick glass base reveals the iconic Montblanc star representing the six glacial slopes creating the snowy peak of the mountain. Because Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue was conceived as a fragrance for adventurers, not just inspired by the spirit of adventure, the fragrance also comes in a 30ml travel bottle, a convenient size that allows the explorer to bring his perfume everywhere he goes.
A vibrant portrait of the Ultra Blue adventurer in his element captured in a new campaign
A new campaign shot by John Balsom captures the spirit of exploration of Explorer Ultra Blue, featuring model and adventurer Rein Langeveld, on his own epic journey, right where the blue of the sky, of a lake and the highest peaks of the French Alps meet. Mountain and water, the inspiration for the fragrance, are as much the heroes of the story as our intrepid explorer. A celebration of open skies, breathtaking mountainscapes, and the pure air of high altitudes, the awe-inspiring visuals serve as a reminder that when you find your spirit of exploration, you can push beyond boundaries, with only the sky as the limit. The TV campaign spotlights the Ultra Blue man – confident, determined and always focused on his next adventure – in his element, on a blue lake, ready to take on the elements in his latest challenge, aboard a luxurious boat.
With Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue, the Maison writes a new exciting chapter in the Explorer adventure. An invitation to embark on an unforgettable expedition experience wide-open spaces and expansive mountain lakes, and enjoy the pure freshness of the deep blue of nature, captured in a vibrant new fragrance.
Adhering to a socially and environmentally conscious manufacturing process
Initiated with the original Montblanc Explorer fragrance, ethical sourcing continues to be a priority in the creation of this line of fragrances, with the main ingredients of Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue coming from Givaudan’s Sourcing for Shared Value program. The famous perfume house supports local producers in embracing ethical and sustainable development. This ethical commitment is in line with the philosophy of Montblanc EXPLORER where travel goes hand in hand with making the world a better place to create a brighter future. This support to local communities is also reflected in educative initiatives for future generations, such as the construction of three libraries for school children in the regions of Buton and Katoi on the island of Sulawesi.
Synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, Montblanc has been pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since the Maison first revolutionized the culture of writing in 1906. Ingenuity and imagination continue to be driving forces for the Maison today as it advances its expression of fine craftsmanship across product categories: writing instruments, watches, leather goods, new technologies and accessories. Reflecting upon its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from bold ideas and expertly crafted through the skills of the Maison’s artisans, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, quality and an expression of sophisticated style. As part of its on-going commitment to elevating and support those who strive to leave their mark, Montblanc continues to assert its encouragement of education programs around the world and initiatives that inspire people to express their full potential.
Photography: Courtesy Images