Hamburg-based Montblanc has updated its “Extreme” leather goods collection for 2022. Founded in 1906, Montblanc quickly became known as one of the world’s leading purveyors of fine luxury writing instruments (we can do better than “pens”). Today, the brand has expanded beyond stationery, offering consumers accessories, timepieces, fragrances, and more. With a key focus on versatility, durability, and performance, the new “Extreme 3.0” collection features leather goods of varying shapes and sizes — ranging from a large backpack with three compartments, a crossbody sling bag, a laptop case, a belt, and even a key pouch.
There are technical innovations too, such as the use of leather tanned in a carbon-neutral manner, and new linings made from recycled fibers. And with a new leather motif, the collection pays homage to the brand’s Bauhaus-style advertising campaigns from the 1920s designed by Grete Gross, who was the brand’s influential head of advertising at the time. As Montblanc’s artistic director Marco Tomasetta puts it, “it was time to reimagine the collection’s distinctive pattern by diving into the Maison’s exceptional archive. The result is a bold, modern design that nods to Montblanc’s tradition of disruptive designs, and connects to the lifestyles of a new generation of Montblanc customers.”
The new collection blends the brand’s rich heritage with a future-facing perspective — to celebrate its launch, we invited five rising stars from the European online fashion sphere to sample the products, and share their thoughts:
Talk us through your outfit and how you put it together:
The suit is such a timeless piece and it can be worn in so many different ways. I personally love oversized clothes, and I think choosing a slightly bigger size of the jacket and trousers adds a cool, modern feel to it.
What’s your favorite detail about the bag?
Definitely the texture of the bag — it looks different depending on the light, which is so cool and unique!
What’s in your bag?
Everything! It's always filled to the brim.
What three essentials do you always carry with you?
Aside from the obvious — keys, phone and wallet — I'd say, headphones, a little snack if I ever get hungry, and if possible, an extra top or a jumper because I like to be prepared for any occasion.
Talk us through your outfit and how you put it together:
I went for an oversize blazer and matching pants, styled with a blue turtle neck sweater for a pop of color, and heeled boots for a dynamic touch. I think my look pairs well with the bag — it’s something you can wear for every occasion, be it on the move or perhaps somewhere a little more chill, or somewhere more proper.
What’s your favorite detail about the bag?
It’s hard to pick one if I’m being honest. For one, the silhouette of the bag is stunning, and when you admire it in its entirety, you notice the mosaic, the details on the buckle, the patterns, and the texture. It’s quite difficult to have just one favorite detail.
What’s in your bag?
Essentials, basically. My wallet, my phone, a handkerchief, a pen, headphones, mints, and my keys.
What three essentials do you always carry with you?
A bag, definitely. I always have one with me. My phone is always present when I’m on the go, and I’ll have to say my wallet.
Talk us through your outfit and how you put it together:
I wanted something that would identify with a formal style but be fused with current trends. The parka gives a sense of sobriety to the monochromatic ensemble. The parachute pants are the trend element, and the clogs finish the outfit, unifying the concept. The Montblanc backpack is the breaker element and the protagonist of the look.
What’s your favorite detail about the bag?
My favorite detail of the bag is the hook on the zipper. It’s technical, practical, and very secure.
What’s in your bag?
My headphones, a point-and-shoot camera, a notebook, a pen for the ideas that come to me, and a good book — Hemingway is always a good choice.
What three essentials do you always carry with you?
Accessories are a very important part of how I understand fashion. Rings and pendants are never missing. Glasses are an indispensable element in my creations right now. Last but not least, bags are a must, they help me carry everything I need to create content and at the same time, they elevate my outfits.
Talk us through your outfit and how you put it together:
I wanted to evoke something modern, refined but strong, so I went for a dark look in order to have it merge with my envelope bag.
What’s your favorite detail about the bag?
The Lock buckle because it has this aspect of luxury but also hiking.
What’s in your bag?
My phone, card holder, refillable bottle, hand cream, lip balm, ID, and dignity — in that order.
What three essentials do you always carry with you?
My phone, refillable bottle, and glasses.
Talk us through your outfit and how you put it together:
The style I put together was tailored towards that “in-between” season. I have been loving tighter-fitting long sleeves lately, and the vintage brown one I wore paired perfectly with my go-to pair of washed black denim. This style definitely leans more towards a smarter aesthetic, especially with the tabi loafers on foot. I went with a monochrome palette so the green of the Montblanc bag could really stand out from the rest of the look.
What’s your favorite detail about the bag?
It would have to be the colorway. That green is something else, especially when you really think about how many shades and tones of green there actually are. This green is so unique and yet so intentional with the little highlight of red from the latch.
What’s in your bag?
My sunglasses, card holder, sometimes a roll or two of Kodak film, and a polaroid of my amazing wife.
What three essentials do you always carry with you?
The first essential would be my phone. It’s so convenient to shoot on the go with something that can fit straight into your pocket. The second essential would be my cardholder. I prefer the sleek minimal style of a cardholder compared to a huge clunky wallet. Lastly, the third essential would be my sunglasses, no matter rain or shine. I think sunglasses are the perfect accessory to elevate any look on the spot.
The “Extreme 3.0” collection is available in stores and online now
