OUT & ABOUT --- JQ Visits Montblanc Flagship By Sarah Daniels
On August 3, 2009, JQ attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of Montblanc’s new flagship boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where a bevy of black-clad socialites and celebrities bustled about the large, four-room boutique.
The new space is quite different from the store’s previous teeny-tiny, 11-year old Rodeo location. Small as the former shop was, however, we were told by an insider that it nevertheless managed the impossible—actually seeing an increase in sales for the first half of 2009, over 2008.
So, although it may seem like an inopportune time for expansion, it seems that Montblanc may be a recession-resistant luxury brand. In fact, this step up to 323 Rodeo follows another growth move; the company expanded its Houston boutique in Houston in July.
The Rodeo store boasts a wide variety of products: from its classic writing instruments to high-end watches and fine jewelry to sunglasses and leather goods. Although the entire collection reflects Montblanc’s sleek, sophisticated style (and iconic star emblem, of course), the brand has branched out a bit with jeweled writing instruments, diamond timepieces, women's handbags, and the introduction of colored gemstones to the 4810 collection.
On display were several stunning one-of-a-kind pieces, exclusive to the Beverly Hills location, such as the diamond encrusted lariat that JQ suggested Kathy Hilton try on for her husband, Rick (as seen at right). In particular, JQ coveted the En Vague Pave ring and new signature silver star sunglasses. Other invited guests eyeing Montblanc’s sparkling wares included House Bunny actress and model Monet Mazur, Phantom of the Opera actress Emmy Rossum, and DJ Sky Nellor. JQ
Kathy Hilton Emmy Rossum
All photos courtesy of Wire Image, Alberto E. Rodriguez
