To mark the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 10 and 11, 2023, the famous endurance car race and ST Dupont, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022, are joining forces to create a rich, contemporary, and innovative collection.
This is the alliance of two French legends for the year 2023. It is the union of two iconic French brands with unique technologies. Each in its own field promotes French excellence internationally. The partnership was negotiated by IMG Licensing, the exclusive agency managing the 24 Hours of Le Mans licensing program since 2007.
This unprecedented collaboration is resolutely looking to the future, reflecting the 24 Hours of Le Mans' slogan "Ahead of the Future." It responds to the appetite for automobiles and luxury among a new, more cosmopolitan, younger, and often more feminine audience. It shares recognized shared values and a great deal of emotion: avant-garde, sharing, team spirit, passion, and longevity.
This partnership also unites the fortunes of both brands with those of individuals, drivers, celebrities, and ordinary people who have driven on the 13,6-km Le Mans circuit or savored the refinement of ST Dupont objects. When legend meets elegance.
« A historic event, an extraordinary collection. To mark the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the artisans at ST Dupont have developed a collection of products that combine the brand's codes with the standards of the automotive world. The collaboration is at its peak with a superb limited edition of which I am extremely proud. A big thank you to ACO for offering us this fantastic opportunity. ", declares Alain Crevet, President of ST Dupont.
« ST Dupont is a true icon and a brand with over 150 years of history. The 24 Hours of Le Mans, nicknamed the Race of the Century, celebrates its centenary this year, and I am particularly proud that our two institutions are forming a partnership that allows us to offer collectors and enthusiasts high-quality products. " says in essence Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest.
The Prestige Collection is inspired by the emblems of the Le Mans circuit (trophies, helmets, kerb colors, etc.). As a decorative support, the French brand ST Dupont created a racing car in the shape of a racing car, used to racing on this circuit. The codes of the Brand and luxury, as well as the automotive world (stripes on the car, numbers, sponsors) emerge. The choice of blue and gold lacquered finishes is a nod to the colors of the track, such as the stripes and kerbs, but also symbolizes the day and night of this 24-hour endurance race. The base of the pen resembles the standard trophy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The design of the lighter The Great Dupont pays homage to the aerodynamic lines of motorsport. In this Prestige Collection, we find a smoking set and a writing set in a limited edition of 288 pieces, each with a helmet-shaped key ring. The Collector is limited to 188 copies, bringing together the two sets and their accessories, to which cufflinks have been added.
Premium offer features other legendary colors of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the manufacturers who made a splash at the event. It includes cufflinks, a large multifunctional writing instrument Line D and a lighter Line 2. Taking up the symbolism of the number 8, the design reproduces the curves of the bends of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, right down to the guilloché of each object, ensuring a symbolism of movement. Available in three colors: blue, orange and red.
The Access range also revolves around this theme. Unlike the previous two, there is no engraved number this time, only the 24 Hours of Le Mans logo. We find the same three colors and the same finishes, but this time, the design is straight to accentuate the symbolism of speed, notably the legendary Mulsanne Straight. The collection includes a pen Millennium Challenge, two lighters Jet (Slim 7 et Megajet).
Several cigar accessories complete the collection: porcelain ashtrays, cigar cutters and double cigar cases. Cigar lovers and car enthusiasts will find their accessories, also available in three colors.
The latest addition to the joint collection brings together several leather goods: 48H travel bag, backpack, shoulder bag, card holder, wallet and key ring. Thus, ST Dupont engineers in France did not fail to give a nod to the car, because the fiber used is reminiscent of racing car interiors.
While ST Dupont has already explored areas related to transport and travel in the past, the French luxury icon is launching a Limited edition on the theme of automobiles. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Maison writes a new chapter full of hope, shared wealth, and innovation. When the two centenarians finally meet again, their marriage can only be a complete success. www.st-dupont.com
André Tirlet
