Hennessy is pleased to announce its collaboration with British designer Kim Jones to create the limited-edition Hennessy XO collection.
Combining over 150 years of Hennessy XO Cognac heritage with the creativity of Kim Jones, the collection includes a limited edition Hennessy XO “Masterpiece” decanter of 200, as well as a limited edition decanter.
For Hennessy XO Cognac, Kim Jones pays particular homage to two processes—cognac blending and design—both of which require an understanding of science and nature, and thus call upon craftsmanship. He follows in the footsteps of a long line of artists, including Frank Gehry, Marc Newson, Tom Dixon, and Arik Levy, who have contributed to the legacy of Hennessy XO Cognac over the years.
« I am fascinated by the heritage of Hennessy, where artisans have spent hundreds of years making this special cognac " explains Kim Jones.
“Masterpiece” decanter and limited edition decanter
Created exclusively for Hennessy by Kim Jones, using 3D printing technology and finished by hand, the Hennessy XO “Masterpiece” decanter is limited to just 200 pieces. It demonstrates how craftsmanship, know-how and technology can combine to create something unique, “ like a personalized work of art for a carafe " said the designer.
The “Masterpiece” decanter is inspired by the Hennessy XO cognac-making process, a skill perfected by some eight generations of master blenders. The titanium casing, developed especially for the occasion, completely covers the decanter like a second skin. Its folds recall the way Hennessy bottles were hand-wrapped in tissue paper in the early 20th century to protect the fragile parchment labels. Its base is a corrugated oak tray reminiscent of the barrels used to age eaux-de-vie, which are then blended to create Hennessy XO cognac.
While the decanter is completely hidden, the cognac can be extracted using a serving rifle designed by Kim Jones, a ritual of tasting Hennessy XO cognac. The decanter itself has been dipped in gradient colors, a tribute inspired by the nuances of the different eaux-de-vie chosen by the master blender to concoct Hennessy XO Cognac.
Kim Jones said: "When I look at the way the Hennessy bottles were packaged, it made a beautiful statement about the making of each one and how each one was handled. I was particularly interested in their history and how generations have invested their time to improve every step of the process."
Another element of the artistic reinterpretation is the "second skin" version of the limited-edition decanter, specially designed by Kim Jones. The Hennessy XO decanter is wrapped in a second aluminum skin whose structure accentuates the decanter's distinctive shape. The limited-edition bottle represents the fusion of Hennessy's creation and brand heritage, the final touch of this encounter.
The Hennessy XO “Masterpiece” decanters and the limited edition by Kim Jones will be available for sale at the Hennessy space on the third floor of La Samaritaine and at the Hennessy boutique in Cognac.
The Hennessy XO “Masterpiece” decanter by Kim Jones is priced at €25 and the limited edition Hennessy XO by Kim Jones is available for €000.
About Kim Jones
Kim Jones was born in London in 1979. He studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London, where he earned a Master's degree in menswear design. He then worked as a designer for the clothing brand Umbro in the UK. This was the first foray for a forward-thinking designer into a major British menswear brand. Kim Jones went on to apply his creativity to British labels Topman, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Alfred Dunhill, and many others.
In 2011, Kim Jones joined Louis Vuitton as artistic director of menswear and launched his first collection in January 2018. In March of that same year, Jones was appointed artistic director of Dior's menswear ready-to-wear and accessories collections. In September 2020, Kim Jones was appointed artistic director of Fendi haute couture and womenswear, and his first collection, Couture Spring/Summer 2021, was launched in Paris in January 2021.
About Maison Hennessy
A flagship brand of the LVMH group, Hennessy is a significant contributor to France's foreign trade. 99% of its products are exported, contributing significantly to France's international reputation. Its cognacs are the result of a unique process based on transmission. Hennessy was the first spirits distillery to receive ISO 14001 certification in 1998 and aims to become one of the most prestigious spirits distilleries in the world. By developing sustainable production methods, in consultation with winemaking partners and all stakeholders, Hennessy seeks to reconcile quality and responsibility to preserve, develop, and transmit its tangible and intangible heritage.
Patrick Koune
