FROM JAPAN TO THE UNITED STATES, FROM INDIA TO PARIS, FROM EMIRATES TO RUSSIA, AND ONLY WORLDWIDE, HOUSE S.T. DUPONT TODAY IS CONSIDERED THE SYNONYM OF THE TRUE FRENCH LUXURY, SECURITY AND CLASSICAL TRADITIONS.
History of S.T. House Dupont began in 1872 when Simon Tissot-Dupont opened a workshop in Paris for the manufacture of expensive leather accessories. His sons continue their work, focusing on the production of luxury bags, which were created exclusively to order. To create one such bag, the DuPont brothers attracted seventeen specialists. It was such a serious approach to business that earned the products of the company the glory of impeccable samples of quality and taste. Exquisite S.T. Travel Bags Dupont was accompanied on travel by the Queen of Denmark, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, members of the Rothschild family, Mahatara Patyala, Queen of Siam and other noble persons. Along with jewelry and art objects S.T. Dupont became valuable gifts. So, to Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen of England, the President of the French Republic presented S.T. Dupont lavender color.
A new milestone in the company's history begins in 1952, when S.T. Dupont creates the world's first gas lighter, which has become a true symbol of the era. In 1972, S.T. Dupont was the first to introduce a ballpoint pen whose casing was made of silver. The silhouette of the handle resembled the swift contours of the famous Concorde aircraft. The product range S.T. Dupont today includes more than 100 different items, including a collection of writing instruments, lighters, watches, accessories for cigar smokers, clothing, leather goods and perfumes. A distinctive feature of this brand is the invariable elements of gold, crystal, precious wood, including tortoiseshell, as well as the famous Chinese varnish. But, despite the modern aspects of production, S.T. Dupont maintains a tradition of French sophistication and elegance, beauty and reliability. Each item in S. T. Dupont's collections is handmade.
Today, the head of the legendary company is Alan Kreve, a man known for his talent to inspire famous brands for new creative discoveries. A passionate admirer of all that is beautiful, Alan Kreve is the ideal leader of the company, which throughout its history has remained a vivid symbol of l'art de vivre ("art of life").
We managed to meet Alan Kreve and talk at the Kempinski hotel in Dubai, where he arrived to present the new anniversary collection of S. T. Dupont. We offer you an exclusive interview with Mr. Kreve given to the magazine "Russian Emirates"
Mr. Kreve, having headed the company, you have declared that you want to return the S. T. Dupont brand to classic traditions. What does it mean?
First of all, I myself am a longtime fan of the S. T. Dupont brand. Even before I headed the company, I used Dupont lighters, as a heavy smoker, beautiful and comfortable ballpoint pens and other items. Classics are classics. I want people not to forget the story of the brand S. T. Dupont, which began with the manufacture of elegant travel suitcases. A few years ago, I talked with a very famous gentleman from Hong Kong who was trying to change people's perception of the S. T. Dupont brand in his country. He believed that the brand should become more “young” and more impudent.
The windows of the branded "Dupont" boutique were hung with something, brightly decorated. Upon returning to Paris, I said - all this is fundamentally wrong. People know that S. T. Dupont is a luxury accessories company for men. And true luxury does not scream about itself at every corner. It is designed for the elite, for that audience that is able to appreciate both materials, and the quality of work, and the appearance of each product. Therefore, I believe that the most important thing for the further development of the brand is a return to the roots, paradoxical as it sounds. And today the company’s slogan, placed directly under the brand name, reads as follows: “Maitre Orfevre, Laqueur & Malletier Depuis 1872”, which means “Master of Gold and Silver, Lacquering and Leather Suitcases from 1872” in French. And that, perhaps, says it all.
The art of living is the philosophy of the brand, which promotes its four main types: The Art of Traveling, The Art of Writing, The Art of Fire and The Art of Surprising "(The Art of Surprising). A new kind of art is being born right now - it is The Art of the Exceptional.
The first customers of S. T. Dupont, as you know, were monarchs, representatives of the nobility, diplomats. Who today, in your opinion, are the main fans of your company's products?
I believe that they are all the same. Natives of the "high society", heads of state, diplomats, bankers, as well as large entrepreneurs who are well aware that high-quality business accessories are an integral part of a successful business. We offer unique collections of products: ballpoint and fountain pens, lighters, suitcases and cases, as well as accessories such as cufflinks, ties and neckerchiefs, and much more. The release of our new products is constantly monitored. S. T. Dupont is a piece of work. Our products are not manufactured in huge industrial lots, so we can talk about an almost individual approach to each customer.
In 2007, S. T. Dupont celebrated its 135th anniversary. What was new to commemorate such a significant anniversary?
New S.T. accessories collection Dupont pays tribute to the history of the brand and embodies the modern style of the legendary works of French masters. The company's well-known travel bags, so popular at the beginning of the last century, inspired the current creators of S.T. Dupont to create the Diamond Case - a crocodile leather travel suitcase. In its manufacture was used the unique technology of "diamond skin" - a special dressing with the use of diamond powder, which gives the skin incredible strength and radiance.
The new collection also features the Neo-Classique President pen coated with Chinese varnish, the secret of which has been proud of S.T. for more than half a century. Dupont. Before each such pen is placed in a case, it goes through more than 150 production operations and 200 quality checks. A tribute to the computer age is another S.T. Dupont - USB-card with a memory capacity of 4 GB, made in the corporate style.
That is, current trends in the world of business accessories are still being tracked?
Of course, we cannot but respond to market demand. In the near future we plan to release cases for laptops, players, and other modern equipment. But rest assured, these will not be just cases, but products made in the best traditions of S. T. Dupont, the best craftsmen and the highest quality materials.
Tell me, why is the S. T. Dupont brand, well known for a long time in Russia, Europe and Western countries, attractive to the Middle East market and, in particular, Dubai?
Firstly, the fact that people from almost all countries of the world live in Dubai today. Secondly, Dubai has long been recognized as the leading center of trade in the Middle East region, and today it is confidently moving to the positions of a leading business center and the formation of a new business environment. Where, no matter how in Dubai, in which the new business elite grows, accessories from S.T. should be presented. Dupont? And if we talk about the tastes of Eastern consumers who love everything bright, brilliant and a little fanciful, then in our collections there are products inlaid with precious stones and diamonds, coated with gold and precious varnish. I think we are able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding customer.
In 2007, celebrating 135 years since its foundation, S.T. Dupont opens the next page of its history. New technologies and new opportunities do not cancel the desire of a modern person for sophisticated beauty, luxury and expressive style - all that S.T. is fluent in Dupont.
In anticipation of the New Year and Christmas holidays, what would you advise to pay attention to those who are looking for the perfect gift?
Elegant leather briefcases, coasters for correspondence and writing paper, fountain pens and ballpoint pens, diaries will serve as a worthy present, emphasizing impeccable taste and good manners. In search of a gift for a closer person, the choice can fall on leather belts with the famous palladium buckle covered with gold, or cufflinks and ties.
Since S.T. Dupont - a leader in the manufacture of accessories for cigar smokers, it is worth looking at branded Chinese varnishes humidors that maintain a constant temperature for long-term storage of tobacco. “Dupont” modern lighters also have not lost their former elegance: most of them are made of the so-called “golden” wood and are covered with the same Chinese varnish. There are so many options! And believe me, there are still a lot of surprises ahead of you from S. T. Dupont, who has returned to her roots. I wish you and all your readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank. We wish you great holidays and new achievements. We look forward to the promised surprises that S. T. Dupont will present to us, and until we meet again.
