MONTBLANC for UNICEF

Press Release



MONTBLANC for UNICEF

Montblanc Meisterstück Signature for Good Special Edition




World Premiere June 2009, Montblanc unveils the first Montblanc writing instrument that has been especially developed and designed for Montblancs longtime support of the childrens aid organisation UNICEF to benefit their worldwide education and literacy programmes: a precious and lovingly enhanced version of the legendary Montblanc Meisterstück, that comes since 85 years as timeless design icon, the Montblanc Meisterstück Signature for Good Special Edition.

Because caring is more important than ever before, Montblanc is reinforcing its support to the work of UNICEF, a partner it has been working closely with since 2004. Since then more than US$ 1 million has been raised to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide. Reflecting this commitment, Montblanc is cooperating with UNICEF for the third time and is launching Signature for Good, a unique collection of writing instruments, jewellery and accessories, especially created to help raise funds to support UNICEF in its work addressing inadequate schooling and illiteracy. This first launch of the Signature for Good collection is part of a one year charity initiative to the benefit of UNICEFs education and literacy programs. Montblanc will be donating part of the proceeds from this Meisterstück Signature for Good Special Edition with the overall aim of raising at least US$ 1.5 million in the next 12 months through various global fundraising initiatives.

The specially created collection draws on Montblancs core values of the highest craftsmanship, timeless design and uncompromising sophistication. Inspired by the worldwide known UNICEF hallmark and with a strong reference to UNICEF through the use of blue, the colour of UNICEFs logo, Signature for Good stands for the incomparable signature of Montblanc as well as childrens right to education and the better life it brings. The purchase of these pieces is a statement of style but a personal expression of support to a very important cause.


The Montblanc Meisterstück 2009: Tradition and Responsibility

The culture of writing, which Montblanc has always cherished and promoted, is one of the oldest achievements of mankind. Nevertheless, many countries nowadays still lack the resources for communicating the most basic writing and reading skills. Writing by hand is an art that allows us to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, leaving on paper a trace of our passage through time. Such an art requires a special tool that enables the author to express personal words accurately and individually. Since its launch in 1924, the Montblanc Meisterstück has become the epitome of unchanging perfection, assuming its function as the ultimate writing instrument, Hand-crafted in the best European tradition, its hand-ground gold nib with platinum inlay, three gold-plated rings, goldplated clip and deep black precious resin barrel make this luxurious writing instrument a legend among fountain pens. The white star at the top of the pen represents the snow-covered summit of Europes highest mountain, the Mont Blanc. This peak reflects the high standards of quality and craftsmanship for which Montblanc has become famous. With this claim for the highest standard in its products comes Montblancs strong belief in taking on responsibility, for our society and for the world we live in: Helping others gives success true meaning symbolizes Montblancs fundamental core values and the basis for Montblancs active role in the international promotion of education and cultural values.

The Montblanc Meisterstück Signature for Good Special Edition pays special homage to this icon of writing culture on its 85th anniversary: The Meisterstück Classique version is designed with 14-carat nib and golden inlay in the distinctive shape of the olive bush from the UNICEF logo and a precious blue sapphire in the top of the cap in order to link this special writing instrument to the hallmark of UNICEF. Every single nib is perfectly crafted in 35 individual stages, and is ground, polished and tested by hand, to ensure absolute writing perfection, in the Meisterstück tradition since 1924. The new version of the Montblanc Meisterstück comes as fountain pen, roller ball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil in the versions Le Grand and Classique.

The Montblanc Meisterstück Signature for Good Special Edition is currently available in Montblanc Boutiques worldwide. The purchase of each writing instrument will benefit children without proper access to education.



About UNICEF
For over 60 years UNICEF has been the world's leader for children, working on the ground in 158 countries to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for poor countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.