Inside Hennessy’s remarkable union with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.
As the world’s leading cognac brand, Hennessy has once again captivated every spirits enthusiast with its latest collaboration. This time with acclaimed French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. Celebrated for his monumental sculptures and hand-blown glass artworks, the artist brings his exquisite touch to two remarkable creations: the Hennessy X.O Masterpiece and the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition.
With memorable collaborations that celebrate design, fashion and culture, Hennessy has collaborated with designer Tom Dixon, architect Frank Gehry and fashion designer Kim Jones in the past. In a world where fine art and luxury spirits meet, Hennessy continues to stay true to its commitment, which is fuelled by innovation, design, and creativity. Furthermore, this collaboration draws inspiration from Hennessy’s rich heritage and craftsmanship coupled with Othoniel’s signature artistic brilliance and fascination with light and reflection.
The X.O Masterpiece decanter combines the best of both worlds, combining elements of elegance and craftsmanship with its precious crystals. Encased in hand-carved oak wood reminiscent of Hennessy’s iconic barrels, it features a Baccarat crystal decanter adorned with multi-facets.
Meanwhile, the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition features a decanter that resembles a vibrant ruby red gem encased in a golden metal structure. The decanter is adorned with intricate angles and facets that catch and reflect light, showcasing Othoniel’s mastery of art and aesthetics.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Jean-Michel Othoniel shares, “I’ve had a longstanding relationship with Hennessy, spanning over 20 years. Through mutual respect and shared vision, we’ve cultivated a bond that I’m proud to see manifest in this project. This collaboration has enriched my creative universe, and I’m thrilled to introduce contemporary art to new audiences.”
“Through this collaboration, we’ve created two distinct limited-edition carafes, each a testament to the power of reimagining familiar objects with new meaning and beauty. Immersing myself in the artistry of barrel-making and cognac production was a profound experience, reinforcing my admiration for Hennessy’s legacy of craftsmanship and dedication,” he further adds.
Nausicaa Charrier, the Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy Malaysia and Singapore, expressed, “Here at Hennessy, our commitment to innovation and excellence is symbolized through our collaborations with visionary artists and designers globally. Partnering with Jean-Michel Othoniel for our X.O collection enriches our heritage of creativity and craftsmanship. By seamlessly blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistic vision, these collaborations infuse our products with fresh perspectives and unique interpretations. Othoniel’s mastery of light, colour, and crystal brings a new dimension to our designs, elevating them to an unparalleled level of artistic expression.”
“This collaboration not only celebrates artistic excellence but also resonates deeply with Malaysia’s sophisticated cultural landscape. The collaboration underscores Hennessy’s dedication to offering exclusive, culturally resonant experiences, making the collection a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and artistic sophistication in Malaysia,” she further added.
Enthusiasts and collectors can now indulge in this unparalleled sensory experience, as the limited-edition collection retails for RM 1,069 for the Hennessy X.O Limited-Edition bottle and 38,000€ (approximately RM190,800) for the Hennessy X.O Masterpiece, with only 150 pieces available worldwide. Additionally, you can experience Hennessy’s savoir-faire and witness the collection at “Crafted, by Hennessy,” an innovative exhibition at The Exchange, TRX, starting on 24 October 2024, for a period of 10 days. For more information, please visit Hennessy.com.
All images courtesy of Hennessy
Amalina Anuar
Amalina Anuar is the Digital Director of Harper's Bazaar Malaysia. From covering the latest runway trends to the hottest happenings in Kuala Lumpur, she also delves deep into all things lifestyle and beauty.