Alfred Hitchcock is considered by many to be one of the most influential filmmakers of all time and a true cultural icon. Honouring his outstanding contribution to the art of filmmaking, Montblanc presents a spine-chilling Tribute to the Master of Suspense – the electrifying Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Editon 3000 and Limited Edition 80.

Alfred Hitchcock – the inventor of the thriller genre

Alfred Hitchock once said “Making a film means first of all, to tell a story. That story should never be banal. It must be dramatic and human.” He knew that audiences love to ride a rollercoaster of fear and developed masterful cinematic techniques for stimulating that emotional response. By frightening a broad public through technical innovation and unconventional storytelling, Hitchcock became the inventor of the psychological thriller genre. Through world famous horror classics such as “Psycho” and “Vertigo”, he brought cinema to a new level of artistry.

Inspired by the most shocking Hitchcock film scenes, Montblanc´s Limited Edition 3000 and Limited Edition 80 bring to life his genius and tell the story of his extraordinary contribution to the art of filmmaking.

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000

Many of Alfred Hitchcock’s scenes remain the most memorable in movie history – just remember the pivotal scene in Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (1958), when the character races frantically up the stairs of a tower and experiences a crippling bout of vertigo – looking down stairs.

This famous cinematographic innovation known as the “Vertigo Effect” of the dizzyingly dark staircase influences the overall design of the pioneering Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000. In the spiralling, black lacquer finish one remembers the staircase and the special effect that Hitchcock invented.

The film “Psycho” (1960) on the other hand provides the inspiration for a key design element in the knife-shaped clip, whose sinister gleam brings the famous shower scene instantly to mind. The notes engraved on the 925 sterling silver cap and barrel fittings refer to the original “Psycho” film reel while the cone features 53 hatch marks symbolising the 53 movies that Hitchcock directed during his impressive career spanning almost six decades. Hitchcock’s self-portrait sketch, a caricature of his profile, adorns the rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib.

With the Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 presents its latest Great Characters Edition, which since 2009 honours the great figures of the 20th century who created history with their groundbreaking work.

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 80

Alfred Hitchcock lived to be 80 years old and never stopped creating films. In remembrance of his lifetime this fascinating Edition in 750 white gold is limited to only 80 pieces.

The edition features some exclusive details reflecting Alfred Hitchcock´s mastery of fear and fantasy. Making a striking impression, in this edition the swirling red and black lacquer echoes the “Vertigo effect” while a rope that refers to the murder tool from “The Rope” increases the tension of this thrilling writing instrument.

The cap ring, in celebration of Hitchcock’s place in film history, is decorated to resemble a period film strip. This unique edition is further adorned with Hitchcock’s signature and a cameo self-portrait of the great genius of the thriller genre engraved on the handcrafted, rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib. Along with the Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition Fountain Pens Montblanc introduces the Alfred Hitchcock ink in red.

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Cuff Links Limited Edition

Alfred Hitchcock´s avant-garde personality has also been the inspiration to a sophisticated pair of 925 sterling silver cuff links limited to 1,000 pieces. With artistry carved black onyx this elegant pair of cuff links is reminiscent of the key iconic motifs on the barrel and cap of the Alfred Hitchcock writing instrument capturing the stairway-effect from the movie “Vertigo”.

Explore Alfred Hitchcock´s masterpieces at www.montblanc-alfred-hitchcock.com

Montblanc inivites its customers and fans to answer an online survey in order to win the Montblanc fragrance “Legend“ or Montblanc sunglasses from the current collection. Join the survey here.

Share your thoughts about Montblanc

Montblanc is continuously trying to learn more about the satisfaction and needs of its customers. In this respect, we invite you to take part in an online survey via facebook as well as the brand’s website and iPhone App.

The short survey and the results will help us to even more enhance our  luxury product portfolio, communication and distinguished services. Everyone participating in the poll has the opportunity to win Montblanc’s exclusive fragrance “Legend” or high-class sunglasses from the current collection.

We invite you to share your opinions now, which will help Montblanc to meet its customers’ expectations better.

We thank you for your support.

(by Frank Geelen, monochrome.nl) During the fair in Geneva, we got hands on time with the new Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech. This is a new ‘Monochrome’ version of the stainless steel TimeWalker TwinFly that Montblanc introduced last year.

The Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech features the impressive in-house movement, calibre MB LL100. Like the first calibre-family, which is used in the magnificent Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, it has a double mainspring barrel offering a power reserve of 72 hours and a twin flyback chronograph that is controlled through a column wheel and vertical clutch!

The in-house movement is very impressive and when considering the price of the TwinFly, it’s even better. The specifications and the fact it’s an in-house movement, are usually not found on watches in the same price range.

The case of the Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph has the familiar TimeWalker design with skeletonized lugs. This particular GreyTech version, which is limited to 888 pieces, has a monochrome design. The dial is skeletonized to reveal the date wheel, which is grey with black numerals. The design of the case is in two tones of grey, both being the result of a different finish. The crown features the well-known Montblanc logo.

With a diameter of 43 mm it wears great and if you’re afraid it might be too large than by all means go and try one at a local AD. Because the case tapers from top to bottom, it wears relatively small, which is further enhanced because of the quite short lugs. Altogether it wears very comfortable. The material of the case, titanium, also adds to this because it’s quite light.

The Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech comes on a grey alligator strap, with a skeletonized titanium clasp.

The design of this version is quite distinct; sporty with an elegant touch. Not everybody likes a sporty watch and not everybody is into watches with a titanium case. During the SIHH I met several journalists, friends and other guests and discussed the timepiece with them. To my surprise everybody liked the watch and even before showing the watch, people were already staring at my wrist.

On Monochrome you can read a more extensive review. The conclusion will be the same; I’m (still) very impressed by the Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph  and I think the GreyTech with its ‘Monochrome’ design looks absolutely stunning.

(by Elizabeth Doerr, journalist) It’s really hard for a “normal” woman to feel as graceful, beautiful and mysterious as Grace Kelly, also known as Princess Grace – perhaps Monaco’s most famous resident of all time and mother of current monarch, H.S.H Prince Albert II.

Montblanc has found a way to at least partially contribute to the well-being of such women by creating a collection in honor of the former beauty queen that contains not only a set of watches, but also matching jewelry and even writing instruments. This way, every woman has the opportunity to feel incredible as she glances at the time. I know this for certain because when I was offered the chance to wear the charming new special steel edition watch of the Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco for a few days, I jumped at the chance upon seeing pictures of the graceful new line.

The key element of these feminine new pieces is the exquisite pink teardrop-shaped sapphire that graces the 6 o’clock mark on the dial. In the rose gold jewelry version limited to eight pieces, it caps a cascade of diamonds “falling” from the top of the dial at the 12 o’clock position. In the semi-jeweled stainless steel version that I wore for a few days, it replaces the 6 o’clock hour marker and wanders into the small seconds dial.

Copyright: Elizabeth Doerr

Montblanc, also looking to combine its other worlds of jewelry and writing instruments, has created a small universe centered around Princess Grace and her fairy-tale life. For those women less interested in jewels and overly decorative elements, there are stainless steel versions with little or even no gems involved.

During the SIHH week as the entire collection was being introduced, I had the honor of wearing the 34 mm stainless steel model with a light sprinkling of diamonds around the flange, five diamond markers and – naturally – the teardrop-shaped pink sapphire at 6 o’clock.

This version powered by a quartz movement – as is the entire line right now – seemed delicate on the wrist thanks in part to its petite size, but also in part to the curvature of the case, which Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge told me was especially designed to pay homage to the line of the dress that a famous black-and-white photo of the screen siren-cum-princess sees her wearing. When Lutz Bethge chose this photo for the collection’s materials, he related that he was astounded to learn that this particular image was the favorite of her son, H.S.H Prince Albert II.

This version of the watch was unobtrusive and comfortable to wear on a black crocodile strap, and the light sparkle allowed it to be a suitable companion for both day and night wear. I predict that Montblanc has another winner on its hands – er, wrists.

(by Frank Geelen, monochrome.nl) Montblanc’s TimeWriter project endeavors to support talented and highly promising watchmakers. In accord with this philosophy, the TimeWriter II  Chronographe Bi-Fréquence 1,000 from the Collection Villeret 1858 was realized by the Hispano-Swiss watchmaker Bartomeu Gomila at Montblanc’s ateliers in Villeret under the aegis of master watchmaker Demetrio Cabiddu.

Born on the Balearic island of Menorca, Bartomeu Gomila completed his training at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program) in the category of “restoration and complicated timepieces” and is the first Spanish citizen to have earned a diploma from this renowned institution of higher learning.

Recognized by the Swiss state, WOSTEP is an independent institution that’s jointly supported by businesses in the Swiss watchmaking industry, international watchmakers’ associations and watch dealerships around the world. As a continuing-education institution, its prospective students must prove that they have completed their training as watchmakers and have gained several years of professional experience in their métier. A certificate from WOSTEP is recognized worldwide as one of the highest educational qualifications for watchmakers. After completing his course of studies, Gomila restored historical timepieces from renowned brands and most recently worked as a freelance restorer of historical timepieces for international collectors.

Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie

One of the goals of the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie is to assist and support young watchmakers with innovative ideas. Another goal is to maintain the fine techniques of watchmaking. In the ateliers of the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie in Villeret, a select group of master watchmakers continue to create timepieces by hand, strictly following the principles of traditional haute horlogerie.

Dedicated to reinvigorating tradition through innovation, the institute’s focus is on the development of new movements and watchmaking techniques while respecting the principles of the past. The Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie provides young ambitious watchmakers, like Bartomeu Gomila, with the expertise and financial assistance needed to realize their own innovative projects and to secure the future of traditional watchmaking.

(by Frank Geelen, monochrome.nl) Montblanc releases a new version of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Automatic Chronograph, after the different versions with manual wound movement were released in previous years. Let us introduce you to the new Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime.

As announced earlier today, we present you a review of the new Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime. This is the new version of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic, which we reviewed last year.

The main new feature is the display of the hometime on a rotating disk. This way of displaying the second time zone is more suitable, because actually all other indicators are displayed by turning disks. In order to make the new display of hometime possible, the movement has been changed, and is called calibre MB R210. The dial has been opened up more, so more of the movement is revealed.

From the back, looking through the sapphire crystal in the case back, the movement shows much resemblance with calibre MB R200. This is the red gold version and it has been equipped with a matching rotor. Luckily we can still see those superb details, like the column wheel that is visible through the Montblanc logo in the rotor.

The movement is superbly finished with Côte de Genève and features angled bridges. The bridges are nicely angled and feature lovely large jewels and a bridge that holds the balance in place.

Earlier today we had the chance to talk to Alexander Schmiedt, Director of Category Management Watches at Montblanc International, who spoke to me about the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Collection.

The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime is available in 950 platinum (limited to 50 pieces), 18 K red gold with an anthracite ‘grain d’orge’ guilloché dial, 18 K red gold with a diamond-set bezel and a silver-colored grain d’orge guilloché dial, and stainless steel.

Montblanc amazed me when they released the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Collection and that feeling seems lasting. The design is gorgeous and the displayed of elapsed time on the rotating disks is a neat feature. Furthermore the chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch and monopusher to activate and reset is simply superb, especially when considering the price.

After the massive response and great success of the previous rounds of “The Beauty of a Second” contest, Montblanc is delighted to extend the inspiring contest, supported by the Oscar-nominated film-maker Wim Wenders with one extra round until January 20th, 2012.

Montblanc has invited everyone – amateurs, video fans, professionals, and movie enthusiasts – to enter the contest and “seize the moment” by catching a second that one considers being beautiful in a one-second video. In Wim Wenders words the subject can be anything “a smile, a child’s face, a piece of the world around you”, as long as the video lasts just one second and is captured in landscape format (16:9).

The four qualification rounds

“The Beauty of a Second” consists of four qualification rounds, whereby the first three rounds have already taken place. The published submissions have resulted in a great variety of videos and playlist giving future participants a fantastic inspiration.

The Beauty Of a Second – 2nd round compilation from The Beauty Of A Second on Vimeo.

The fourth round of “The Beauty of a Second” is the final opportunity for everyone to upload a one-second video or create a compilation of the clips at www.montblanconesecond.com until January 20^th, 2012. Montblanc will present 20 shortlisted videos from each of the four rounds, from which Wim Wenders and the expert jury will select the most creative contribution in the grand final. The winner will be awarded with a Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph and a trip to Berlin to “The Beauty of a Second” award ceremony.

The compilation contest

Furthermore, everyone, who is not that much into filming, has the possibility to enter the contest without an own video, by compiling a playlist of the already published clips at www.montblanconesecond.com in length of 2 to 60 seconds. One may embed them into a soundtrack from Montblanc’s audio library.

Seconds Of Beauty – 1st round compilation from The Beauty Of A Second on Vimeo.

“The Beauty of the Second” meets SIHH 2012

On January, 16th, 2012 the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) will open its doors and Montblanc will be presented once again at the world’s most famous fair about the art and adoration of watchmaking. On occasion of this year’s SIHH Montblanc will bring the flair of “The Beauty of a Second” to its booth by displaying the creative contributions of the participants.

Let “The Beauty of a Second” last forever. For further information please visit: www.montblanc-onesecond.com.

Inspired by Grace Kelly whose beauty and grace made her an icon of style for generations, the  Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco is a tribute to a woman of effortless sophistication and timeless elegance.

Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco

The unique Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco consists of fine jewellery, exquisite timepieces and beautifully designed writing instruments. All pieces are true to Princess Grace of Monaco’s sophistication and her commitment to helping others.

The Haute Joaillerie pieces are set with precious stones and diamonds, while the feminine timepiece features an opulent three-dimensional drop of pink sapphire. The writing instruments of the strictly Limited Edition 3 are adorned with petal-cut diamonds, pink sapphires and luminous topazes.

The Grace de Monaco Pink Rose, which was created in 1956 on the occasion of Grace Kelly’s marriage to His Serene Highness Rainier III, Prince de Monaco, is the principal subject for the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco and – embellished with refined petal cut stones – a recurring motif in all editions.

A breathtaking Haute Joaillerie pays tribute to Grace Kelly’s beauty and her commitment to helping others

Dalia Greppi, designer at the Montblanc Design Studio Paris, explains passionately the design process of this outstanding collection, while giving a special insight to what inspired the creation of the Montblanc Haute Joaillerie sets that honour Princess Grace de Monaco: “It has been natural taking the Grace de Monaco rose as the principal element of inspiration: unique, delicate and elegant. Immediately after, the very first image to inspire the creation has been a cascade of petals – slowly floating in the air. Sophistication and elegance have been finally crystallized in the preciousness of the finest stones – diamonds and sapphires – to celebrate Grace Kelly’s iconic style.”

The Haute Joaillerie comprises three one-of-a-kind sets. Each set includes a necklace made of cascading sapphires and diamonds, which shape a feminine neckline, as well as filigree earrings and a matching bracelet. The refined and sophisticated designs showcase some of the finest stones. In each set the unique Montblanc Diamond is married with sumptuous diamonds and precious pink sapphires to create a cascade effect.

Three one-of-a-kind Haute Joaillerie sets inspired by Grace Kelly’s timeless style

Each set is uniquely distinguished, as the Montblanc Diamond is positioned differently in each set while presenting a singular composition of precious stones.

One set presents a breathtaking necklace of cascading intense pink sapphires, with the triumphant elegance of the magnificent Montblanc Diamond. This set’s white gold earrings and perfectly matching white gold bracelet create a graceful harmony due to drop-cut pink sapphires and brilliant-cut-diamonds.

Another set consists of a fabulous necklace and long earrings, which are exquisitely set off with timeless grace by the Montblanc Diamond and even brighter, soft-rose sapphires. This splendid one-of-a-kind set is completed by a matching white-gold bracelet, a gorgeous refinement of gentle, never-ending beauty.

The third set, whose necklace is crystallized with luscious diamonds combined with the rose-coloured sapphires and the magnificent Montblanc Diamond, completes the Haute Joaillerie of the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco. The matching elongated divine earrings are perfected with two drops of rose sapphires, wonderful round cut diamonds and a miraculous Montblanc Diamond. The striking diamond bracelet with decorative elements of drop cut sapphires and a drop and round cut diamond on the front finishes this extraordinary set.

Radiant red-gold married with the brilliance of sparkling diamonds  – a spectacular timepiece

The stunning timepiece is limited to 8 pieces, as an homage to the elegance and beauty of Princess Grace. The warmth of the red gold case, which is finely engraved with the Princesse Grace de Monaco monogram on its back, meets the inimitable brilliance of the 76 sparkling baguette cut diamonds on the bezel and on the horns. A sparkling cascade of 177 brilliant cut diamonds flows across the flange and the shimmering mother of pearl dial. This breathtaking filigree design is combined with the three-dimensional drop cut pink sapphire creating a tribute to the aristocratic exclusive taste of Her Serene Highness. A Montblanc Diamond in the crown gives this masterpiece of craftsmanship the ultimate finishing touch.

The highlight of the case is the unique shape, which was exclusively developed for the Timepieces Collection of the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco. The white alligator-skin strap as well as the buckle give the miraculous design of this outstanding timepiece an elegant finish.

An iconic writing instrument inspired by the sophistication of Princesse Grace de Monaco

The very rare Limited Edition 3 fountain pen is a tribute to Princess Grace’s three children, whom she considered the most important of all things in her life. Limited to only three pieces, the fountain pen is crafted entirely from champagne coloured solid gold. The elegance of this piece is accentuated with diamonds and rubies on the cap and barrel. The feminine neckline shape of the cap top and clip reflect the elegance of the Princess. The Principality of Monaco coat of arms provided the inspiration for the sparkling circle of rhomboid-shaped cut rubies finely arranged on the cap of this outstanding writing instrument. Perfected with the tender heart-shaped hole of the gold nib and the finely engraved Princesse Grace de Monaco monogram on the cap-top, Montblanc pays tribute to the kindness of character and elegance of one of the most remarkable individuals of all time.

One may immerge into long-forgotten times, be engrossed in thoughts or simply discover sensual delights. In this respect, Montblanc presents its wide range of sensual fragrances for ladies and men. Every scent has its story to tell.

Fragrances for ladies – be enchanted

Life is colorful and sensational – thus are women. Celebrating femininity and individuality, Montblanc offers three touching fragrances that indicate feminine traits, while emphasizing the beauty and sensuality of each and every woman.

“Présence d’une femme” convinces with the crisp freshness of cracking pineapple, sparkling with the pervasive aroma of pepper and tangerine – a scent that reflects a woman’s soul deep and instinctive. Adding to this powerful odour, “Présence d’une femme” comes with a modern floral bouquet of cyclamen and orchid as well as a final sensation of sandalwood, palisanderwood, vanilla flower and patchouli. This outstanding fragrance refers to women, who believe in themselves and carry an intuitive balance between their head and heart.

Montblanc’s fragrance “Femme Individuelle” is for self-confident women, who prefer to lead, being aware of their individuality. Opening with pink bay and juicy red currant notes, the scent captivates everybody with feminine rose and lotus flower, while entrancing amber merges with vanilla and sensuous musk.

The third fragrance in Montblanc’s ladies’ range is a celebration in itself. Scenting warm, rare and exciting, “Femme de Montblanc” is beautifully faceted and combines sensuality and depth due to its voluptuous ingredients such as peach, Turkish rose, tonka bean and vanilla.

Fragrances for men – exceptional and strong

Mysterious and strong – that is how Montblanc’s fragrances for gentlemen can be described. The luxury brand offers various outstanding scents for men, each underlying one´s individual personality.

Just unveiled, the new Montblanc “Legend” is an expression of a resolutely masculine fragrance that is both modern and timeless in character. Perfumer Olivier Pescheux describes this masculine scent as „a fresh fougère, with top notes that are lively, bright and clean. Heart notes that are magnetic, and dry notes that give this unique fragrance its unforgettable signature.”

The campaign shooting for Montblanc’s “Legend” was photographed by the internationally renowned German photographer Peter Lindbergh, starring British model Simon Clark.

The freshness of bergamont embraced by the spicy warmth of ginger, cardamom and cinnamon make “Présence” a distinctive fragrance for men. The scent scales new heights of traditional distinction with sage, apple and heliotrope. Masculine sensuality through tonka bean and amber is infused with sensual sandal wood and musk.

Made for a new generation of men, who come to grips with their future, “Starwalker” speaks to the soul and senses. Its woody heart of strong and deep cedar wood is softened by milky notes of sandalwood, creating a truly seductive and bewitching impression.

Gentlemen, who love the freshness of bergamot combined with contrasting spicy cinnamon and coriander, will love the very distinguished “Individuel”. The fragrance presents itself warm, balanced and modern and underlines the independence, the mystery and the romanticism of an individual man. His solitary character increases his charm and his personality. He never settles for conformity, chooses to excel and therefore manages to be a fully accomplished person.

“Homme Exceptionnel” is a homage to unexpected charisma, featuring the key ingredients Sichuan pepper, lavender and coffee. The exceptional scent embodies a generous and passionate man in his everyday life. He is always available for others and shares his experience with tact and elegance.

Discover Montblanc’s outstanding fragrance range for ladies and men and dive into the world of exotic scents at http://www.montblanc.com/flash/#/collections/fragrance/gender and on Montblanc’s Facebook Page. Montblanc’s fragrances are available in Montblanc Boutiques and selected perfumeries.

With the “Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco” Montblanc pays tribute to one of the most remarkable individuals of all time and gives charitable support to her artistic legacy the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.The remarkable Princess Grace of Monaco was dedicated her entire life to helping others by supporting emerging artists and helping them to pursuit their dreams. Honouring her great commitment, the mission of the “Princess Grace Foundation-USA” is to continue Princess Grace of Monaco’s life-long engagement as a patron of arts.

A Princess shows her compassionate heart

Grace Kelly, actress and royal idol for generations, will always be admired for her elegant style and her artistic talent as an Oscar winning actress. But above all, she deeply impressed the world with her unrelenting commitment to helping others.

Grace Kelly had already shown her compassionate heart as a teenager while volunteering in hospitals. Subsequently in Monaco, despite her many duties as a royal consort and loving mother, she found the time to promote charities and social causes. In this respect, Princess Grace de Monaco raised millions for the many charities she believed in. Princess Grace de Monaco was boundlessly interested in the arts and therefore genuinely dedicated to helping young creative artists. With her great kindness, she encouraged many young artists, emerging from different creative disciplines, to pursue their career ambitions and to finally succeed in their field of art.

Princess Grace of Monaco once expressed the simple wish “to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others.” That is exactly how the world will always remember the incomparable Princess Grace of Monaco. The Princess Grace Foundation-USA proceeds Princess Grace’s ideals of personal fulfillment, compassion and great charity engagement. Montblanc is proud to support this great assignment.

Charity for the arts – “The Princess Grace Foundation-USA”

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying and assisting emerging talent in theatre, dance, and film by awarding grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships.

It was founded in 1982 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who mobilized a group of individuals to establish the foundation in honour of his wife. From its inception, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA found dedicated supporters, not only in Princess Grace’s family, but also among her many friends and admirers including Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, John Johnson, William Rogers and Mary Wells Lawrence.

Over the past 29 years, the Princess Grace Foundation has donated more than $ 8.5 million to over 600 theatre, dance, and film artists nationwide. It maintains the funding of its inaugural disciplines and has expanded its grants programme to playwriting and choreography grants within the theatre and dance categories. Today, it continues to support recipients by giving them the financial assistance and moral encouragement to focus on their artistic excellence. Among the illustrious Foundation Princess Grace awards winners are Anna D. Shapiro, who already won the Tony® Award for Best Direction of a Play in 2008, as well Pulitzer and Tony® Award winning playwright Tony Kushner. Film winners include the artist Stephen Hillenburg, creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” and  Greg Mottola, director of “Paul”,”Adventureland” and “Superbad” as well as and Cary Joji Fukunaga, director of “Sin Nombre” and “Jane Eyre”. A notable dance award winner is the American Ballet Dancer Gillian Murphy, who has a special relationship with the Princess Grace Foundation. She received a grant from the organization for the first time and has been moreover awarded with the Princess Grace Statue Award, the Foundation’s highest honour for award winners, who have displayed consistent excellence in theater, dance or film.  In addition to a monetary gift, these awardees received a bronze statuette of Princess Grace created by the Monegasque artist, Kees Verkade.

Montblanc supports the “Princess Grace Foundation-USA”

Montblanc has supported artists and cultural initiatives for decades and is delighted to expand its existing arts and culture programme through its charity partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. The principles of the Princess Grace foundation reflect the same vocation that lies behind Montblanc persisting interest, in supporting young artists and giving them a platform to present their talent to the world – comparably to further projects Montblanc’s supports,  like the Montblanc Young Artist World Patronage, which shares one of the foundations main values to help emerging artists realize their potential.

Following the prosperous cooperation with UNICEF with the “Sign Up for the Right to Write” and the “Power to Write” global fundraising initiatives launched in 2004 and 2007 as well as the “Signature for Good” initiative, which raised over $ 4.3 million. As an integral part of the brand´s philosophy, Montblanc is proud to keep the abiding tradition of providing tangible support to the arts and cultural development in the cooperation with the Princess Grace Foundation – USA.

For more information, please visit www.pgfusa.org.

Use of the name and likeness of Princess Grace of Monaco by permission of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.