Hugh Jackman on Montblanc: the man and the brand
Hugh Jackman on Montblanc
Montblanc celebrated its 110th anniversary in characteristic style at the Rainbow Room in the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Jean Ghalo, a friend of “Day & Night” magazine, was privileged to enjoy an exclusive interview with the maison’s Global Brand Ambassador, Hugh Jackman. Read on for the great man’s views of himself, the brand, and what makes them click
Montblanc and Hugh Jackman have enjoyed a good relationship since 2014, when the Australian-born star who gained fame through his performances in “The Wolverine”, “X-Men” and Academy award winning “Les Miserables”, was appointed as the marque’s Global Brand Ambassador. Jackman was a key guest at the brand’s 110th anniversary celebrations, where the celebrity guests were the first to view the new advertising campaign film with Hugh Jackman, directed by award-winning director Andreas Nilsson. Shot in Budapest, the film takes viewers on a journey through Montblanc’s pioneering past and present, revisiting important milestones of the maison’s history.
How do you feel about being a part of the Montblanc 110th anniversary?
I am so proud to be a part of the Montblanc family, which has been in existence for 110 years, and I have been with them for three years, so I am definitely the baby of the family. It is thrilling to be here in the Rainbow Room at the top of the Rockefeller Centerin New York City; this is a night to remember.
Were you a Montblanc man before the partnership began?
When I was a teenager, my idea of luxury was to have a fountain pen from Montblanc. I had a terrible handwriting and I tried to convince my father that if I had a Montblanc fountain pen, my handwriting would improve; he didn’t agree. It took me a while to get one.
So, the fountain pen is what you like about the brand?
Yes, but that was when I was a teenager. Now, I love their leather goods and I wear their backpack every day; I use their wallet, their belts, their watches; everything about their brand.
What are you wearing on your wrist today?
It is the TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph; it is not part of the new collection, but it is Rouge et Noir, so it is in sync with the new collection.
What is your favourite leather good and favourite pen from Montblanc now?
My favourite leather good from Montblanc would be my backpack. I have a beautiful backpack, which has a finish that is fireproof, bulletproof, and it is amazing. I use it every day, travelling, riding my bike or getting around the city.
What is your role as a Global Brand Ambassador?
I am very proud to be part of the Montblanc family and as an Ambassador, I am happy to tell everyone around the world that I believe in what Montblanc is about. If I could emulate the qualities of the company in my own life, in my own crew, I would be very happy. It is a brand that has one eye on the future and the other on the past and pays attention to detail, craftsmanship and dedication to making the finest possible things, but always innovating, always taking a risk and moving ahead.
What values do you and Montblanc share? In what way are you alike?
I am a bit of a traditionalist, so you could say, I am a bit old-fashioned; Montblanc does a brilliant job of honouring its heritage and its history while at the same time always looking forward. As an actor, which I am, and as an artist, which Montblanc is, it is really important to do different things to push the boundaries, to try and change people’s perceptions and always move forward and take risks. I think it is really important and I think Montblanc does it and, hopefully, I do the same.
Can you tell us about your pioneering side and commitment to earth – two of your attributes that Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert said was the reason you were chosen as brand ambassador?
I am someone who grew up loving the theatre. I went to the theatre and movies; I went and studied as an actor for four years. These days, it is harder to do different things – to do theatre, to do musicals, to do action movies, to do dramas; I suppose, hopefully, I am trying to pioneer a career where I can do all those things, where it doesn’t diminish your brand but actually enhance it.
What does time mean to you?
Life is about being in the moment. Time is about recognising the here and the now; to celebrate the here and the now. One of the things about having a beautiful watch is that it is not just a functional piece; it is a piece of art, it is a piece of beauty. So what if it helps you in your day-to-day life? You look at it and it brings you back and just reminds you of the potential of life, of the beauty of life and the celebration of life. For me, time is about just recognising the now and being in the moment.
In one word, what is luxury for you?
Choice.
Do you prefer the formal black-tie look ad campaign or the casual one?
One day out of seven, I like this look [formal black-tie], but six days of seven I prefer the casual.
Give us your message for your fans and fans of Montblanc in the Middle East?
To everyone in the Middle East, thank you so much for supporting me over the years and for supporting the brand. It is a brand that is committed to quality, craftsmanship, design, and beauty, thinking ahead and innovating. These are qualities that are highly prized in the Middle East.
