Montblanc Chennai Boutique Opening and Dubai Mall Activation Expertise

Live Personalization to Enrich Boutique Openings

For the opening of the new Montblanc boutique in Chennai, the brand invited Hakim Idriss (Aki Midris) to create a live personalization station directly inside the store. This format, which has become a signature of our agency, is particularly relevant for any Dubai mall activation where retailers aim to offer guests more than a standard launch. The Indian market shares natural affinities with the UAE: cross-border audiences, frequent travel, and a strong taste for premium retail experiences. Montblanc understood the impact of bringing an artist on-site to transform a store opening into a moment of genuine interaction.

An Artistic Presence That Shapes the Customer Journey

During the event, Hakim hand-painted leather cardholders and small Montblanc goods with initials, expressive lettering and poetic motifs inspired by the Little Prince. The blend of precise craftsmanship and contemporary urban style brought a warm, human dimension to an otherwise formal retail context. For luxury brands in Dubai—especially those opening new boutiques in major malls—this approach offers a simple yet memorable way to attract clients and create a sense of exclusivity. It is the same artistic sensitivity we bring to projects such as our hand-painting sessions for MCM at Dubai Mall or the Montblanc headphone personalization in Dubai Mall.

A Powerful Retail Tool for Dubai’s Luxury Environment

Dubai’s shopping malls are global destinations where brands must compete not only with design and product offering, but with experience. A Dubai mall activation that integrates live leather craft invites visitors to pause, observe, engage and share. This type of activation increases footfall, extends dwell time and encourages organic social visibility. It is particularly effective for openings, seasonal peaks or launches, in the same spirit as our Montblanc Christmas live painting activations and our TUMI leather tag personalization.

Elevating Retail With Craftsmanship and Authentic Interaction

Guests in Chennai experienced the sincerity of a face-to-face encounter with an artist—watching a piece come to life in real time, discussing styles, choosing colours. This sense of dialogue and shared creativity resonates deeply with Middle Eastern audiences, who appreciate the personal touch behind luxury items. It is the same approach that drives our leather art collaborations with Le Tanneur, our film-industry activations such as Lionsgate at Cannes, and retail experiences in iconic venues like Repossi at Le Bon Marché.

A Consistent Artistic Signature for International Brands

Montblanc’s repeated collaborations with our team across India and the UAE demonstrate how valuable it is to rely on a single artistic partner capable of delivering consistent quality across regions. Whether for a Chennai launch or a Dubai mall activation, the presence of Hakim Idriss ensures a coherent narrative, a polished aesthetic and a premium guest experience. This same level of expertise guided our work for Samsonite’s live events and continues today with recent Montblanc activations in Dubai Mall.

ClientMontblancServicesLive personalizationYear2018Linkwww.montblanc.com