Re-releases of Legendary Collections Created Using the Most Traditional and Exceptional Methods

S.T. Dupont Lacquer Atelier Collection: the Elegance and Shine of Natural Lacquer

S.T. Dupont Leather Atelier Collection: the Deep Radiance of Patinated Leather

UNPARALLELED HERITAGE EXPERTISE

• From natural lacquer…

In late 2014, for the first time, S.T. Dupont re-released a cult collection of natural lacquer lighters, an identical reproduction of old collections which also incorporated unique ancestral techniques and expertise, such as were used in its atelier in 1953. Soon, two pens joined the collection of lighters, once again testifying to the Maison’s unparalleled mastery of this living material that is as exceptional as it is difficult to work.

Only S.T. Dupont’s master lacquerers are able to transform the teardrops of a precious tree into the inalterable, glistening and deep-coloured material that is natural lacquer. To do so, they revived an age-old technique: the art of “Popoté”. First, two layers of Isabelle lacquer – the name given to beige natural lacquer – are applied by hand using a sponge. This stage is deliberately but meticulously performed in an irregular manner to create the Maison’s characteristic cloudy effect. Up to four layers, each applied by hand using a palette knife, are needed to reveal the lacquer’s full magic, the blend of brilliance and density that makes each piece unique.

• …To patinated leather

Following the success of the first re-releases, S.T. Dupont has decided to relaunch a collection of leather goods featuring patinated leather, the colours and contrasts of which call on the Maison’s very first form of expertise.   

It all began in the Atelier 1872 – a reference to the year of its creation – and this is where it will all continue. 144 years ago, Simon Tissot Dupont, who admired the chiaroscuro look of certain aged leathers, attempted to accelerate the natural patina acquired by leather over time to give it the same unique radiance and brilliance.

He developed an exclusive procedure – patinating – which lends colours shades and contrasts beyond compare, making them deeper, more refined and utterly unparalleled.

This art of patinating is carried out entirely by hand. It meets the exacting standards that the Maison has continuously upheld over the years. In addition to the secrets of the procedure, it involves meticulous attention at every stage. The process of skin selection is the very first evidence of this. Only the purest specimens are accepted, which are prepared using a completely natural method of vegetable tanning so that they can reveal the full intensity of the colour. Sourced from mineral pigments only, the colour is then applied with constant care and precision. Like a gentle caress, it heightens the light in its centre and produces the rarest and most precious tones. This meticulous and remarkable stage enhances the contrasts of each object. Each piece acquires its very own, exclusive shade. More than a signature, this is the essence of S.T. Dupont. 

A PROMISE OF TRULY UNIQUE PRODUCTS

• Colour, an identifying feature for each product 

While the procedure remains the same for each piece, the result is always different. Depending on the colour contrasts obtained, the handmade production process gives the product its very own depth and soul. 

• A legendary signature

The cult objects in the S.T. Dupont Lacquer Atelier 1953 collection, such as the lighters and pens, are stamped with the old S.T. Dupont logo, which serves as a subtle and elegant reminder of the original collection. Meanwhile the winged wheel hallmark symbolises the Maison's extreme expertise in the goldsmith's art. The date 1953, a reference to the year of the atelier’s creation, is also inscribed on the objects as a fitting tribute to the creation of these exceptional techniques. Finally, a leaf of lacquer is delicately affixed to the bottom of the lighter to authenticate its genuine Chinese lacquer.

In the same spirit, the pieces in the S.T. Dupont Leather Atelier 1872 collection feature “1872”, the year in which the atelier specialising in the art of patinating was founded. The models also feature the winged wheel hallmark, a symbol of S.T. Dupont’s expertise in the goldsmith's art. Lastly, the Maison’s original logo is delicately engraved on a metal plaque or the clasp and embossed on the small leather goods.

NEW COLLECTIONS ALREADY DESTINED TO BE LEGENDARY

• S.T. Dupont Leather Atelier 1872 collection

Sublime colours for essential everyday accessories – such is the promise of the leather goods collection to be released in late June. The product of S.T. Dupont’s age-old expertise, it will offer lovers of patinated leather:

• A document holder and laptop case. Timelessly elegant, it is designed to meet the everyday expectations of businessmen. The piece will be available in four rare and refined colours: midnight blue, tobacco brown, emerald green and ruby red.
• A single gusset briefcase, perfect for carrying different documents with ease, will be available in midnight blue or tobacco brown.
• Three models of small leather goods will also be available in midnight blue and/or tobacco brown. A wallet will be available in the four all-new colours: midnight blue, tobacco brown, emerald green and ruby red.

• S.T. Dupont Lacquer Atelier 1953 collection

S.T. Dupont continues to re-release its cult objects made from natural lacquer. 
Following the light brown, dark brown, navy blue and cherry red shades launched in October 2014, the Ligne 2 lighters will be available in two all-new colours from June 2016: emerald green and aubergine.

In addition to the midnight blue and dark brown shades available since June 2015, the pen collection will also feature two other dazzling colours: cherry red and aubergine. Two smaller Line D pens will also be released in blue and dark brown.

NOW AND FOREVER, S.T. DUPONT’S EXPERTISE GIVES RISE TO EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE WANTING TO OWN CULT OBJECTS THAT CAN BE PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.