The Icons is a collection of four emblematic objects that have made the history of the maison, revisited according to the principles of the circular economy

"One quality, the best" is the motto of Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772 in Reims. To celebrate its 250th anniversary, the house presents The Icons collection of four emblematic objects that have made its history, revisited in a sustainable manner. To do this, two other excellences have been involved in the project: Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (an international and innovative centre for teaching and research which is part of the University of the Arts London and which, through art, design, entertainment and its students, creates ideas, materials and actions for a better future) and Smeg, the excellence of made in Italy in the household appliances sector.

Design and innovation

The culture of design and innovation at Veuve Clicquot began with Madame Clicquot, who revolutionised the world of Champagne by inventing the first Millesimato in 1810 and the first Rosé champagne by blending. Convinced that form and appearance were as important as taste, she used to say that her wines should flatter both the palate and the eye. The Maison has cherished this cultural heritage and to celebrate it presents a series of emblematic objects that tell part of the story, designed in the belief that functional packaging can become a fundamental element of the art de vivre. "The 250th anniversary is an opportunity to share Clicquot's extraordinary cultural tradition as well as its exceptional know-how and design with the whole world," explains Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot.

Evolution, progress and sustainability

The collection is designed to last and is plastic-free, fully recyclable and produced with a lower level of greenhouse gas emissions than in the past in line with the company's commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. "The Icons collection expresses Veuve Clicquot's ability to constantly reinvent itself, to shine around the world and open up new avenues by developing unexpected partnerships. This collection speaks to us of evolution, progress and reflection, drawing inspiration from the maison's historical heritage to arrive at a modern and contemporary vision," comments Carole Bildé, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

A functional 'jacket

Launched in 2004, the Clicquot Ice Jacket represents the right mix of design, innovation and haute couture. Inspired by divers' wetsuits, it is a functional 'jacket' that keeps champagne cool anywhere. The new version has been redesigned to maintain thermal properties without the use of neoprene, made of 100% recycled plastic. For this project, the house collaborated with Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, where young talents approached the idea through the lens of ecological design. The Product Design graduates presented their interpretation of Ice Jacket. The winning designer, Debbie Petrou, applied a revolutionary high-tech process taken from the fashion industry, 3D knitting, whereby a three-dimensional digital pattern is made in a single print. The method limits excess material because only the necessary fabric is used, saving on average 30% material compared to normal production.

From coffret to ice bucket

Created in 2000, the Clicquot Ice Box was selected by the VIA (Valorization of Innovation in Furnishing) association, under the patronage of the French government, as one of the 100 iconic objects representing French design at an international level. A symbol of Veuve Clicquot's creative spirit and its ability to think outside the box, Ice Box invites a new, more nomadic and relaxed kind of champagne consumption. Inspired by Japanese origami, Ice Box opens like a flower in the metamorphosis from coffret to ice bucket, offering a second life to the packaging. It is made of FSC-certified cardboard with a waterproof inner layer, composed of 70% recycled materials and reusable up to 10 times.

Inspired by 1950s fridges

It is a bold refrigeration coffret inspired by 1950s refrigerators: made in Veuve Clicquot's iconic colours of yellow solaire and rosé, Clicquot Fridge represents the ability to revive everyday objects by transforming them into objects of desire. Re-imagined in collaboration with avant-garde industrial designer Smeg, Fridge is plastic-free, made of recyclable tin, with a removable holder made from 100% cane sugar waste, so that it can be reused as designer packaging. Fridge keeps the bottle fresh for up to two hours and can be recycled indefinitely. For this occasion, Veuve Clicquot has also teamed up with Smeg to create collector's fridges for chilling Veuve Clicquot bottles at home: in Clicquot yellow, the iconic Smeg FAB28 (153cm high) and FAB10 (97cm high) models are available in two sizes.

Route to Reims

Clicquot Arrow became an instant classic when it was launched in 2016 and continues to capture hearts and imaginations everywhere. At first glance, it is a road sign pointing to an evocative destination. Then, it reveals its secret: the bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label inside. Desired by many, it is always loved by those who manage to get one personalised with the specific destination. Made of tin (one of the most recyclable materials), it is composed of 30% recyclable material and a removable backing made of 100% cane sugar waste. Like a real road sign, each pack indicates the number of kilometres from one's heartland to Reims, France, and the Veuve Clicquot cellars.

Where to find them

The Icons collection is available online at tannico.it, rinascente.it and in all Rinascente stores. In particular, from 21 June to 4 July, four Rinascente stores will be presenting a special activity: in Milan Duomo, Rome Tritone, Florence, and Turin, dedicated pop-ups will be set up where it will be possible to make Clicquot Arrow and Clicquot Ice Jacket unique, with a bespoke service. A personalisation with a destination or place of the heart on Arrow or with your name, that of a loved one, a date to remember, a message to celebrate a special occasion on Ice Jacket. During the same period, the windows of the Milan Duomo and Turin stores will be the prelude to a journey through the iconic products of the collection. Clicquot Fridge will be available exclusively at Rinascente (store and online) and in Smeg shops until September.