What happens when a master of visual storytelling teams up with a luxury brand devoted to craftsmanship? A transformative journey that redefines the act of writing.
Over the 2025 holiday season, Montblanc dropped a new chapter of their ongoing collaboration with Wes Anderson, and it’s safe to say, it’s got “new obsession” written all over it. As if the idea of combining one of the most iconic luxury brands with the imaginative genius of Anderson wasn’t enough, the latest short film, Let’s Write, goes above and beyond. Montblanc and Rustan’s recently hosted an exclusive event (with Jean-Sébastien Gerondeau, President of Montblanc South Asia, and Michael Huang, Senior Vice President for Store Development and Expansion, Rustan’s in attendance), introducing this wild, whimsical project to local fans in the Philippines—what an experience.
Montblanc x Wes world—such fun!
The event was a thoroughly enjoyable immersive experience that brought to life Montblanc’s vision of the transformative power of writing. We were transported to the Montblanc Observatory High-Mountain Library, a fictional (yet very much believable) destination in Wes Anderson’s world, set on board a staged train car called the Montblanc Voyage of Panorama. If this reminds you of The Darjeeling Limited, you’re not wrong. In fact, it’s that same blend of quirky, literal, metaphorical, and poetic journeys that make this experience so captivating. Think of it as a moving meditation—a moment of introspection, imagination, and, of course, writing.
If you’ve ever had one of those moments where time slows down and you feel an overwhelming urge to just stop and reflect, Let’s Write channels that energy. In the film, the train is this beautiful metaphor for the pauses in life when you’re forced to look inward, slow down, and focus on what really matters. A perfect setting for reflecting, journaling, and even letting the mind wander in that “what if?” space that makes writing such a powerful tool for transformation.
Writing as a tool for transformation
What truly hit home during this whole experience was the theme of writing as more than just putting pen to paper. It became about transformation—a powerful act of capturing the moments, memories, and reflections that define us. It reminded us that journaling, scribbling down our thoughts, or even writing a note to our future selves can be as transformative as travel. It’s about making those connections, both with ourselves and with the world around us, through words.
For anyone who’s a fan of Wes Anderson’s quirky humor, you’ll definitely appreciate his cheeky twist on the Montblanc pen. In the short film, the pen is dubbed “The Scribbler”—a playful nod to the German name “Schreiberling,” which means “scribbler” or “writer.” Classic Wes—his attention to detail and subtle humor are all over this project, and it’s clear that writing (and the tools we use) plays an important role in the film’s whimsical journey.
Setting the scene at Casa Buenas
A shoutout is definitely in order for Casa Buenas at Hotel Okura Manila, the venue for this memorable event. From the moment we arrived, it felt as if we were stepping into a vintage train station crossed with a 1920s writer’s retreat. The entire vibe was retro-chic and introspective, setting the perfect tone for an event that was all about creativity, reflection, and writing. To top it all off, The Manila String Machine provided a perfect musical backdrop that made the entire atmosphere feel even more immersive. I honestly half-expected to see characters straight out of a Wes Anderson film stepping off the train. It was that kind of event.
Bringing Montblanc’s vision to life
The event wasn’t just about the short film, though—it was about showcasing Montblanc’s dedication to both craftsmanship and creativity. As guests milled about, we were treated to a curated collection of Montblanc’s latest Fall/Winter 2025 pieces, including the Writing Traveller Document Case in Corteccia Sfumato leather, Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen, and limited-edition writing instruments inspired by figures like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Each piece was a work of art in its own right, combining Montblanc’s heritage with cutting-edge design.
Beyond the products, Montblanc was offering something deeper: an invitation to embrace the journey of self-expression. Their campaign, The Journey: Let’s Write, isn’t just about fancy pens or luxury goods. It’s about the transformative power of writing. It’s a reminder to pause, reconnect with ourselves, and take the time to document the things that matter.
The journey of self-expression
If there’s one thing I’ll take away from the event, it’s this: writing—like travel—is a journey of self-discovery. It’s a process that allows us to better understand ourselves, our memories, and our dreams. The event itself invited guests to participate in some introspective activities, such as travel journaling, where we could document our favorite travel memories or dream destinations. We even had the chance to write a note to our future selves, which Montblanc promised to mail back in a year. Talk about a future-forward twist on journaling.
In the grand scheme of things, Montblanc’s campaign is more than just a product launch. It’s an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and embrace the simple yet powerful act of writing. As the world moves faster and faster, the need for such reflective moments has never been more important. Whether you’re documenting your travels or reflecting on your personal journey, writing has the power to transport you, to open doors to creativity, and to help you connect with the world in ways you never imagined.
Next time you’re on a journey—literal or metaphorical—don’t forget to write it down. You might just find that the act of putting pen to paper will be the most transformative part of it all.
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