In 2023, to celebrate its 280th anniversary, Moët & Chandon reinterprets a timeless treasure from the past to celebrate the future. From the table of Madame de Pompadour to the Moulin Rouge or Studio 54, to the Grand Slams of the world or Royal Ascot, for nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has gone hand in hand with the utmost elegance, always underpinned with beautiful aesthetics and an appreciation of nature. To mark its milestone anniversary, the champagne House is presenting a limited edition inspired by the original works of Art Nouveau trailblazer Alphonse Mucha, whose avant-garde spirit is embraced by Moët & Chandon to this day.
A SINGULAR GIFT, A CREATIVE ODE TO NATURE AND THE FREE-SPIRITED JOIE DE VIVRE OF ART NOUVEAU
Going back to its roots, Moët & Chandon marks its anniversary with an ode to the timelessness of art and nature. The metal coffer for Moët Impérial (750 ml) is reminiscent of Mucha’s iconic pieces used by Moët & Chandon in the 1900s. The design is inspired by nature and depicts an elegant woman as a symbol of beauty and abundance going hand in hand. Garbed in a glamorous flowing dress, the figure holds a vase – symbolizing the extraordinaire generosity of nature that gives birth to Moët & Chandon champagne. Joie de vivre is conveyed through the trademark organic shapes, warm colours and uninhibited freedom. The abundance of nature and the seasons are key themes in Mucha’s work, echoing the prolific vines and generous tables of Moët & Chandon. From the harvest to holiday celebrations, Moët & Chandon rejoices in the generosity of its terroirs and invites the world to join in the festivities through this limited-edition gift offer, available in select retail outlets from July 2023 for R679,95.
AN EXPRESSION OF MOËT & CHANDON’S ETERNAL MODERNITY
Leader of the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by elegance, nature and modernity, and the first of many artists to work together with the Maison, Alphonse Mucha’s vision fully encapsulates the joie de vivre of Moët & Chandon. One of the first craftsmen to create original theatrical posters, Mucha was a pioneer of his time, lending his talent to jewellery, packaging design, interior design, photography and sculpture – proof that art is collective and has its place in every realm. His versatile pieces, universally enjoyed and emulated to this day, firmly assert the timelessness of art.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Belle Époque marked the dawn of a new civilization that permeated the world of culture and the arts. It gave birth to the elegance of Art Nouveau, of which Alphonse Mucha was one of the leading lights. Stimulated by the artistic ferment of Paris, he inspired the Moët & Chandon House, headed at the time by two brothers, Gaston and Raoul Chandon de Briailles, who commissioned Mucha to create posters celebrating the Maison’s champagne and nature in its region.
Indeed, art is as eternal as the ageless style of Moët & Chandon, which has been bringing people together through effervescent celebrations for centuries. Displayed as large posters in public areas, Mucha’s designs, like Moët Impérial, were welcoming and sincere: “I was happy to be involved in an art project for the people, accessible to all.” the artist said. Ahead of his time in this regard, Mucha’s inclusive attitude and atemporal art continue to resonate with Moët & Chandon today as the world’s most-loved champagne.
About Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and elevated to international renown by his descendant, Jean-Rémy Moët, who dreamt of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.” From royal court to red carpet, Studio 54 to Grand Slams, Moët & Chandon has been bringing people together around thrilling, extraordinary moments. With the largest, most diverse vineyards in the region, the House offers a universal & versatile portfolio of champagnes for every occasion and palate. Easy to love, each creation in white and rosé – from the iconic Moët Impérial to the refined Grand Vintage Collection, from the refreshing Moët Ice Impérial to the gentle Nectar Impérial – dazzles and delights with a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas to capture the astonishing breadth of its terroir. Through Natura Nostra, Moët & Chandon’s long-term sustainability program, the House works to protect biodiversity in the region and, since 2009, Moët & Chandon also supports philanthropic initiatives through Toast for a Cause. For nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of choice to mark both significant events in history and personal celebrations, enhancing each toast with the spark of effervescence.
About Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939)
Alphonse Mucha was a Bohemian and Czech artist and Master of Art Nouveau in Paris, who gained fame after painting theatrical posters for Sarah Bernhardt. The glamorous joyfulness of his iconic style is as graceful as it is inviting, typically featuring a young woman in neoclassical dresses with floating drapery and a flower crown or halo. Mucha was known for his avant-garde spirit, which he shared with Moët & Chandon and spurred this iconic collaboration.
