Montblanc Honors Pablo Picasso

This limited edition writing instrument from Montblanc honors the famed Spanish modern artist, known for catapulting the cubist movement forward in the twentieth century. This piece will be issued in a worldwide limited edition of 91 pens to honor his prolific lifetime.

The design is mainly inspired by the Picasso writing and sketch “Portrait de Jeune Fille” from 1936. The shape of the fountain pen is based on a simple pencil shape, symbolizing the minimalism of Picasso. The cap is made of 750 solid gold, with a Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl. The body of the pen is made of black lacquer and 750 solid gold with red lacquer. Finally, the instrument features a rhodium-plated 18-karat gold nib. The Pablo Picasso is priced at $33,500.

Audrey Hepburn and S. T. Dupont

The Audrey Hepbrun™ collection was inspired by the famous Riviera bag created by S. T. Dupont at the beginning of the 1950s. The actress discovered it in 1953 and adopted it immediately. Serving as both a travel bag and handbag, this unique model went everywhere with the actress, who loved its form and feminine detailing--like the secret compartment it had. Today's Audrey Riviera is made of grained pink calfskin with white straps and can also be produced upon request in all kind of leathers and colors, crafted by hand in S.T.Dupont's Faverges workshops.

A pen and lighter set for a touch of glamour

Taking inspiration from the hat worn by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, the Audrey Hepburn™ collection has an elegant bow design in powder pink and white Dupont lacquer for the Line 8 lighter and the Liberté fountain pen and ballpoint. Liberté is a line for women, launched two years ago.

For that not-so-fresh feeling...

Not sure if any of you have been following the hilarious aftermath of BIC's launch of its pens "for Her." They've gotten a ton of press of late, so I thought I would give them some attention, too--especially since my lady hands are sorely in need of just such pens after a long summer of barbecuing and other tough stuff. And, frankly, they make me feel pretty. Here are a few choice quotes, thanks to the Huffington Post: 

1. "What's next, ladies attending universities? Pens to encourage literacy in the lower orders?" 
2. "My excitement turned to tears when I realized that they do not come with paper-for-her."
3. "When I saw these I just had to have them, so I asked my Husband to buy them for me. He refused, as he said that owning a pen might make me Think, and then have Ideas of My Own."
4. "What do I do with them?"
5. "I can barely adjust my crotch, I am so angry. Make pens For Him. Strong pens. Manly pens. Pens that dress on the right." 

I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity, but what were you thinking, BIC? Anyway, check out the new and sleek and pastel BIC for Her; batteries not included. 

Caran d'Ache pays tribute

The Caran d'Ache new La Rindyà limited edition pays homage to the company's homeland of Switzerland. Every year, autumn signals one of the country's most beautiful traditions: A procession of cattle, richly decorated with flowers and greenery, wends its way slowly down the mountain to the foothills where they will spend the winter. In the Canton of Fribourg, and particularly in the Gruyere region, this custom (which dates to the Middle Ages) is referred to as La Rindyà. 

There are 1,291 pieces in this edition, the number recalling the founding date of the Swiss Confederation. The fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint are beautifully engraved with pastoral images contrasting the platinum and the black lacquer. The writing section of the fountain pen and rollerball is decorated with an engraving of Le Moléson, the most famous peak in the Fribourg Alps, and the cap features the Caran d'Ache name and logo, while the clip flies the Swiss flag. The pens are presented in an original box of Swiss beech. Its design is based on the stacks of wood planks, common on Alpine farms, that are used for the restoration of chalets. 

The cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen has a rhodium-coated, 18-karat gold nib, available in three widths (F, M, B). The rollerball offers a choice of a fine-point roller cartridge or a fiber-tip cartridge in two widths (F, M). The fountain pen is priced at $2,500.

Earlier limited edition tributes to Switzerland include La Poya and the Matterhorn pen collections.

The hot color for spring

Pilot, well known for its gorgeous maki-e pens as well as its amazing and right-priced Vanishing Point fountain pens, has a fabulous orange demonstrator in its Custom 74 line. And since orange is the hot new color for spring (and since demonstrator pens are some of my favorites), I thought I'd give it a mention. The Custom 74 comes in an array of colors, including Black Smoke, Blue Tint and Violet (as well as clear), but the orange really pops and makes me think of sunny days and spring flowers. It's priced at $200, which is really amazing for a fountain pen with a 14-karat gold rhodium-plated nib.

Karl Lagerfeld and S. T. Dupont join talents

Karl Lagerfeld, the renowned fashion designer, refined collector and admirer of S.T. Dupont products, wished to lend his talent to the creation of a writing instrument collection. A bottle in the shape of a fan was the inspiration behind this collection, named Mon Dupont. The pens are available in two versions: the Chic Collection, in black lacquer and palladium; and the Prestige Collection, in "lotus red" placed lacquer with yellow gold trim. The red lacquer was specifically developed by S. T. Dupont and inspired by Chanel varnish. Mon Dupont includes a fountain pen, a rollerball and a ballpoint. The curved clip is adorned with a garnet-colored agate. The packaging, also designed by Lagerfeld, is a jewel box in the shape of a hand-held fan. A matching lighter is also available.

Pompei Limited Edition from Delta

Delta's new Pompei Limited Edition recalls some of the characteristics of the first Pompei collection, produced from  "Pompeian Red" celluloid and introduced in 1996. This new edition is made from a yellow-colored celluloid, another hue seen on the walls of this ancient city, and is available as a fountain pen, rollerball or ballpoint. While the earlier model features a lateral filling system, this recently introduced limited edition fountain pen is available with a piston filling ($1,195) or cartridge/converter system ($795); it has a 14-karat gold nib. The rollerball pen is priced at $595, the ballpoint at $495.

Available in April...new Sheaffer Preludes

The latest Sheaffer Prelude Signature Collection, which includes fountain pens, rollerball pens and ballpoints, features Gunmetal Ceramic with palladium-plate trim, Gold Plate with a Diamond Square Pattern and gold-plate trim, Silver Plate with a Snakeskin Pattern and 22-karat gold plate trim, and Palladium Plate with an  Imperial Pattern and palladium-plate trim. Moderately priced and marvelously attractive, this collection will be in pen shops in April.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Cash!

 Yesterday was Johnny Cash's eightieth birthday, and according to my sources at Think pens, the limited edition Johnny Cash fountain pens released a few months ago are sold out. But take heart. There are a few rollerball pens still available, priced at under $300.


The black Italian resin pen has striped wood-grain accents inspired by the detailing on Cash's guitar. The clip recalls the guitar's fret board, and Cash's signature is featured on the band. Just 888 fountain pens were created. Each comes in a black lacquer commemorative box.