Last September, Montblanc introduced Zinédine Zidane, one of the greatest soccer players and celebrated coaches of all times, as its latest Mark Maker. In addition to collaborating with the Maison on upcoming Montblanc writing instruments and leather goods campaigns, Zinédine Zidane is set to appear in the new campaign for the Montblanc Legend fragrance line this Fall.
In the upcoming print, TV and digital campaign for its Montblanc Legend fragrances, Montblanc pays tribute to the legendary grace and presence of Zidane. Humble and hardworking, the sporting icon has often been referred to as a “legend”; not necessarily the path he chose for himself ,but one that his passion, skill and determination led him to.
Legend, Montblanc’s best-selling fragrance line, channels the mind set of those who don’t seek glory, but strive to leave their mark with purpose, conviction and passion, writing their own legend along the way.
What values do you share with Maison Montblanc?
Montblanc is a company which represents culture and quality and believes in the importance of transmitting ideas and thoughts through writing. These are the values that speak to me, I who benefited from those of my father and my family, that in turn I try to pass on today.
What does being a legend mean to you?
No-one can call themselves a legend or decide what it is to be a legend. It’s something that comes from others, from their feelings, from their life perspective or background. It’s not you who decides.
Who would you describe as a legend?
Who would I call a legend? (Smiles)
Obviously my dad, because he’s been right there for me through thick and thin: he’s my first and my ultimate hero. I deeply admire his life journey – what he’s successfully built – and I have an immense gratitude for what he’s passed on to us. His story and his determination paved the way for our family, and allowed us to forge our own paths in life. This concept of passing things on deeply affects me and is something I hold close to my heart when I’m going about my daily life.
Enzo Francescoli will always be my absolute idol in Football. I remember being captivated by his game, his technique, and his elegance when I was younger. Everything that he did on the pitch was magical to see, I could spend hours watching him play. He was my point of reference, everything that I wanted to be. He’s definitely a legend in my eyes.
Childhood memories are often associated with smells. If you close your eyes, which of them instantly come back to you?
Those of my mum’s cooking and meals, and also the olive oil which my dad used for massage therapy after football.
I associate the smells of my childhood with the area that I grew up in; olive trees, and French lavender, which stretched through the fields as far as the eye could see. But I have a specific memory of the smell of freshly cut grass. We would leave early for training and matches on Sunday mornings, the grass was covered in dew, it was a very special feeling.
What role does fragrance play in your life?
I don’t own many fragrances; I’ve owned maybe 2 or 3 in my entire life. I’ve got quite simple, but specific taste, and when I find something I like, I stick with it. I like something that’s fresh and easy to wear, yet leaves a light lingering scent. When I wear a fragrance, I like to know that the smell will stay on me for the entire day, like a presence.
What attracted you the most to Montblanc Legend Eau de Parfum?
Its freshness. That’s the first thing that I want to experience when I put on a fragrance. The citrus element as well, and the lavender – which we already covered (laughs). I like the idea that there’s lavender in my Eau de Parfum, it takes me back to my childhood.