An artist, an innovator scientist and a genius of uncompromising standards, the great master Leonardo da Vinci has influenced so many aspects of our lives that we often take for granted today. The very attributes that make up the original Renaissance Man are also a part of the DNA of Montblanc.

Starting out with luxury writing instruments, the brand has, over its 109-year history, gone on to express its singular vision for creating objects of excellent design, impeccable quality and craftsmanship in an array of lifestyle objects. Whether it’s a watch, a fragrance or eyewear, each piece is an embodiment of culture. The latest reaffirmation of the brand’s commitment to contributing to modern cultural life borrows from the great master Da Vinci, making it a must-have for discerning individuals who value tradition and fine craftsmanship.

Inspired by the sfumato (the Italian word translates into “evaporate like smoke”) technique pioneered by Da Vinci as used in his Mona Lisa painting, the Meisterstück Selection Sfumato is an ode to the ingenious painting style developed during the Renaissance period. Working with the softest, most exquisite leather, mastercraftsmen in the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence have applied this technique of extremely delicate brushstrokes and subtle colour gradation. Through masterful blending and superimposing many layers of thin paint with the tiniest of brushstrokes to eliminate lines, an impression of great softness is achieved, rendering a three-dimensional effect to the leather. No fancy printing machines are used here; each piece of leather is individually hand-painted with utmost care and precision. In the process, the natural patina of the leather is enhanced and it becomes even more luxurious to touch. 

After tanning, dyeing and being masterfully hand-painted, the stunning leather, available in rich brown, anthracite and navy blue, is cut and assembled into a small collection of covetable items including a document case and full briefcase for meetings, a roomy tote, wallet, coin case, business card holder and belts. While tradition is at its heart, each piece is also incredibly contemporary and sophisticated with modern details. The Classic Single Gusset Briefcase, for instance, boasts a lock and sliding top handle and has been engineered to allow it to be flattened completely when empty, while the Contemporary Slim Document Case sensibly has two compartments—one for documents and another for a laptop or tablet. Because of the sheer amount of skill and expertise that goes into the creation of each piece in the collection, they come in limited numbers, making every Meisterstück Selection Sfumato truly a timeless work of art.