Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, is proud to announce world-renowned artist Janelle Monáe as an official partner for a new brand campaign, “Soar Beyond the Expected,” featuring the brand’s innovative offering, Martell Blue Swift.
Through content produced by director and artist, child., photographed by multimedia artist Jheyda McGarrell, and starring Monáe, the powerful women-led production – a rarity within a male-dominated sector – recognizes “Standout Swifts” as those who live life on their own terms, approach their desires with unmatched passion and manifest their personal truths.
As the lead “Standout Swift,” Monáe will partner with Martell to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves and create their own path. This message is boldly brought to life in the creative: Monáe demonstrates that one’s path to success does not have to be linear and the campaign encourages people to seek out the opportunities in their lives that will help them both soar beyond expectations and drive positive change.
“It’s impossible not to be inspired by Janelle Monáe. She’s a boundary breaker, a risk-taker, a truth-teller, and a person who truly lives life on her own terms. We couldn’t have found a better protagonist for the next chapter of Martell’s story than Janelle,” said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America.
“Consumers today want to support brands that share their values and are bold enough to believe that they can make a positive change in the world. With Janelle as our voice and our guide, Martell’s new campaign celebrates those who inspire others to live audaciously.”
Throughout the partnership, Monáe will also work in tandem with Martell to highlight and support philanthropic efforts that will further the reach of the “Standout Swift” mentality and drive change when and where possible.
“I have never been one who lives life trying to fit in. It isn’t always easy and can be lonely at times, but the reward of moving through life on your own terms is worth it. I have tried to use my platform to make a change in areas that I can be of service to while supporting those who are underrepresented,” says Monáe.
“It is incredibly important that my partners not only support this line of thinking, but they mirror these values and give back to these communities that I care deeply about. In working with Martell and its ‘Soar Beyond the Expected’ campaign, I’m looking forward to opening new doors that will push our communities forward to soar even higher.”
Since Martell’s founding, the brand has been opening doors within the cognac category and pushing the boundaries of innovation, as embodied by Martell’s Blue Swift expression.
As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell Blue Swift is a celebration of the brand’s historic ties with the U.S., made of V.S.O.P cognac matured in French oak casks and finished in Kentucky bourbon barrels. This innovative expression is a first for the cognac category.
“Martell’s ‘Soar Beyond the Expected’ campaign marks an exciting new chapter for Martell and comes at a time when the cognac category is experiencing explosive growth,” said Pamela Forbus, CMO of Pernod Ricard North America. “Cognac is the second-fastest-growing spirits category in the U.S. and we’re confident Martell’s portfolio is perfectly poised to meet consumer demand.”
Martell encourages consumers to raise a toast to Monáe as an iconic “Standout Swift” who continues to redefine boundaries in art, music, and fashion with an inspired Martell Blue Swift cocktail:
Swift Sour
Ingredients
- 2 parts Blue Swift
- 1 part Honey Syrup
- 1 part Lemon
Instructions
Make Honey Syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water). Add parts & shake with ice. Add ice to glass & strain. Garnish with lemon peel & serve
To learn more about Martell and the brand’s campaign with Janelle, go to martell.com or connect with the brand at @martellusa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
