He’s stylish on and off the field, which is why A B De Villiers fits right in as the global brand ambassador for Mont Blanc, the maker of luxury writing instruments, watches, and more. As one of the world’s most admired cricketers, he’s now doing his bit for charity in India.
A range of limited-edition luggage trolleys from Mont Blanc will be auctioned with the proceeds going to Tamahar Foundation, a Bangalore-based organisation that works with children with special needs.
With only 14 handcrafted pieces, the trolleys have impressions of all that De Villiers love about India: the Taj Mahal, the food, cricket bats, Ganesha figure, lamps and more in a collage handpainted onto the luggage. Each piece has been signed by the South African and will be auctioned online at the end of May.
“Isn't that always the purpose of life, to do things for others? I am lucky to be associated with them. The trolleys say 'AB loves India' and I really do. The first time I travelled here was in 2001, with the Under-19 side, and sort of simply fell in love with the place. It was a huge cultural shock, yes, but over the last 18 years that I have been coming here, I am in love with this place,” De Villiers said during the launch of the range.
De Villiers has been associated with Mont Blanc for the past three years and admits he likes to get into partnerships for the long-term. “That's been kind of my trademark throughout my career. I have been very picky about who I get involved with and this brand is a million times bigger than what I can ever be. Growing up, I always saw this little logo of the summit and it came as a blessing, coming at a stage when I had played quite a bit and it just fitted exceptionally well,” he added.
Another reason he loves it, he says, was the fact that actor Hugh Jackman is also one of the ambassadors for it. “I haven't met him yet; hopefully will one day, but sort of being associated with him as well is a huge honour.”
