Why S.T. Dupont’s hot-air balloon cigar lighter costs more than a Lamborghini
At the push of a button, the balloon rises, unveiling a 24ct gold lighter inset with pavé diamonds
WHAT: The Ultra Exclusive Montgolfière Lighter
HOW MUCH: US$357,000
WHY: S.T. Dupont takes exclusivity to new heights with its Montgolfière hot-air balloon lighter. The French luxury manufacturer is known for its bespoke accessories, often entailing the exceptional work of artisans in lacquer, fine-engraving and leatherwork.
Simon Tissot Dupont established his eponymous maison in 1872, crafting objects of desire for Parisian high society. It has collaborated with iconic faces and franchises, including Karl Lagerfeld, Pablo Picasso and the 007 James Bond collection.
For its latest and, perhaps, most magnificent piece in savoir faire, S.T. Dupont has collaborated with 2 Saints to produce a lighter inspired by the first hot- air balloon demonstration of 1783.
But the Montgolfière lighter is not simply a luxury cigar lighter. Rather, this work of art is based on a magnificent moment in French history, set in the royal epicentre of grandiosity: Chateau de Versailles.
The S.T. Dupont balloon is decorated in lacquer and gold with marvellous historical exactness. The gold fleur de lis, the symbol of French royalty, is set on the elegant blue lacquer of the balloon.
Zodiac symbols embellish the Montgolfière, as if sending these constellations back up to the stars.