Cointreau x GiftShop Creates a Parisian Fashion Moment at The World’s 50 Best Bars, Hong Kong
At Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Cointreau collaborated with Parisian label GiftShop to transform the World’s 50 Best Bars’ red scarf ritual into a streetwear-inspired cultural moment. The event celebrated Bar Leone as the number one bar in the world, alongside other top bars such as Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City and Sips in Barcelona.
Each of this year’s Top 50 bars received the iconic red scarf, while members of the Cointreau Collective were also presented with limited-edition varsity jackets and bespoke caps designed by GiftShop.
Founded by Julien Dô Lê Pham and Mathieu Lebreton, GiftShop has made a name for itself in Paris by blending fashion, art, and cultural heritage. The label works with French institutions—from historic cafés to cultural landmarks—to reinterpret their visual identity for a contemporary audience. By partnering with Cointreau, GiftShop extended this approach to a global spirits audience, turning a traditional awards ceremony ritual into a collectible moment.
“Cointreau has always been about more than what’s in the glass — it’s about creativity and connection. Seeing the bar world come together in Hong Kong and celebrating these winners on such an influential stage was incredible. GiftShop’s Parisian style perfectly complemented Cointreau’s French heritage, turning the red scarf into a modern cultural moment,” said Clémence Gallet, Global Executive Director at Cointreau.
“At GiftShop, we believe unique moments deserve to be remembered through meaningful souvenirs. Partnering with Cointreau — itself an iconic French institution — allowed us to create a mini collection that captures this ceremony in time,” added Mathieu Lebreton. Co-founder Julien Dô Lê Pham noted, “The red scarf already had that energy. With Cointreau, we gave it a fresh design twist that speaks to both bartenders and a wider culture.”
Cointreau is a French orange liqueur created in 1849 in Angers, France. Its distinctive taste comes from a blend of sweet and bitter orange peels, carefully distilled by Maison Cointreau’s master distillers. Beyond cocktails like the Margarita or Cosmopolitan, Cointreau has become a staple for bartenders worldwide because of its balance, versatility, and long-standing reputation in the spirits world.
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
