As we prepare for the 2022 Tour de France, Opinel is thrilled to continue our partnership with Le Tour de France as an official partner, helping to commemorate one of the biggest events in France! To celebrate the event, we created a limited series of two No.08 folding knives in collaboration with Manivelle (Matthieu Lifschitz), a passionate cyclist and art director of 200 Magazine (a French road biking magazine). The intention behind this collaboration was to highlight the strong graphic motifs that are emblematic of the Tour de France.
Read on to find out more about the collaboration and the artist…
Introducing Matthieu Lifschitz (Manivelle)
“For several years I have been sharing my life between my two passions, cycling and art.
I'm fascinated by the long distance and mountain cycling routes over the many renowned hills of the European countryside and I regularly take part in long distance events that are part of the Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux, like Paris-Brest-Paris, as well as endurance races across Europe like the Transcontinental Race. Over time, the world of cycling has totally blended with my original profession of graphic design and art direction.
My commitment to cycling extends beyond the sport, as I am currently the art director of 200 Magazine and I create visual identities and collaborate with various brands and artisans, such as Café du Cycliste, Victoire Cycles, Distance Bike, Helmut Equipement, Classics Challenge, and now Opinel.
I was genuinely thrilled to be able to design these two Opinel No.08 knives as a tribute to the Tour de France.” - Manivelle
2022 Tour de France No.08: “Les Maillots”
The “Les Maillots” edition pays tribute to the iconic jerseys worn by the leaders in each category during the race. The yellow (leader), green (best sprinter), and red polka dot (best climber) are displayed on the No.08 folding knife via the sublimation technique.
“This graphic creation is a fun, playful object that speaks with easy-to-understand, statutory symbols.” - Manivelle
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2022 Tour de France No.08: “Landmarks”
The “Landmarks” edition tells the story of the Tour de France through the iconic landmarks and symbols that encapsulate the tour; the Arc de Triomphe and Mont Ventoux, paired with graphics symbolizing the elements of water, rain, and mist. A yellow leather lanyard pays tribute to the primary color of the Tour de France.
“This creation brings in the notion of landscape, a geographical anchor with a wire treatment taking the form of symbols, topped by the Arc de Triomphe. The idea was to create an object that tells a story, like a totem. A graphic design with a contemporary appeal.” - Manivelle
What is your first memory of Opinel?
My first memories of Opinel go back to my childhood. Family lunches by the sea with all the camping equipment, the image of my grandfather holding it, he used it for a lot of things.
Then, as a teenager, I went to my first summer camp in the high mountains and I remember the feeling of pride at buying my first Opinel.
Many people think of Opinel as embodying expertise and a brand that's passed on. What do you think the Opinel values are?
In my opinion, the values that Opinel conveys are simplicity, efficacy and tradition.
And in a way, because of its timelessness, its ability to be inscribed in a multitude of memories throughout a lifetime, it's a comforting object to own.
How did you become involved in the Tour de France x Opinel collaboration?
My previous work, which for the most part is anchored in the world of cycling, spoke for me really. My projects could be seen on the internet or in certain publications and Opinel noticed some of them and contacted me.
I was aware from the start of the emotions evoked by both Opinel and the Tour de France. I was so enthusiastic about this project, and keen to suggest different designs to represent the theme.
I was very satisfied with the whole process, which flowed beautifully and was very productive, with everyone involved bringing the skills they were so passionate about.
If you had to summarize Opinel in 3 words?
Timeless, effective, comforting.
