Stijn De Sutter Brings "A Cigar and a Shave Sir!" to Intertabac, Dortmund, Germany
A Cigar and a Shave: ROMAIN Takes On the World's Largest Cigar Expo
After the overwhelming success of our Cigar & Shave event in Dublin, Ireland, it was time for ROMAIN to take on a new challenge—one that was as bold as it was exhilarating. We had the incredible honor of being invited to the world’s largest cigar fair, the Intertabac in Dortmund, Germany. This isn’t just any trade show—it’s the epicenter of the global cigar industry, a place where passion, craftsmanship, and culture come together under one roof.
And yes, you read that right. Stijn De Sutter, one of the most respected names in the world of traditional shaving, was invited to spend two full days at Intertabac, from dawn till dusk, offering his expert shaves to the discerning clientele of Oliva Cigars. This wasn’t just about shaving; it was about providing an experience that combines the precision and history of a classic wet shave with the artistry of enjoying a premium cigar.
An Unlikely Yet Perfect Pairing: Shaving & Cigars
To many, the concept of pairing a traditional shave with a premium cigar may seem unusual, but for those who truly appreciate the finer things in life, it’s a match made in heaven. And that’s exactly the idea behind A Shave & A Cigar, Sir—a concept brought to life by Fred Vandermarleire, the owner of Oliva Cigars. Fred, who has previously been treated to Stijn’s impeccable service, wanted to bring that same level of precision and luxury to his clients at the fair. The idea was simple yet brilliant: offer attendees the chance to experience two iconic rituals—shaving and cigars—hand-in-hand, elevating the atmosphere of the event and creating an unforgettable experience.
A Hectic but Rewarding Two Days
Organizing such an event at a massive trade fair like Intertabac was no small feat, but for Stijn De Sutter, this was a labor of love. The cigar industry, much like the shaving world, is a small, tight-knit community, where everyone knows everyone. And so, Stijn, a well-known figure in both worlds, felt right at home. As soon as he arrived, he was greeted by old friends and familiar faces, including Fred and his team, who had gone all out to make sure the experience would be nothing short of spectacular. The ROMAIN banner stood tall, marking our presence at the heart of the action.
The setup was impeccable—everything from the barber’s chair to the premium Oliva cigars was in place, ready for a day of fine grooming and indulgence. As soon as the first customer sat down, the energy shifted. Word spread quickly, and soon the line was growing longer. The Shave & Cigar concept was a hit, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. It was thrilling to see people from every corner of the globe—whether from Europe, the Americas, or beyond—gathering to witness a combination of skill and luxury that they hadn’t quite expected.
Precision, Craftsmanship, and the Art of Shaving
It’s no surprise that the concept worked so well. The art of shaving requires precision, focus, and a deep understanding of the craft—qualities that complement the slow, luxurious experience of enjoying a fine cigar. Stijn’s attention to detail was impeccable as always, and with every shave, he demonstrated not just skill, but an unwavering respect for tradition. It wasn’t just about cutting hair—it was about creating a moment of relaxation, luxury, and enjoyment for every client.
And then there was the cigar. After the shave, each guest was invited to select from a fine Oliva cigar. The combination of a perfect shave followed by a rich, flavorful cigar became a ritual, one that transcended mere grooming and transformed it into an experience. The ambiance was elevated further by the fine tobacco and the accompanying warmth of a freshly shaved face, allowing each guest to truly savor the moment.
Day Two: The Buzz Grows
By the second day, the buzz had already spread through the niche circles of the industry. More and more people were stopping by, eager to experience what ROMAIN and Oliva had to offer. But even with the increasing demand, Stijn remained focused on the quality of each shave. This wasn’t about speed—it was about the craft, the artistry, and the attention to detail that make the experience so special.
What made the event truly remarkable wasn’t just the number of shaves performed or cigars lit—it was the feeling that permeated the entire space. There was a genuine sense of connection, not just between Stijn and his clients, but between all the people who share a love for quality, precision, and tradition. Whether they were veteran cigar smokers or newcomers to the world of traditional shaving, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for these time-honored rituals.
Looking to the Future: A Perfect Pairing
When the event finally came to a close, it was clear that this collaboration between ROMAIN, Oliva Cigars, and Intertabac was a huge success. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the A Shave & A Cigar, Sir concept is something we look forward to bringing to more events in the future. This was just the beginning.
A special thank you to Fred Vandermarleire and the entire Oliva team for trusting us to represent their brand and showcase the beauty of both fine cigars and traditional shaving. And, of course, a huge thank you to Thomas Gryson, our steadfast sidekick, whose dedication and passion were instrumental in making this event the success it was.
This was more than just an event—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, of heritage, and of the timeless art of enjoying life’s finest pleasures. We can't wait to bring A Shave & A Cigar, Sir to more places around the world. Stay tuned!
Read the article of the world famous cigar magazine Half Wheel about ROMAIN & Intertabac over here. Thank you for the article!
