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BEVERAGES
m k
This is (obviously) an extensive category in its native retail
marketplace, hence the need to make a clean break from
quintessential English stereotypes. The pleasure of informal
afternoon tea is nicely depicted; the use of white focuses
your attention effectively; and the organic emanations from
the cup draw you into the experience. The people’s body
language is a bit anxious; perhaps they could connect to the
product and the experience a bit more.
r W
It’s usually quite diffi cult to incorporate people into an
identity without immediately dating the brand. This is a nice
exception. The people become as iconic as the “L” and “T.”
A welcome breath of fresh thinking in what can be a stuffy
category—specifi cally for a brand with the austere name,
The London Tea Company.
s W
In my opinion, these packages are already dated-looking,
from the inclusion of the rather stiff and awkward-looking
people to the now-overused fl oating fl ourishes. I don’t know
the price point of these products, but they look inexpensive.
I do think the spots of white highlights (brand name and
cup) work well to guide the eye. And the “L” and “T” as table
and chair is interesting, however, I can’t get beyond how
uncomfortable the fi gure looks interacting with it.
pr o d u c t London Tea
de s I g N F I r m Cowan London
lo c at I o N London, England
cl I e N t London Tea
B e
I have to admit, this design is not to my taste; however, one
has to admire the simplifi ed, easy-to-navigate branding that
clearly differentiates the fl avors, and its clear, circular logo
clearly holds the range together.
m k
Soda-pop packaging of the 1960s often consisted of
simple, bold, graphic shapes with novelty display type and
subdued colors. Pixie strikes that chord as it subconsciously
references the good old days when products were not over-
branded and life was less complicated. The added bonus
is the twinkle, which creates a nice exchange between the
consumer and the product.
r W
It can be a fi ne line between retro and dusty. As mentioned
elsewhere, the geometric architecture, rounded typefaces,
sparkle graphic, and even the name Pixie harkens back to
an earlier, simpler time when everything was organic. Yet
the balanced layout, sophisticated secondary colors, and
whimsical cap copy make it relevant to contemporary tastes.
s W
These bottles have a beautifully simple aesthetic which,
along with the loose–tea bag packaging, makes a nice brand
system. It doesn’t need Photoshop tricks and gimmicks.
pr o d u c t Pixie Maté Ready-to-Drink Tea
de s I g N F I r m Brand Engine
lo c at Io N Sausalito, CA
cl I e N t Pixie Maté
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B e
Designs that emulate a retro style can go so wrong when
done sloppily, but, through the sheer detailing and crafting
of these labels, the designers at PhilippeBecker have
created something that looks genuinely timeless. The care
and consideration that’s gone into these complex labels
speaks volumes about the quality of the product, and a nice,
simple glass adds class. They’ve recreated something which
could be sitting on a saloon shelf in the nineteenth century,
and although they’ve not created anything challenging or
innovative, this certainly is an example of how it’s done!
m k
These labels are clearly reminiscent of the packaging
graphics, label shapes, and printing technologies of the
late 1800s. In particular, the gold medals on the Spanish
Olive Brine are reminiscent of the awards given to new food
products in competitions at international exhibition halls
throughout Europe back in the day. Even then, these medals
were used in packaging design as valuable marketing tools.
Although consumers do not connect these dots, these
label designs refl ect traditional values and thus evoke
craftsmanship and quality. It’s not hard to visualize this
family in its retail space and in a marketing environment
that uses retro design to appeal to consumers on a deeply
emotional level.
pr o d u c t WilliamsSonoma Bar Ingredients
de s I g N F I r m PhilippeBecker
lo c at Io N San Francisco, CA
cl I e N t Williams-Sonoma
r W
This is a nice series of individual products that works even
better when viewed as a collection. I specifi cally like the
balance of consistent elements—the neck labels and bottle
structure—combined with the distinct personality of the
die-cut labels and nostalgic type styles. The faded, classic
colors and gold leaf fi ligree are timeless.
s W
The attention to detail on these well-crafted labels is
impeccable. However, I would have liked to see a twist in
the vintage liquor label and bottle shape, which could have
made these feel like a new take on the vintage language.
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BEVERAGES
pr o d u c t Fortnum & Mason Teas
de s I g N F I r m Pearlfisher
lo c at I o N London, England
cl I e N t Fortnum & Mason
B e
Fortnum & Mason is such a British establishment, I doubt the
designers had much chance to meddle with it. These products
provide differentiation in a vast product range. The subtle tin colors
and delicate embossing add a touch of class and save this design
from being a tad dull.
m k
Classic, collectible storage tins with a discreetly ornate
embossment. The angle of the embossments—top right, bottom
left—take the overall design out of the ordinary, as do the tin tints
and label colors. Yet the typographic hierarchy, fonts, and crest
follow the traditional British label designs of the early nineteenth
century, which endows the brand with credibility.
r W
Creating elegantly precious tea tins is some designer’s dream
project. There’s nothing really special about the graphics: strong,
appropriate type; interesting colors. To me, it’s the embossing
that makes this concept work. I’m drawn to touch it. I imagine a
tiny sense of delight each time I hold the tin to open it. And that’s
enough.
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B e
Simplicity is the strength of this design, which is aimed at
the young, urban, hip crowd. It certainly has a strong icon,
easily spotted from the other side of the bar when slightly
inebriated! The strong blue, white, and silver add to the
standout; it’s fairly utilitarian but fits the target audience
to a tee.
m k
There is seductiveness to this austere brand—that’s its
cachet. Bold and straightforward, the design has the
exclusivity of a young, trendy, urban lounge that only the
few may enter.
m k
So much to talk about with this limited-release packaging
design. The luxurious color palette, shimmering graphic
elements, metallic foil, gold seal, and signature are eye-
catching. These elements are great attention-getters
in retail. The flush-right orientation for the carrier is
unexpected and breaks away from stereotype in this
category. The background pattern reflects a fashionable
design style. Lush, rich, and alluring, this brand positions
itself as one for the aficionado.
r W
Almost everything about this identity—from its high-walled
outer container to its off-center layout to its lush typefaces
and cigar-bar color palette—speaks to the delicious,
chocolaty smoothness of this brand’s essence. This sort
of craftsmanship might be somewhat expected for a tiny
micro-brew, but when Miller Brewing adopts this aesthetic,
it speaks even more eloquently. I’m curious about the “2006
Edition” choice. It’s neither modern nor traditional. Wouldn’t
“1890 Edition” seem more credible?
pr o d u c t Frederick Miller Lager
de s I g N F I r m Optima Soulsight
lo c at I o N Highland Park, IL
cl I e N t Miller Brewing Co.
pr o d u c t Lotus Vodka Bottles
de s I g N F I r m Cahan & Associates
lo c at I o N San Francisco, CA
cl I e N t Delicious Brands
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BEVERAGES
s W
This is a nice relationship of the outer carton to the can
design. It takes the real estate and explodes the cherry even
larger than it is on the can. It has a strong balance.
pr o d u c t Boris Cherry 4 Pack
de s I g N F I r m lg2boutique
lo c at I o N Montreal, Canada
cl I e N t Brasserie Licorne Québec
pr o d u c t Boris Cherry Cans
de s I g N F I r m lg2boutique
lo c at Io N Montreal, Canada
cl I e N t Brasserie Licorne Québec
B e
Boris again, and this time he’s replaced with a giant,
splattered cherry, which certainly looks like it packs a
punch! The red/black/silver graphic style combined with the
rough, uncut way the cherry has been represented gives it
real pace and refreshing bluntness. It’s true to its comrades
in the range—a striking, strong, unfussed, and confident
design that’s graphic, has attitude, and sticks a finger up at
traditional beer branding.
m k
Flavor comes across loud and clear: a mouthful of sweet,
effervescent beverage. The bold red graphic on the black
can—very Pop Art. The graphics place this product in the
moment—the rebirth of the ‘60s phenomenon with the
younger generation. I can’t make it out, but I hope the silver
text tells a wonderfully adventurous story. I love how you
hold the can and the cherry is bursting onto your fingers,
and then you turn the can over and pour the cherry into
your mouth.
s W
I’m not familiar with Boris Beer—and I’m not certain I would
like a cherry beer—but this package would make me stop
and at least consider trying one. The strong graphic quality
of the red-on-black splattered cherry is appealing, if a bit
‘80s. It has a rock’n’roll aesthetic. I’m not sure what the
white script is saying, but visually it takes away from the
strength of the rest of the design.
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