Some pretty packaging to start off the week! Divine Dairy does an impecable job of looking modern and standing out with it’s use of bold color choices. At the same time, it stays true to it’s roots of French Style cheese with woodcut illustrations and rustic typography. A difficult balance to achieve I’m sure but designer Frank Aloi did an amazing job! See more of the cheese line on the Packaging of the World blog.

Photography by Collin Hughes

I have an affinity to men’s accessories. I think it’s the classic materials of leather, metal and glass that create such a glamorous scene. Designer Taylor Pemberton created this line of gentlemen’s accessories and fine goods for a school project.

Naturally, Cavalier Essentials has received quite a bit of attention; just look at those details! The subtle black-on-black notebook and the etched metal scream rustic sophistication. Unfortunately these products aren’t available for purchase just yet but Taylor says if the demand is big enough he’d consider launching his manly kits. Check out this interview with Taylor on The Madbury Club about the project.

Hands down one of the best students projects I’ve ever seen. I’ll be the first in line to purchase some of these beauties for my husband when they do become available but until then, we can admire the beautiful styling and impeccable pieces from his Cavalier brand!

Images via: Original Champions of Design

In honor of the delicious Girl Scout Cookies that are undoubtedly making their way into our homes as we speak, I thought I’d share the most recent re-branding from Original Champions of Design (OCD). Since being founded in 1912, the Girl Scouts logo has maintained an iconic three leafed Trefoil but it wasn’t until the late 70′s that Saul Bass redrew it to include the positive-negative faces we’re all so familiar with.

The modernized version of the logo, by OCD, carefully simplifies and modernizes the girl silhouettes. The hair and faces were updated without loosing the charm of the original mark. Even the color green got a face lift and the type was set in all lowercase for more approachability.

My favorite expression of the brand are the patterns and textures that were created using elements from the mark. It’s a brilliant way to bring the brand to life while adding a sense of depth and whimsy to the collateral. Now, if only the packaging could get some TLC, it’d be a fantastic! Check out OCD for more images and an in depth look at their process behind the GSUSA re-branding.

Ever since the Kate Spade party at Alt, I’ve developed an affinity towards chunky black eye wear. While I’m not personally chic enough to pull the look off, I am still drawn to the bold graphic aesthetic this trend embodies.

Hence my love for the Envision Eyewear Identity and stationary system. I spotted this lovely collection on designworklife last month and keep going back to it. Sussner Design in Minneapolis is responsible for this clever suite. I love, love, LOVE the mix of pattern and clever crops!

I am officially in love with the Ladurée brand! From the pale pastel packaging with the gold foil printing to the coordinating delivery trucks, every detail is exquisite! Ladurée is a luxury patisserie originally from Paris, France. Serving all kinds of sweets, Ladurée is most well known for their colorful macarons. Now if only I could manage a trip to one of those shops myself, I might faint from all the beauty and sugar! Swoon!

Images // 1 Facade via Wikipedia / 2 Interior via Ladurée / 3 Packaging via Black Eiffel / 4-7 Interior and branding via Ladurée / 8 Packaging via Pinkbow / 9 Macarons via Black Eiffel / 10 Interior branding via Ladurée / 11 Truck via The Merry Maid / 12 Interior branding via Ladurée

I’m loving the identity package for this new local design boutique here in Seattle. Husband and wife team, Brad and Sara McNally, recently opened their design studio which focuses on letterpress, screen printing and handmade ephemera. The Constellation & Co. brick and mortor shop will be opening soon and I can’t hardly wait!

Some details from their beautiful custom wedding invitation collection.

You know when you see something so sweet you wish you could literally climb through your screen to get a taste? No, I’m not talking about Tim Riggins but you get the idea (wink!) Well this identity and beautiful packaging for Pandora Bell leaves me light headed!

Pandora Bell is a premium confectionary brand located in Ireland. Studio Output was tasked with creating a sophisticated identity for the small brand which was inspired by vintage packaging. Modern finishes were used in order to contemporize the system. I particularly adore the creative use of patterns and the versatility of the logo. Tasty in every possible way!

Via: The Dieline

Speaking of sweet, how delightful is this bussiness card and web design for the Short & Sweet Co.?! Short & Sweet is a specialty pastry company in Toronto, with a focus on “small (short) 2-3 bite pastries (sweet)”. Sporting the complete menu on the inside of the folded business card; I’d say it’s a pretty charming and useful piece.

Designed and photographed by Trish Papadakos. Via ffffound

This edition of well branded is a fun one for me because the Arctic Club is right across the street from my office. So instead of just being able to appreciate it from my monitor I can tell you first hand just how nice it is. All the elements really capture old Seattle and tie in perfectly with the architecture of the hotel. For instance the logo references the carved walrus heads that adorn the outside of the building.

I didn’t realize it until it until I almost finished the post, but this identity package was done by urbanINFLUENCE, the same company who did the New Sheridan which I featured last week. I guess if you need your old-timey hotel updated these are your go to guys!

urbanINFLUENCE did a spectacular job on this identity package for the New Sheridan Hotel. The use of rich textures and ornate patterns bring the charm of a turn of the century to a hotel of today. I think the paper cups are my favorite, the look is so unexpected and elegant! Located in Telluride, CO, the New Sheridan just exudes history, make sure to stop by if you’re ever in the area.

This identity for Claridge’s Luxury Hotel is the epitome of a well branded company. I love the combination of the bright teal and gold with the stark black and white. There’s a perfect mix of classic sophistication juxtaposed with a bold modern simplicity. The use of bold patterns on the wrapping paper, the pencils and the envelope liner is executed brilliantly. This beautiful system was designed by Construct, a design boutique in London and more of their fantastic work can be seen on their site and blog.

Via: Creative Review

I am completely enamored with the identity and design of Easy Bistro  & Bar, a French and New Orleans restaurant in Chattanooga Tennessee. The project was a collaboration between Widgets & Stone and Maycreate Idea Group and the result is simply spectacular. The translation of the graphic elements to the environment is just impeccably executed and solidifies the impact of the brand.

Images by Jason Connel via ffffound

This charming identity and set of stamps a for Brown, a confectionary in Bogot
á. I love how the combination of the kraft paper and rich stamped artwork make these delightful packages feel both rustic and classy without trying too hard. The whole effect is simply delicious!

Designed by Lip. Via Lovely Package

I love coming across a package design that compels me to look it up and read about every detail. Maybe it’s just the nerdy designer in me but when a brand draws me in like that I get giddy. Lily’s Kitchen evokes such a friendly feeling while picking up on the playful characteristics of pups. Why be so serious when dogs themselves are such joyful creatures?

This brilliant work was created by the talented team at Albion in London. Besides being completely adorable, the brand is definitely worth barking about. Made in small batches and comprised of only whole, natural and organic ingredients; it’s a product any dog owner would be proud to serve their little loved one. Now if only I could get it in the states…

All images via Steven Jockisch

Mucca Design really thought of everything when creating this work for The Chelsea Hotel. Located in the heart of Atlantic City it’s a luxurious escape from the the ringing of slot machines.

Forget the soap, I’m stealing the the door hanger! I love the modern take on the classic mid-century aesthetic. I particularly like the versatility of the word mark and the monogram. They work beautifully together and are equally as strong on their own. If I ever make it to Atlantic City I know where I’ll be staying!