Likes & Likes

Check out this Masters degree in Packaging Design project designed by José Luis García Eguiguren. It’s a new take on both the dated look and packaging for teh shaving cream brand Barbasol. for Not sure of the feasibility in terms of cost, but graphically, this is an astounding and energetic revamp or a seemingly tired brand. While still staying true to the original feel of the dispenser, the look has been given a jolt of modernism and sophistication to bring it upmarket without alienating previous customers.

Here’s some background information on the project:

This project’s objective was to re-style the popular American “Barbasol” shaving cream in order to introduced it into the European market. For this, I maintained the basic form that they have used for years: the barber shop pole (stripes). The aggressive diagonal line that divides the stripes suggest a mix between the shaving cream and the fragance. It also alludes to the razor blades on the surface of the skin cutting through the facial hair. The way the lines drive all the way up and down on the sides makes a perfect simulation of the shaving cream mixing and exiting the can. The form of the can (cap & bottom) are in harmony with the angle of the stripes, thus providing a fluid motion for the eye. The typography utilized provides a more industrial and tech appearance.

COLORLESS is an eco-friendly packaging concept by Harc Lee. The idea was to create a package that would help reduce air and water pollution that occurs during the labeling process, as well as reduce the energy needed to separate the paint from aluminum at the end of the pacakge lifecycle for recycling. Simple, beautiful, well done.

I’ve been looking for a pair of boots/chukkas/whathaveyou for a while now. (The girl can attest to my dissatisfaction with just about all that I’ve come across…) Finally, I stumbled across a pair of vintage-inspired Timberland Counterpane Half Cabs via SVPPLY that had the right mix of casual and dress, vintage and modern, distressed and refined, black and brown. Good thing too, looks like the black brush-off colorway is no longer available…

My order arrived today, and the packaging was on the money. The shoes were wrapped in brown waxpaper, and the box was printed with opaque white ink so as to look old and scratched. But what I found particularly interesting was on the sole of the right shoe. There was placed a “footprint” sticker - basically a report on the sustainability of the product. And it seems very honest, with such details as being 74.4% PVC-free and using 6.6% renewable energy in their manufacture. And there’s also the cleverness of the concept - made to look like a nutrition label, as well as the visual pun of being placed on the actual sole.

Much to like in the this small bit of well-designed truth in packaging. Hope to see more of it in the future.

Like their in-store collaboration with The Simpsons, 7-Eleven is once again creating similar buzz with Domo, the oddly adorable Japanese character. Along with the Domo inspired Fuji-Frost Slurpee, the character can be seen on collectible Slurpee cups, character straws, coffee cups, and hot dog containers.

(Photos via Lovely Package)