SIGNATURE PAPER

Packaging sells, says the tried and true. And we're sorry it's started to sound like a cliché, because it's being repeated everywhere. Because we dare say that the design and production of Kintsugi niche perfume packaging is pure proof of its truth. Thanks to the soul mates.

The Japanese word Kintsugi refers to the artistic technique of repairing ceramics. The essence of this unique method lies in the fact that any "scars" are perceived as a trace of time, proof of the uniqueness of the object and its specific history. According to this idea, a repair that obliterates such traces actually denies the uniqueness of a particular object. And this idea is also the basis of the eponymous perfume brand Kintsugi, which is the brainchild of Martin and Daniel. Their brief was clear: to create a thoughtful set of packaging for perfume, discovery envelopes and gift boxes. With the idea that we should tune our craftsmanship to the philosophy of similarly unique perfumes to reveal them with everything - even the scars on the soul.

During our research of material swatches we all quickly agreed on Japanese paper Shin Danshi by Takeo. Shin Danshi is a soft, textured paper that closely follows the characteristics of traditional Japanese Danshi paper with a uniquely wrinkled surface. The texture of the paper perfectly reflects the Kintsugi philosophy, and the Japanese reminiscence gives the cover a sincere deeper meaning. The choice of paper was a rare moment of harmony. Not only between us and the commissioner, but also between the cover and the content. For Kintsugi, Shin Danshi is undoubtedly what English calls Signature Paper.

The basis of the packaging series is a box with a neck, covered with Shin Danshi paper. The main motif is a distinctive deboss in the shape of a scar that goes from the sides to the top of the lid. In order to achieve a sufficiently distinctive embossing, we have prepared special moulds. Thanks to them, it was possible to emboss the finished 3D cap not only classically from above, but also from the sides. The effect on the wrinkled paper is phenomenal.

We didn't have to compromise on the boxes and envelopes for the smaller bottle sets either. Fortunately, the chosen Signature Paper was also available in higher weights. In addition, our colleagues from Indigoprint in Prague helped us to solve digital printing on both wrinkled and soft paper variants.

Inside the box, three smooth white foam components and a bottle cap fixation protect the perfume. We addressed the individualization of the different Kintsugi fragrances in otherwise identical boxes with a simple printed sleeve. The smooth paper design of Munken Pure is a great counterpoint to the wrinkled Shin Danshi.

Kintsugi has received a great reception on the Czech and foreign markets. Surely, mainly due to the quality of the perfumes themselves, but breaking away from the ranks of the bland packaging solutions has certainly paid off (not only) in the field of unique fragrances. There is a plethora of packaging materials, but you can usually tell at a glance which brand takes great care in fine-tuning the combination of idea, material, construction and graphic technique. The overall effect is unmistakable and works wonders.