2012 Design Packaging Intro Kit Update

Behind the scenes process photos.

Annually, Design Packaging redesigns our Intro Kit to showcase an essential element of forward-looking packaging including innovative production processes, luxurious materials, and distinctive treatments.  By focusing on the craftsmanship and paying close attention to every detail of the unveiling process, our introduction is elevated to a true collectable piece of art.  We are confident our 2012 edition will not disappoint.  

 This year we focused on the design process itself by drawing back the figurative curtain to reveal the inner workings of our methodology - taking you from brief, through mock-ups, to the finished product; a masterpiece you will soon be able to hold in your very hands. Look for it on your desk Spring 12.

Barneys This Way

Having conquered the pop music scene, Lady Gaga has moved on to more fashionable endeavors by infiltrating Barneys New York’s Madison Avenue flagship store.  The unpredictable songstress has converted the space into Gaga’s Workshop, her avant-garde interpretation of Santa’s workshop and a wonderland of eccentricities.  Though all are invited to see the spectacle, only a select few will be granted VIP admittance with the coveted golden ticket – an extraordinary invitation conceptualized and produced by Design Packaging, Inc.     

Approached by Barneys New York, Design Packaging, Inc. was challenged with the impossible: deliver a show-stopping invitation worthy of bearing the Barneys name while enticing Lady Gaga fans in just 8 short weeks. 

Betsey Johnson's "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not"

As enthusiasts for high-fashion, design, and packaging design, The W Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ was the place to be for all of the above. Betsey Johnson's 2011 Fall Line was exhibited last week in a full-blown runway fashion show. The runway stretched along the W's rooftop pool in an L shape. With the obvious Betsey fans in in the audience sporting their fluffiest BJ party dress; the majority of the crowd was mid-aged, desperate housewives of Scottsdale (is that a show yet?). The crowd seemed perky and buzzed with excited for another one of The W's annual fashion event presented by Steve Levine Entertainment. 

Exciting News from DPI!

Design Packaging playing tourist in New York City

Since 1984, Design Packaging Inc. has continued to grow by establishing relationships with luxury retailers globally. As part of this growth, we've expanded our creative department, updated our showroom, and launched a new look online.

Design Packaging's revamped site reflects our design philosophy: true luxury is simple.  Carried through the site's aesthetic and functionality is a simplistic styling which is authenticated with minimal copy and transparency in information.  There you can view our packaging gallery, review our logistics offerings, and discover how our design studio luxcrux can serve as your own creative department or become an extension of your existing team. 

Squeezable Truffle Packaging

Hi my name is Evelio and I am a paper folding addict.

Paper folding has always intrigued me so I’m fascinated by new techniques and love testing anything related to folding paper.

It’s obvious from my sketches that, if the concept allows me to organically incorporate folded paper into a concept, I will.  Unfortunately, most of the time those concepts work their way out of the final piece due to pricing constraints or material limitations in the mass production environment.  But, not this time…

Surf Inspired Gift Card Carrier

Now that summer is in full swing, we thought it was the perfect time to share a gift card concept we'd been throwing around the studio for a while. The Wave Gift Card design was developed on a trip back to Laguna Beach in 2010, thinking of how we would be able to simplify gift card packaging with equally simple production methods. This concept lived in a sketchbook for nearly a year, until Industrial Design intern John Turner had the time to take a few sketched concepts and give them life in a 3D environment this summer. 

Safeway Rebrands In-House Snack Packaging "Artisan"

Well, not artisan in the sense of food (though we found it pretty yummy), but artisan in the sense of packaging design. "The Snack Artist" is Safeway's store-brand of snacks that feature clever names and doodles on the food packaging. Frankly, we think it's brilliant.

Design Packaging Wins GDUSA Awards

We're excited to announce that Design Packaging has been awarded three GDUSA (Graphic Design USA) awards: Our DPI Luxe Kit for Luxury Packaging, the 2010 Chateau Ste Michelle Artist Meritage Series wine box for Wine & Liquor, and the Julia Baker Confections chocolate box for Food & Beverage.

 DPI LUXE KIT

The sleek black & white promotional piece is given to prospective clients, or, anyone interested in our company. The look is modern and contemporary, featuring two main pieces: the sleeve and the a rigid box that houses information. The white patent leather sleeve highlights the elegant subtleness of the debossing pattern while the interior is lined with rich faux suede, giving it an exceptional look and feel. The rigid box is detailed with a spot varnish pattern and nestled inside are loose-leaf pages highlighting our packaging, and a business card. The book-like construction allows the receiver to store it on a desk, personal library, or anywhere else.

Yves Saint Laurent Designs Line of Luxury Cigarettes

…Again. The first time luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent came out with their own brand of cigarettes was back in 1985 amidst a flurry of controversy. Now, with even stronger evidence of health risks and numerous anti-smoking groups, it's sure to stir up even more controversy.

It's actually nothing new. Other luxury brands such as Versace, Pierre Cardin, and Cartier have also added nicotine to their line. Though they themselves may not actually produce them, they more than likely licensed out their names to tobacco companies. These "luxury" cigarettes marketed and sold mainly in areas like Asia and Russia, are also easily purchased online.

Design Packaging: Europe

DPI in Paris last week soaking in local color, sight-seeing, shopping, visiting luxury retail, boutiques, and packaging galleries. A must-see for packaging designers while in Paris is the DesignPack Gallery. Founded by Fabrice Peltier, the gallery is dedicated exclusively to the art of packaging design. Here are some snapshots of beautiful vintage luxury packaging design from Lanvin, Chanel, and Hermès.