JKR

This month sees the launch of the new Penhaligon’s Christmas gift collection. The gift boxes, which are based on the theme of anthropomorphic animals, deliver a bespoke gifting solution for the boutique perfumer. Briefed with delivering eccentricity and decadence, the new collection creates a fantasy world in keeping with the brand’s charismatic charm. Each range tells a story, from an afternoon tea party through to music and discovery.

“This was a fantastically collaborative process with the client – we both wanted to create something unique that didn’t rely on Christmas clichés. The use of bright colours makes a real statement and ensures the boxes are not too traditional.” Jovan Buac, Senior Account Manager, jkr. “That’s the beauty of Penhaligon’s – the careful blending of the old and the new – modern doesn’t have to mean forgetting the past, but feeling classic doesn’t mean being really conservative.”

The designs transport you to a fantasy world where things aren’t quite what they seem. “This was a dream brief for many designers and something so visually rich is always exciting to work on. We really let our imaginations run wild and the craftsmanship involved was also very important. All the illustrations were done in-house, so the final designs stay true to our initial concept.” John Ewles, Creative Director, jkr.

Sarah Rotheram, CEO, Penhaligon’s added “We wanted something that at first glance just appeared beautiful but invited the customer to look closer and be surprised. Anthropomorphic animals was a start point and the team at jkr took us on a creative journey that delivered on this brief – the gift sets are absolutely Penhaligon’s”.

“It was a real opportunity to create the illustrations for this year’s Christmas boxes. I had to create some really interesting characters and it’s so great to see these come to life on the boxes.” Chris Burge, Illustrator, jkr.

As well as the imaginative graphic approach, it was important to deliver the decadence associated with the brand. Sumptuous patterns, materials and finishes were used to create depth and richness, resulting in a gift consumers would love to receive this Christmas – a real keepsake. “The key to this design was to deliver both luxurious tactile ribbons and detailed graphics. The layers of foil, print, and texture help to create a rich expression of Penhaligon’s, whilst matching the ribbons with the accent colours provides the luxurious flourish.” Judith Allan, Production Director, jkr.

“They are the most visually beautiful boxes we have ever produced and we are very pleased with the end result! Everyone within the business is really excited about the collection and we have had a very positive reaction from our wholesale partners and distributors. So far, it’s looking like these will be our most popular Christmas gifts to date!” Emily Maben, Head of Marketing, Penhaligon’s.

The collection of eight boxes will be available in Penhaligon’s stores and select retailers this Christmas, priced between £32 and £90.

Andy Knowles did a talk last week at the easyFairs Packaging Innovation Show 2010. If you want to hear an interview with him from the event, click below:

This month sees the launch of jkr designed Sartorial, a new fragrance from boutique perfumer Penhaligon’s. In keeping with the charismatic eccentricity of the brand, Sartorial captures the smell of a Savile Row tailors shop. The scent was brought to life by renowned perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour inside Norton & Sons at 16 Savile Row, London. Duchaufour found himself captivated by the unique smell of the shop and tailor’s workroom, and as such, Sartorial evokes the masculine scent of sewing machines, needles, wool and cloth – the ultimate bespoke fragrance.

The packaging gives the Pengaligon’s brand (who are renowned for their heritage and history) a clean, elegant and more modern look. “Sartorial is for men of today and Savile Row is very much having a revival among young gents” said Jovan Buac, Senior Account Manager, jkr. “It was a challenging brief. We didn’t want to use any tailoring clichés and the design had to fit with the brand’s other fragrances, some of which have been around for over 140 years.”

“The design takes you on a journey from traditional to contemporary moving through the thread, providing an angular and masculine expression. The materials used provide a lovely depth with flecks and fibres creating the feel of a luxurious suit.” Sarah Harvey, Designer, jkr.

“The story of Savile Row really follows through in this design – we used a Fedrigoni paper stock which is made using cotton fibres, giving the outer box real tactility and authenticity. The use of the signature bow on the bottle ensures it has a Penhaligon’s feel with the sartorial elegance of the flash of colour on the edges of the ribbon.” says Judith Allan, Production Director, jkr.

Sarah Rotheram, CEO of Penhaligon’s, said “As a brand everything we do has to feel timeless, but with that subtle nod of something contemporary. We were delighted that the final product remained a constant thread to the inspiration for the fragrance. The perfume delivers the atmosphere and experience of the tailors and the packaging really brings that story to life”.

And check out the new video for Sartorial below (or click here). It’s by artist Quentin Jones and features the perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour and the owner of Norton & Sons tailors on Savile Row, Patrick Grant.