Claudia Di Paolo
Claudia Di Paolo, a prestigious luxury cosmetics brand, presented us with an assignment that was as challenging as it was inspiring: to create a packaging that not only wrapped an exclusive hair care product, but also became a piece that symbolised the very essence of their brand. This product was destined for the most select spas, where every detail had to speak of luxury, exclusivity and a deep connection with nature.
From the outset, the client made it clear that this was not just about functional packaging; they wanted the packaging to be an extension of the product, something that embodied purity, sophistication and harmony, evoking the serenity one experiences in a luxury spa. ‘We want every customer to feel like they have a treasure in their hands,’ they told us. That was our starting point.
Inspired by the organic beauty of natural stones, and referencing the pure materials used in the spas we visited (marble, stone, clay...), we decided that the design should emulate their form. Stone, a symbol of strength and purity, seemed perfect for conveying that sense of connection to the elemental. But we wanted to go beyond literal imitation; our proposal not only replicated the shape of a stone, but interpreted its essence through smooth lines and flowing curves that intertwine in a rounded topographical form, as if time and the elements had delicately moulded each layer.
The chosen material, plasterboard, was key to bringing this vision to life. Not only did it provide a solid, tactile character, but it also connected with the brand's sustainable values, a crucial aspect for a client who valued both elegance and environmental responsibility. Its tactile texture evoked the same calm and authenticity as natural stone, offering a multi-sensory experience.
The packaging was designed in two pieces that are joined together with hidden magnets, a detail that added a touch of magic to the user interaction. The union was so fluid and precise that each opening felt like a ritual, an invitation to discover the product inside, three hair treatment containers carefully housed as if they were part of the heart of the stone.
The packaging for this exclusive cosmetic product is not only a work of refined design, but also an example of craftsmanship at its finest. Each unit is carefully assembled by hand, one by one, ensuring that each piece is as unique and special as the product it contains. This is no small detail; it is a testament to the brand and design studio's commitment to excellence and authentic luxury.
The hand assembly process adds human and emotional value to the project. The craftsmen devote time and attention to each piece, ensuring that the two papier-mâché parts fit together perfectly, that the magnets are positioned with precision and that each topographical curve retains the fluidity and beauty that characterises the design. This approach ensures that each unit is a small work of art, intended to offer a unique customer experience.
The hand assembly also reinforces the uniqueness of the product: no automated process could replicate the complexity and precision of this design with the same finesse. Each packaging has the tiny, almost imperceptible imperfections that give it character, making it a reflection of the human dedication behind its creation.
This level of detail is apparent on first contact. From the smooth texture of the papier-mâché to the fluidity with which the magnets allow the ‘stone’ to open and close, everything is designed to convey a sense of handcrafted luxury. This method of assembly is not only a choice of quality, but also a message: this product is made with the same care and respect with which it is designed to care for its users.
In a market where many brands seek massification and efficiency, this packaging stands out as a statement of intent, a tribute to authentic luxury that is not in a hurry and values what is handmade, piece by piece.
The colour palette was another essential component. We opted for earth-inspired tones: soft greys, warm beige and off-white, all in matte finishes. For the graphic details, we chose subtle embossing and a metallic foil that added a discreet and sophisticated shine, without competing with the simplicity of the design.
The result was a packaging that went beyond being a container: it was a sculptural piece, a representation of nature and luxury in perfect harmony. In the hands of the end customers, the design was transformed into a sensory experience that began with sight, continued with touch and culminated in the emotion of owning something unique.
The customer was not only satisfied, but stated that this design had elevated their product to a level that exceeded expectations. In its natural habitat, the finest spas, the packaging was not just a simple accessory, but a protagonist that silently and elegantly communicated everything the brand stood for. A stone, round and pure, as a metaphor for natural perfection and timeless luxury.
Credits:
Client
Claudia di Paolo
Awards
D&AD. Wood Pencil - 2024
LAUS - Silver - 2024
ADCE Art Directors Club Europe - Silver - 2024
CDP graphic identity
By Futura
City
Madrid
Year
2024