YCN: Fedrigoni x Oliver Bonas

  • Beth Turnbull-Smailes

The Brief: Using Fedrigoni paper, design the packaging for a new range of Oliver Bonas candles. The packaging concept will need to support 4 designs that work together as a collective. The concept for this range was 'Cradle', inspired by The Cradle area outside of Johannesburg which is considered by many to be the birthplace of humanity. As one of the earliest human settlements, the cave landscape of The Cradle represents the longstanding and instinctual relationship between humans and nature. The Cradle candle range allows us to revisit that ancient connection and remind ourselves of a time before the stresses of modern life. Marbling is used as the main visual element of the design to recreate textures seen in the caves, created by geological processes and associated with the passing of time and evolution. The organic texture also adds serenity to the design, instantly having a calming effect on the consumer. This submission was awarded a commendation by the judging panel.

Each candle comes inside a triangular shaped box, made from Fedrigoni paper, joined at the top using plain string. This differentiates Cradle from other candle ranges and also adds a gift appearance to the candle which makes it perfect to buy to others or to keep yourself. The box has a square bottom to add stability, and also allow for a small paper insert to be placed underneath the candle. This insert contains a small explanation of the concept, as well as some instructions/information about the candle and is printed on Fedrigoni paper. These boxes will appeal to Oliver Bonas customers, who are looking for thoughtful detail and sophistication in their purchases. The uncoated, recycled paper also makes the packaging more sustainable and minimises waste as the boxes, string and vessel can all be re-used.