La Savonette
La Savonette combines traditional elements of Marseille soap with modern branding and packaging.
La Savonette combines traditional elements of Marseille soap with modern branding and packaging.
I spent five months in Marseille several years ago, and wanted to design something for what I consider an amazing, unique place.
Marseille is well known for its quality soap made from natural ingredients. The city’s port has been used for thousands of years by merchants throughout the Mediterranean.
My aim was to design a brand with a modern look that made the product feel unique and valuable. Some classic elements (like having the soap visible in the packaging) remained, but the shape of the box breaks away from tradition, as do the type–oriented graphic elements.
I took inspiration from modern brands and a vibrant color palette. Most of the soaps I saw in shops had very simple packaging and featured either Old Style or Transitional serif typefaces, or even script fonts. I wanted to try something different.
The sans serif font is split in half in each of its letters, emphasizing the blend of traditional and modern styles.
Each scent is paired with a location and has its own story. For example, Noailles is a small quarter next to the port of Marseille, well known for its daily market. The scent of Orange Vanilla reflects the fresh produce of Noailles.
The inner box completes the package. The bar sits, almost suspended, in the middle of its box for a clean look.