Empress 1908 Gin — M. Bright Design

Empress 1908 Gin

This Canadian gin startup was inspired by the Empress Hotel’s historic opening in 1908. It celebrates this icon of luxury in the Pacific Northwest and their famous tea service and cocktail lounge that brought visitors from near and far. My task was to create a brand and user experience that lived up to the grandeur of that time – but with a fresh twist. The unique ribbon label design and copper top achieved just that, harkening back to that golden age, while offering something completely new and understated – allowing the radiant pea-blossom infused gin to to be royalty.

DISCOVERY > BRANDING > PACKAGING > CREATIVE DIRECTION

OBJECTIVES:

Create a new luxury experience in gin packaging to capture the rich history, artisan small-batch production and unique color
Appeal to a broader audience (both female and male) and create a ‘new generation’ of sophisticated gin consumers
Not your grandpa’s gin. Smooth, botanical, with an all-natural indigo color that changes to lavender with the introduction of citrus

Images used courtesy of Victoria Distillers (Copy)

RESULT:

Numerous taste and design awards later Empress hit the market running and in a few short years was being distributed internationally. Now its iconic bottle and label design is a staple at fine establishments everywhere and a beacon for the next generation of gin enthusiasts. This meteoric rise has spawned two new flavors and further expansion globally.

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