VISUAL AUTHENTICITY TREND
The visual authenticity trend has been in the market for a while now and it will continue to shine in 2016. As this trend has evolved, it has moved beyond small artisan brands and is becoming more mainstream itself. With the rise of niche perfumery consumers are fleeting away from mainstream products looking for more emotional and personal experiences with their fragrance (check my last article about NICHE) That said, visual authenticity is one response
to shifting perfume consumer values to desire more
real, quality and honest products. Products with uncomplicated appearance, yet
are crafted; maybe even vintage inspired. Fragrances that can create inadvertent human connection.
The digital age is fostering a decline
in human connection which is most prevalent office Gen Z consumers.
Because of this, these shoppers are not responding to traditional
established corporate brands. They want more. They demand more. They
desire a real, trusted, human connection to the products and the brands
that they consume. This connection can be expressed in different ways,
from a connection to nature, to the written word, to the past, or
to simply to other people. This is beyond hipster. This style is a
rejection of technology. A pre-
computer era style, if you will.(Andrew Gibbs).
Some perfume brands have this in mind. To reconnect with perfume consumers. They do this by showcasing the craft, quality, and skill in both the product and the packaging design. Some of this trend's characteristics are: handwritten, raw, freeform or sketchy typography/ hand rendered, simple illustrations/ may include vintage inspired references or typography/ natural color palettes.
I have selected a few examples for you:
Le Labo manifesto defines that the idea that luxury relies on craftsmanship. In their website you will find the community craft which shows all craftsmen and craftswomen involved in the creation of a Le Labo fragrance. Le Labo labeling relies on customised labels with personal messages. All fragrances of the brand come with a Lab type of label with typewriter fonts, with the list of the ingredients, and all fragrances are mixed and labeled in front of the customers, so they can have a real and handcrafted experience. They are the pioneers of this type of uncomplicated and yet luxurious fragrance production.
Fragrance brand Demeter tries to capture real experiences and bottle them for you.
Their mission is "to create environments where people can rediscover the wonderful world of scents that is too often overlooked or forgotten in our modern multi-tasked world". In terms of labeling Demeter provides a simple label with little phrases such as "pick me up" Cologne spray suggesting a "conversation" with the consumer.
Maison Margiela is bringing a different type of labeling where you will find the inspiration, a fragrance description and a suggestion of the style on the bottle itself. Like Le Labo you will see here the trend of using typewriter font and simplicity.
Leo & Harper are innovating with a simple label that talks to you. It asks you questions!
Olfactive Studio chose labels that look like a cut piece of tape with handwritten typography. Very simple; very chic.
Swedish perfume house Agonist is now offering a new bottle and label design that brings just a list of the ingredients composing the fragrance and by that they are also bringing a clearer communication with consumers.
Authenticity and human touch is trending now due to social medias because they are allowing brands to be more accessible and more approachable and this type of connection is now extended to packing.The handcrafted look is brought by unique designs and handwritten fonts. The overwhelming amount of information that social media is offering is also overloading consumers in a way that they are longing for a simpler, clearer, easier and quicker way to communicate. Simple minimalistic designs are reflecting this need to quickly understand if the product fits their needs.
Like I have been saying for years "Less is always more!"
