The inspiration for the BB Signature design came from the iconic French song "BB Initiales" by Serge Gainsbourg. The lyrics of the song depict a mysterious woman at an English pub, exuding an aura of allure and seduction. INDICUBE, the design firm commissioned to revamp the Bernard Lonclas champagne brand, sought to capture this sense of mystery and provocative beauty in their redesign.
The design of the BB Signature champagne bottle is characterized by curvy lines and sensual silhouettes, reminiscent of the woman described in the song. These lines create a smoke-like effect, symbolizing the effervescence of champagne. The figures intertwine to form a lace-like pattern, striking a balance between the literal and the figurative.
White and gold are the dominant colors in the design, with white representing the blanc de blancs quality of the champagne, and gold symbolizing luxury and class. The addition of red accents for the lips further enhances the seductive nature of the figures.
Technologically, the BB Signature design showcases the use of gold hot stamping and tri-color serigraphy with a glow-in-the-dark effect. The gold foil provides a reflective surface that catches the light during the day, while the glow-in-the-dark serigraph creates a mesmerizing effect when displayed in darker environments.
Despite the challenges of printing on glass bottles, the design team successfully created a striking and visually captivating design. They carefully balanced the erotic and the classy, ensuring that the graphics remained tasteful and sophisticated.
The BB Signature design project started in February 2017 and was completed in September of the same year in Hong Kong. Extensive research was conducted to extract important visuals from the song lyrics and explore the best illustration style to suit the brand's objectives. The team also delved into the technological requirements of serigraphy to maximize its potential in the printing process.
The BB Signature design has garnered recognition and acclaim in the design world. In 2018, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit outstanding creativity and ingenuity, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.
With its unique blend of sensuality, mystery, and innovation, the BB Signature design has redefined champagne packaging. It celebrates the female form and creates a captivating visual experience that enhances the enjoyment of this exquisite champagne.
Project Designers: Ruth Chao
Image Credits: Ruth Chao
Project Team Members: Creative director: Ruth Chao
Designer: Magdalene Lam
Project Name: BB Signature
Project Client: Ruth Chao