The Last Gift: A Breakup Kit Hidden in Luxury

Typography, Textile Design, and Jewelry Converge in Janny Ji's Design

Janny Ji's project, "The Last Gift," is a breakup kit that tells a story of an alter ego giving a breakup kit to a woman he once loved. Drawing inspiration from concrete poetry, Ji's interest in typography, painting, and textiles led to the creation of this unique design. The goal was to create a contrast between luxury and pain, allowing viewers to discover hidden breakup languages within the scarf and transformed words like "bye," "done," and "over" into brooches and earrings.

What sets "The Last Gift" apart is its ability to convey dark sentiments within the lavish luxury of a silk scarf and gold jewelry. Ji believes that typography has the power to enhance the delivery of messages, and this project exemplifies that belief. By hiding harsh breakup languages within the design, Ji challenges the traditional notions of luxury and invites viewers to explore the deeper meaning behind the design.

The realization of "The Last Gift" involved a combination of traditional and digital techniques. Ji started with pencil sketches, which were then transformed into digital files using Adobe Illustrator. The silk scarf was designed in Illustrator and printed by an online manufacturer, with Ji hand-sewing the edges for a personal touch. The brooches and earrings were also designed in Illustrator and laser cut by machine. Ji experimented with different materials to find the best option for the final product. The packaging was handmade using cardboard and paper, adding to the overall sophistication of the design.

The technical specifications of "The Last Gift" include a packaging size of 480 mm x 560 mm, a scarf size of 914.4 mm x 914.4 mm, and jewelry pieces with multiple dimensions. This attention to detail ensures that the design is visually appealing and functional.

Through "The Last Gift," Ji aims to create an interactive experience for the audience. By combining typography, textile design, jewelry design, and packaging design, Ji tells a story and conveys a message through tangible objects. The act of receiving the breakup kit, opening it, and discovering the hidden message provides a moment of surprise and room for interpretation.

"The Last Gift" has garnered recognition for its unique concept and execution. It has been exhibited in Type Directors Clubs' travel exhibitions in 16 countries, showcasing Ji's talent and creativity on a global scale.

Ji's research for this design involved studying the background of concrete poetry and exploring ways to observe letterforms abstractly. The challenge in creating "The Last Gift" was finding the perfect balance between the pattern on the scarf and the form of the jewelry pieces. The production process also presented challenges, such as finding suitable materials and laser cutting machines for the jewelry pieces and constructing the pieces by hand.

As the creator of "The Last Gift," Janny Ji holds the copyright for this design. The project has also been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Giftware Design category in 2019. This award acknowledges the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of the design, as well as its ability to meet professional and industrial requirements.