The Aficionados, designed by Protons Lab, is a restaurant premiere invitation that draws inspiration from the opulence of the 1920s Great Gatsby era and the elegant ambiance of the old mansion that houses the fine dining establishment in Thessaloniki. The goal was to create an invitation that would elevate the dining experience and make recipients feel privileged and unique.
The invitation features a rose gold color scheme, which adds a touch of sophistication and luxury. The logo and packaging were meticulously designed to reflect the aesthetic of the 1920s while incorporating modern elements. The use of rose gold became synonymous with The Aficionados, raising awareness of the restaurant and becoming a recognizable symbol of its fine dining experience.
The invitation box, measuring 120mm in width, 130mm in depth, and 50mm in height, contains the beautifully crafted invitation. The entire concept was designed using Adobe Illustrator, and the final product was printed using the gold silkscreen print technique.
Creating a design that successfully captured the essence of the 1920s era in a modern fine dining restaurant presented its challenges. However, Protons Lab overcame these obstacles by conducting extensive research on 1920s design in New York City and drawing inspiration from the photography of the Great Gatsby movie.
The Aficionados' premiere invitation received widespread acclaim and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Luxury Design category in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The invitation's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world and enhance the overall dining experience.
The success of The Aficionados' invitation has propelled the restaurant's plans for expansion across Greece. The rose gold color and the unique design have become synonymous with the restaurant, creating a strong brand identity and raising awareness among potential customers.
Project Designers: Lazaridis Dimitrios
Image Credits: Dimitris Lazaridis
Project Team Members: Dimitris Lazaridis
Despina Manta
Maria Daniil
Project Name: The Aficionados
Project Client: Lazaridis Dimitrios