Image Credit : Timothy Kaye
Project Overview
Akmē is a Melbourne beauty salon transcending expectations in both atmosphere and aesthetics. Elegant and minimalist form unifies branding, styling and interiors to shape a place that eschews clinical design to cultivate an inviting sense of sanctuary in the heart of South Yarra’s urban milieu.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Project Brief
As the second inception of an established boutique beauty salon, we renamed and reimagined the branding and interiors for Akmē to encapsulate its ethos of celebrating natural beauty, and vision of being the best in the beauty industry. The branding required a seamless unison with the interior experience, promoting a holistic, elevated and premium approach to beauty, wellness and self-care. The design direction aims to inspire existing and future clientele to celebrate what's on the inside as well as the outside.
Project Innovation/Need
A warm and neutral colour palette complements the textural finishes found in the space. Printed brand applications follow a premium, minimalist approach. Textural paper stocks create a tactile brand experience, echoing the natural beauty and essence of our skin. This is applied to business cards, gift cards and retail bags, extending the brand experience beyond the salon. The logotype is defined by open, elegant and curved letterforms, creating a warm and approachable brand identity reflecting the feminine form found within the interior architecture, joinery and furniture pieces. Secondary typography is minimalist and refined, creating sophistication through contrast.
Akmē advocates for luxurious self-care through design gestures which place emphasis on wellness and ritual and allow clients to rediscover their inner and outer allure as the epitome of natural beauty. The design elevates the business and positions it well into the future. The curation of materials, colours, textures and design detailing integrated across interiors and branding creates an innovative brand experience unique to Akmē that is simultaneously considered, harmonious, and luxurious.
Design Challenge
The salon’s position on a main thoroughfare highlighted the importance of street presence. The signage at Akmē attracts passers-by on the footpath and road, cutting through the noise of the busy street. A sleek illuminated signbox gives the space a boutique presence against neighbouring beauty services, utilising the project’s muted colour palette, with large scale frosted lettering on the windows.
Effectiveness
By embracing natural materials and patinas to create a welcoming and timeless space, we designed Akmē with longevity in mind to reflect the business’s goals for the future and its long-term outlook on beauty and wellness. The transformation of the business from name, brand, interior and client experience through an integrated approach has set a new expectation for similar businesses operating in the same space, whilst setting Akmē apart. Building on the existing reputation of the business, the rebranding has created stronger brand awareness and interest, in line with the premium offering of these services.
Graphic Design - Identity and Branding - Lifestyle
This award celebrates creativity and innovation in the traditional or digital visual representation of ideas and messages. Consideration given to clarity of communication and the matching information style to audience.
More Details