Charles F. Worth Packaging Study

Working at design packaging gives me the chance to contribute to a wide variety of projects. One such project I've been working on is a packaging design study where we looked at a famous individual from the past and we redesigned their packaging using today's methods. Working with intern Chad Musch, and under the direction of creative director Evelio Mattos, we created a concept for Charles F. Worth, the "father of haute couture" or French High Fashion in the 1800s.

From the article on Luxcrux.com

The Challenge

How would a global clientele traveling to purchase Worth's custom fashions protect their distinctive pieces in style?  In designing the items, Musch was required to consider the travel methods, materials, and manufacturing capabilities of the time period.

Solution

Transporting Worth’s delicate garments over long distances required a high level of protection.  But the luxury of owning a Worth piece also called for its packaging to be a statement piece, conveying the quality of the garment inside.  The solution was a true marriage of form and function.

Using pattern-detailed black leather, elegant engraved brass hardware, and plush quilting, the proposed “Worth” trunk exhibits a high-fashion aesthetic, era-appropriate function, and the personalized detail Worth was known for. Multiple touch-points, including a leather receipt envelope and monogramed interior box topper meant to protect the garment from light and dust, were included.  These layers worked to create the unveiling experience synonymous with today's luxury packaging.  A hat box designed for accessories and smaller garments completed the set.

The packaging's structure evokes the masculinity of the designer’s hands and the aesthetic mimics the flowing, intricate nature of his fashion. With this packaging, owning a Worth dress would make a statement both wearing and carrying it.

My contribution to the project included sketches, modeling the project in Solidworks, and taking the Illustrator and Photoshop patterns and textures created by Chad and adding them to the model to create renderings in Keyshot.

See the full writeup here on Design Packaging's blog, and to check out more of Chad's work check out his website here.