KEIKO MECHERI
RAJVINA BARKER
A collection of inspiring fragrance advertisements that hold a strong visual impact using dark, elegant and seductive themes. To intrigue the customer into desiring the product, with the use of beautiful imagery and people.
Edits of creative photographs. Overlapped, transparent and contrasted to create an alternative style.
‘Interview Magazine’ abstract cover. Created using black ink and various materials for mark-making effects, with the addition of drawing pen for a contemporary feel.
Keiko Mecheri is of Japanese origin. Having grown up in the United States and furthered her studies abroad in Europe, her inspiration originates from multiple sources; influential artists, a diverse multi-cultural background and places she has visited during her extensive travels. The fragrances she produces today all showcase these significant experiences, ranging from her early childhood to her later adult life.
Inferring from the prices and retail locations of Keiko Mecheri’s fragrances, it is clear that the target demographic are sophisticated, yet daring and in the upper income threshold; this includes buyers interested in personal use and those buyers looking for gifts. London is an international hub, so featuring her products in Liberty guarantees access to this culturally diverse market via higher exposure to potential customers; a must-have for any niche brand.
The 2014 fragrance launch for ‘Bois Satin’ featured display boards, reflecting the contrasting theme of dark and floral. I have created individual ink and pen illustrations in relation to these elements, as a way of processing her creative aesthetic.
Vanilla is a particularly sweet scent that is Keiko Mecheri’s most cherished of notes. It has been used as a base for previous fragrances; ‘Loukhoum’ released in 2002 and most recently, ‘Bois Satin’ in 2014. The Vanilla flower originates from the East Coast of Mexico.
An overview of the colour palette that has been used as part of previous fragrances released by Keiko Mecheri. Colours include: black, deep and lighter tones of purple, red wine, rose pink, peach and gold for detail such as the brand name or title of perfume.
An originally beautiful bird, digitally edited to create a geometric and angular duplicate.
An idea of a box for a limited edition fragrance or a series/mini collection. Relating to the ink and dark element that’s portrayed through recent collections created by the brand. Selected colours from the overall theme that has been used in previous designs released. Idea for an edgy/unique bottle design. Inspiration taken from fragrances; Marc Jacob’s ‘BANG’ released in 2010, Emporio Armani ‘Diamond’s’ launched in 2007 and Diesel’s ‘Loverdose’ launched in 2011.
Elements taken from the standard rectangular bottle design, also used for a collection of Mecheri’s fragrances, including - Canyon Dreams, released in 2012. I have drawn the shape with the addition of the ‘Embruns’ (released in 2014) name and bottle top with a twist of my own style creating marks, lines and detail. I also created an emblem/logo in relation to the designer’s brand and Loukhoum perfume.
A series of illustrations representing previous fragrance bottle designs and colour schemes released by Keiko Mecheri. The shapes range from sophisticated and sharp to curvy, floral and feminine.
I have drawn these with the target customer in mind, relating to my ‘Fashion/Advertisement Survey’ also, which results in most people favouring a ‘Sophisticated/Sharp’ bottle design, with ‘Classic’ being the second most popular preference.
A collection of bottle designs with detail and inspiration taken from the floral/dark ink theme that has recently been used for Keiko Mecheri’s launch with visuals, surrounding the current fragrances. I am designing with a contemporary aesthetic in mind, that will attract a younger market, below the age of 30. This will gain attention from a more diverse age group rather than the previous older generation, also resulting in more sales.
Some more designs that I have created with the ‘Sophisticated/Sharp’ aim in mind. Keeping to the black and dark colour scheme which I personally enjoy reflecting in my work.
The purple, again, links to the Loukhoum series that Keiko Mecheri released in 2002. I have varied the lines and shapes within the bottle designs so that I can develop and/or select towards creating my final outcome.
I have integrated some of my previous drawings into the shapes and overall it seems that the left bottle evokes a masculine aura due to the broadness and strength. The right bottle appears to hold a feminine appeal due to the softer look and the simple triangle which completes the overall presentation.
These are my final bottle designs for Keiko Mecheri. I have settled with the masculine and feminine appeal as both bottles gravitate towards men and women. The illustrative element add’s individuality which will emerge from many typical fragrance designs. For the name, I thought the bottles express the word ‘daring’ or ‘bold’ and decided that it would be practical to use one of the words in the french language. I translated the word ‘daring’ which is ‘Audace’ for men and the feminine version of the word appears to be ‘Audaci’. Personally, I think the name’s are unique and distinctive, which should attract customer’s from both the younger (20’s) and older (40’s) generation.
Magazine spread, presenting the Keiko Mecheri fragrance advertisement in both vertical and horizontal layout, to visualise in a professional form.
These are my 3D representations of the Keiko Mecheri ‘For Him’ and ‘For Her’ fragrance bottle designs. I created these using Sketchup, using simple tools and techniques to produce these visualisations. Not only has this become a newly learnt skill, but it is a useful way of showcasing designs for a product in a more realistic form.
Although these pieces do not reflect much detail, you are given a general overview of what the fragrance could look like if it was manufactured.