Articles
Who Still Uses Paper Invites? Discover The Most Creative Fashion Invites
Jun 28 2023
In the world of high fashion, packaging in the form of invitations plays a crucial role. It's where a lot of creativity, ideas, and functional design come together to create something memorable. These invitations are like the opening act of a grand show, hyping up an upcoming event. A well-crafted invitation can attract attention to the brand itself, setting the stage for what's to come. Today, we're going to analyze some of the best fashion week invitations that have graced the industry.
Jaquemus' Delicious Bread Invite
Who knew carbs could be so chic? Jaquemus took the idea of breaking bread to a whole new level with their fashion week invitation. The package included a box with a loaf of bread, the word ‘Jaquemus’ toasted onto it, a piece of butter, and a butter knife. Once you devoured the bread, the address for the event was revealed. This invitation was not only interactive but also memorable, viral, and fun.
From a design perspective, this invite was a stroke of genius. It turned a mundane, everyday item into a conversation starter. It created an experience that was playful and engaging. The branding was spot on, aligning with Jaquemus' reputation for creativity and charm. And let’s not forget the logistics – delivering fresh bread in perfect condition! That’s some next-level dedication to carb couture.
Balenciaga’s Bold Stack of Bills
Ever wondered what it feels like to hold a stack of $100 bills? Balenciaga’s SS23 invitation gave you that thrill – well, almost. Customized with the brand's name, this stack of bills was the ticket to their show at the New York Stock Exchange. It’s like they were saying, “Money talks, but make it fashion.”
Design-wise, this invitation was both provocative and clever. It directly tied into the venue's theme, reinforcing Balenciaga's disruptive and bold brand identity. The use of money as an invite was a powerful statement about value, capitalism, and fashion's place within it. It challenged the traditional norms of what an invitation should be, turning it into a piece of social commentary.
Fendi's Fabulous Pasta Packet
Forget diamonds; Fendi believes pasta is forever. For their invitation, Fendi teamed up with Rummo, the pasta brand, to send out packets of pasta shaped like the iconic Fendi 'F'. It wasn’t about creating an extravagant collector's item but rather evoking a homely atmosphere and highlighting the current trend of fashion mingling with the food world.
This invitation showed Fendi's knack for combining simplicity with elegance. By choosing pasta, they tapped into the familiar and comforting, creating an emotional connection with the invitees. The packaging was exquisite, with attention to detail that made it a feast for the eyes. The branding here was subtle but effective, aligning with Fendi's Italian heritage and the trend of culinary collaboration. It was a delicious reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected items can make the biggest impact. Mangia, mangia, fashionistas!
Louis Vuitton's Backwards Timepiece
Louis Vuitton took the concept of a fashion invitation to new heights with their counter-clockwise clock. For the FW20 show, Virgil Abloh sent guests a gray watch where all the numbers were replaced with the Louis Vuitton logo, and the hands moved backward. Produced in just 1200 pieces, this watch quickly became a collectible, fetching high resale prices on platforms like Grailed and StockX.
This invitation wasn't just about getting people to the show; it was about creating desire. The clock was a blend of innovative design and high-end branding. It played with the concept of time, a key element in fashion, and turned it on its head. The limited edition aspect made it even more special, ensuring that it wasn't just an invite but a treasured item. This approach highlighted Louis Vuitton's ability to turn even the simplest idea into something luxurious and sought-after. Who needs forward-moving time when you can have a piece of fashion history?
End of the runway
These examples illustrate how branding goes beyond mere products or logos. These invitations are opportunities for brands to establish themselves as something superior and more memorable. Brands that create moments outside their product line excel in branding, as they forge a deeper connection with their audience. They show that the brand isn't just about what you wear but also about the experiences you have and the stories you tell.
Fashion week invitations are often overlooked as mere formalities, but as these examples show, they can be powerful tools for making a lasting impression. They allow brands to showcase their creativity, their values, and their unique identity in ways that go far beyond the runway. It’s puzzling why many other fashion brands haven’t adopted such creative approaches for their invitations.
We absolutely love these four invitations, especially Balenciaga’s stack of bills and Jaquemus’ bread. They pushed boundaries, sparked conversations, and left lasting impressions. So, what are your favorites? Let us know which ones made you smile, laugh, or simply admire the brilliance behind the design. Fashion isn't just about the clothes; it's about the entire experience, and these invitations nailed it.
