Nika Zupanc

When a young Slovene designer is hailed as one of the stars of this years Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan (officially the world’s biggest furniture fair), it is my duty to report about it!
Patriotism aside, Nika Zupanc is one of those few female product designers, whose style is undeniably feminine, without being fluffy. Instead, her work was described from “punk elegance” (Elle USA) and “Techno chic” (BUISINESS WEEK), to “larger than life” (CLEAR MAGAZINE). In 2007, Urbis magazine selected her as one 17 most perspective names in field of art and design. This year at the Milano fair , her designs feature in the repertoires of two of the most prestigious brands: Moooi (Lolita lamp)and Moroso (Tailored chair), as well as at her own off-site installation entitled "I Will Buy Flowers Myself: Objects Gone Indiscreet.



Clever use of traditional Slovene "peasant" design motifs as seen in this cradle series.


Feather duster sold at Coco de Mer.

favourite ads

After pausing for a week, we are back with a new homework task to complete. This time is the wonderful world of ads and examples of successful marketing in general. Here are a few of my favorites...


I will start with an old 80's advertising campaign that could well have been one of the catalysts for the wave of Geo-political changes that followed in the early 90's . The "Slovenija, moja dezela" campaign, commissioned by the Slovene tourist board, was for many of my generation, the first time we became aware of our own national identity. That in itself was a radical message to be heard at the time when the "one country-one nation" was still the official doctrine in the Socialist Federate Republic of Yugoslavia. Cheesy as it may look now, it still is a textbook example of the power of advertising and on a more personal level, one that is carved in the minds and hearts of my generation.


When it comes to adds I am a sucker for anything that bares a connection to my childhood (or generally children), with some clean, wholesome humor attached.
A lot of the adds you see nowadays try too hard to be clever, but bare no relevance to the product they're trying to sell (like the gorilla in the Cadburry add??). I guess it's harder to come up with a concept that manages to be both- clever and relevant and this next add is interactive too!
I suppose self promotion is advertising on a micro scale and if you looking for a cheap, but effective and stylish way to introduce your self to the world, you'll love Moo! Here are a few examples you might find inspiring...

Simple and Effective

A cereal box that becomes a fun kid's project by Dorset Cereals.


Inviting, simple, clean packaging by the Swiss food retailer Migros.

Genius first aid. Soothing, made from recycled paper pulp and 100% compostable - by Help Remedies.

Inspiring and Fun

They say nothing in life is free. Nonsense. What about these free flatpack toy characters ready for print and build!
Fwis Readymech has designed these little guys that use package design techniques for folding boxes. Super cool and super interactive. Gets my vote.

Environmentally Friendly

I want one of these! Multi-functional seat / storage box by Australian design studio Zaishu. I thought this one was worth throwing into the mix because of how 'little' packaging is used for this Japanese inspired furniture item. And it's just so damn environmentally friendly. Rock on!

Hand printed, uses timber from renewable forests, light, easy to piece together and delivered flat packed in a reusable non-bleached calico bag sewn by women at a local disability workshop. Delivers a very powerful and beautiful message throughout.



University of the Arts grad student, Andrew Millar, designed biodegradable packaging for McDonald's from grass paper, which has naturally grease-resistant properties and clever internal folds to keep food separated. This clever school assignment should definitely be passed by the big chiefs at McD's.

Packaging is Product

Petra, I know you will appreciate this as I know you have one!
'Sticky Lamp' by Chris Kabel. Peel off the back lid and stick. 100% useful packaging and fantastic! Production and distribution of this product was handled by Droogdesign, a firm favourite of mine.

Stylish Italian Packaging

Achingly cool Italian wine. A special collection launched for New York Fashion Week back in '05 under the label Bootleg. 5 estates from different parts of Italy took part in a collaboration for this launch.

Cuppa Mucha

Photo found on Don't touch my moleskin

Cupp Cave

Great album cover from Belgian band Cupp Cave

Finish Off Yourself

Can't get better than this - FYS (finish your self) chairs where the packaging is the product! From Dutch designer David Grass

New packaging for a classic design by Rylan Francis

Porno Fruits

Very very juicy. Maoam sweets by Heribo

Zany Zoo

Furoshiki and Mizo Yokan

The japanese art of furoshiki: gift wrapping with a reusable square of fabric. Much prettier than plastic. Furoshiki kits by Furochic

Confectionary: Mizo Yokan sweets by Koujuken in Nara.

Recycle, Reuse, Remake

Plenty of great packaging to make products or even more packaging from. Wash bags by Katell at art d'eco design. Coffe sacks by Maya Made.

aaw cute

Wasted Youth by Noble and Webster