Located in the heart of Christchurch’s Crowne Plaza hotel, 1851 Social needed a brand transformation to match its evolution from Café 1851 into a sophisticated speakeasy bar. The goal was to craft an identity that reflected its new art deco-inspired ambiance while harmonizing with the freshly renovated interiors.
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The brand identity included a versatile suite of logos, custom typefaces, and a meticulously curated color palette. The hero color, 'French bistre'—a soft gold—paired beautifully with complementary tones of 'pale silver,' 'Prussian blue,' and 'dark olive,' perfectly accentuating the bar’s new timber and gold finishes. Photography direction further emphasized the bar's elevated yet inviting vibe, aligning with its modern speakeasy concept.
Beyond the visual identity, I designed all the signage and marketing template collateral for the Crowne Plaza’s marketing team, ensuring a cohesive rollout across platforms. The result was a brand that encapsulates elegance and intrigue, breathing new life into 1851 Social as a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
