2026
Entrant
Category
Client's Name
Country / Region
I. Overview
Beijing Brand – Ideal Age Series is a premium cigarette (RMB 1,000 tier) for business and political elites aged 40–60. This generation grew up during China’s modernisation, carries a “red” heritage, and seeks culturally symbolic luxury. The design transforms socialist era aesthetics into a high end visual language, creating an identity marker for elite circles.
II. Visual System
• Tian’anmen Silhouette – Central motif. Below it, golden lines outline modern Beijing landmarks, juxtaposing history and contemporary skyline.
• Red Flag & Golden Ears – Symbolising victory and harvest, borrowed from certificate graphics, forming “a reward for achievers” that resonates with the target consumers’ status.
• Red & Gold – Red flags and ribbons stand out against an off white background; golden architecture runs through the composition, creating the signature “Ideal Age” colour memory.
III. Opening Ritual
Rigid slim flip top pack. A translucent paper sheet rests under the lid; the inner cover is deep red revealing the golden Tian’anmen pattern. The exterior is understated, the interior solemn and magnificent – sedimentation of memory and development of identity.
IV. Craftsmanship
• Paper: Pearlescent or textured specialty paper.
• Printing: Spot colour for pure hues.
• Embossing: Raised relief on red flag, wheat ears, and front logo for three dimensional tactility.
V. Design Value
Everyone has an ideal Beijing in mind. By refining and reinterpreting symbols of a generation’s memory, the design creates a recognisable visual language for the “Ideal Age” sub brand. In a market dominated by conventional opulence, this restrained nostalgic aesthetic establishes differentiation – not a replica of the past, but letting historical sentiment become a footnote of identity for today’s elite: refined, rare, precious, like Beijing itself.
Credits
Entrant
Tsinghua University
Category
Service Design - Education