Reflecting on 25 Years of Bibendum
Bibendum has been a significant player in the Bulgarian wine market, building relationships and trust with wineries, producers, and partners across the region. As the company approaches its 25th anniversary in March 2025, I was given the opportunity to create a special label that would mark this important milestone.
The goal was to design a label that not only celebrates Bibendum’s legacy but also conveys the warmth and sense of belonging expressed in their motto for the occasion: “You are family.”
The Idea Behind the Design
When I began working on the concept, I wanted the design to balance classic elegance with subtle modern elements. The starting point was Bibendum’s iconic bottle star logo—a key symbol of the brand. It felt essential to highlight this element while introducing details that would make the label feel special for this anniversary.
To reflect the idea of unity and the personal connections Bibendum has fostered, I incorporated the hand-lettered motto “You are family” as the centerpiece. This small yet meaningful touch helps to emphasize the company’s philosophy and what this milestone truly represents.
Design Highlights
The Bibendum Anniversary Label is rooted in classic wine label design but incorporates a few distinctive features that set it apart:
The Bottle Star Logo
The logo is a focal point of the label. To give it a fresh and celebratory look, I used a linear pattern stamped in gold hot foil, which adds depth and movement to the design. The center of the star has been cut out, creating an interesting dimensional effect.
Below the logo, I mirrored this element with a roof-embossed star, crafted in the same gold foil and matching the size of the cut-out. This subtle detail ties the design together and provides a tactile element that invites closer inspection.
The Motto: “You Are Family”
I chose to hand-letter the phrase “You are family” for a more personal and crafted feel. The text is enhanced with raised varnish, which adds a slight texture and makes it stand out visually without being overly bold.
Favorite Features
While the design remains classic at its core, I included several technical elements to elevate the overall look. These include:
- Hot foil stamping for the linear pattern and the bottom star.
- A cut-out detail at the center of the top logo.
- Raised varnish for the motto, giving it a subtle but noticeable prominence.
- Roof-embossed star in warm gold hot-foil with detailed micro-embossing on its rays.
The Back Label as an Invitation
The back label was designed as a simple yet functional invitation to Bibendum’s anniversary event. A Save-the-Date QR code is included, making it easy for recipients to scan and mark the date on their calendars.
Craftsmanship and Printing
For this project, I once again collaborated with Dagaprint, a printing partner I trust for their precision and attention to detail. Their expertise ensured that even the more challenging aspects of the design, like the cut-out star and the intricate embossing, were executed flawlessly. Working with Dagaprint allows me to explore creative possibilities while maintaining the quality I strive for in my work.
A Classic Presentation
The label is applied to a classic tapered wine bottle with a matte black cap. I kept the bottle design minimal to ensure the label remains the focal point. The simplicity of the bottle complements the design, creating a refined and understated look that aligns with Bibendum’s character.
A Personal Note
Designing this label was a rewarding process, not only because of the technical challenges it presented but also because of the significance of the occasion it represents. Celebrating 25 years of Bibendum is a celebration of relationships, trust, and shared achievements. It’s an honor to contribute to this moment through my design.
Credits:
Client: Bibendum
Design: the Labelmaker
Print: Dagaprint
Photo CGI: Jordan Jelev
See all wine labels by the Labelmaker.
