The Pumpkin Patch of Creativity ??

It’s October 31st! Time to conjure up some inspiration! Welcome to the 14th edition of Design Feast, your ultimate guide to the enchanting world of design!

We’ve brewed up the latest news, trends, and ideas that will spark your creativity and keep you ahead of the game.

Join us on this thrilling journey and let yourself be visionary, curious, and original ?

And a hauntingly happy Halloween to all ??

1. WHAT'S UP!

?? A new era of automotive color design

In a unique collaboration, Porsche AG and the Pantone present "Turbonite," a custom metallic grey exclusive to Porsche’s Turbo models. Featured for the first time in Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report for New York Fashion Week, Turbonite brings a luxurious, gold-tinted matte finish to Porsche's high-performance details. This elegant shade enhances design elements like rear lettering, alloy wheels, and exclusive crests, blending automotive and fashion design in a truly refined way.

?? Fashionable sweets

The design world is enriched by the collaboration between M&M’s and kate spade new york . This capsule collection, specially designed for Halloween and the year-end festivities, offers limited-edition accessories that combine a playful style with a whimsical aesthetic.

Available starting November 1st, the collection highlights pieces inspired by the iconic visuals of M&M’s, featuring vibrant colors and rounded shapes. The 3D bags, keychains, and jewelry evoke a fairy-tale universe while incorporating modern design elements that appeal to originality seekers.

Kate Spade, known for her attention to detail and elegant approach, adds a refined touch to this collaboration. The creations are characterized by a balance of fun and sophistication, reinforcing the dynamic identity of both brands.

These collaboration highlight the rising trend of original designs that seamlessly blend creativity with functionality, providing consumers with unique experiences. Once again, brands are successfully maintaining their "trendy" and "relevant" status by innovating through partnerships and capsule collections. This strategy is a crucial ingredient for brands aiming to remain iconic and endure over time.

2. HOT AND TRENDY

??The perfect first date look

For those aiming to make a memorable first impression, Tinder has partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics Australia 's to create a limited-edition makeup collection designed to boost confidence on first dates. This unique collaboration features three essential products for an effortlessly iconic look: a primer for flawless makeup prep, a setting spray for long-lasting wear, plus two lip oils and a mini eyeliner, all packaged in a sleek red makeup bag.

The goal of this collection is to boost users' confidence and encourage authenticity during their dates. By merging Tinder's bold identity with e.l.f.'s expertise, the products offer both aesthetics and functionality. Each item, from the vibrant makeup bag to the minimalist designs, is crafted to inspire confidence, transforming everyday objects into engaging brand experiences and reinforcing the message of both brands.

This kind of approach ensures that brands remain dynamic and evolving in a context where purchase-related experiences are increasingly important for consumers.

Discover our article on love commerce in the 21st century! A true goldmine for brands, capitalizing on every opportunity to turn it into a major marketing spectacle ??

?? From Billboards to Experiences

Boots UK recently launched an innovative 3D activation at the Pump Station in Westfield , transforming a simple billboard into an immersive experience. This installation not only showcases the latest skincare products but also engages passersby through tactile design and clever use of scent cannons, adding an unprecedented sensory dimension.

By creating multisensory interactions, Boots establishes emotional connections with its customers, demonstrating that today, it’s the experience that drives sales. This activation illustrates how design can transform brand communication, positioning Boots as an innovative player in the retail sector.

3. UNLEASH THE FUTURE

??Designing tomorrow

In an era where self-expression and individuality are paramount, Arcade has emerged as a groundbreaking generative AI marketplace that empowers users to turn their dreams into tangible creations. Recently launched in beta, this innovative platform focuses on jewelry initially, with plans to expand into other categories later this year.

Arcade invites consumers to define and share their design identity by crafting AI-generated products with just a few words or by uploading an image. Each design is instantly transformed into a product, complete with an image, price, materials, and dimensions, all generated through cutting-edge AI technology. This seamless process allows users to purchase one-of-a-kind items or simply collect and share their designs as part of a new wave of design-centric social content.

This personalized, participatory approach to design captures our shared yearning for distinct personal expression. Welcome to a new era in design, where your creativity can truly soar.

However, this kind of progress raises the question of how much AI has become a tool in the design process today.

Check out our article to learn more ??

4. CHANGEMARKERS

??Juicing Up Wellness

Chevrolet and Erewhon are redefining wellness with the Equinox EV Electric Juice, a limited-edition beverage inspired by the sleek design of the Equinox EV. This collaboration highlights Chevrolet’s commitment to emission-free vehicles and Erewhon’s dedication to sustainability.

The Electric Juice features vibrant blue spirulina, echoing the Equinox EV’s signature color, and includes chocho, the planet's most protein-rich plant. Its packaging embodies a modern, eco-conscious aesthetic, appealing to health-focused consumers.

Launching exclusively at Erewhon Studio City in Los Angeles on September 27th, the Electric Juice will be paired with test drives of the Equinox EV, with each driver receiving a complimentary bottle.

Through this partnership, Erewhon promotes organic farming practices across its ten Southern California locations, setting a new standard for how brands can creatively merge wellness and environmental responsibility, inspiring healthier and more sustainable choices.

?? Touch Your Boobs’ Initiative

Katjes Fassin GmbH + Co. KG , a pioneer of gelatin-free sweets in Germany, is making a meaningful impact with its limited-edition “Touch Your Boobs” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This playful initiative features vegan candies shaped like breasts, cleverly using design to raise awareness while supporting breast cancer research.

The eye-catching design, highlighted by the iconic Pink Ribbon, effectively communicates the campaign's message and encourages open conversations about breast health. The gummies have been a resounding success, selling out rapidly and reflecting a commitment to a vital cause. Notably, 100% of the profits from the candies are donated to Pink Ribbon projects, showcasing Katjes’ dedication to social responsibility.

With a commitment to sustainability and being carbon neutral since 2020, Katjes is not just selling candy but fostering important discussions about health. This campaign exemplifies how thoughtful design can engage consumers while supporting essential causes.

For a deeper dive into how useful design plays a crucial role in brand identity and social responsibility, check out our article methodology and offer on the topic ??

5. BEYOND BOUNDARIES

?? Chips and Chic

What is the sake of fashion? How does design help fashion brands conquer the podiums? Balenciaga has once again made waves in the fashion world with a daring new creation that is sure to spark conversations. The Spanish luxury house, known for its provocative designs, has taken a bold step by introducing a handbag shaped like a Lay's potato chip bag. Dubbed the Potato Chip Bag, this striking accessory was unveiled during Paris Fashion Week as part of the Spring-Summer collection, quickly becoming the standout piece of the event.

This audacious design choice aligns perfectly with Demna’s artistic vision, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. By elevating an everyday object to the status of a fashion statement, BALENCIAGA challenges conventional notions of beauty and luxury.

The Potato Chip Bag exemplifies how the art of design, whether we love it or loathe it, can transform any item into a symbol or a piece of art. This innovative approach not only captures attention but also encourages us to reconsider the nature of fashion itself, reminding us that true creativity knows no limits.

?? Want to keep the design discussion going or share feedback on this newsletter? Let's get in touch!