Ellegant is a packaging series inspired by Elle Woods, the protagonist of the film Legally Blonde (2001) and its sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003). The products (nail polish wraps) and their packaging are wholly inspired by Woods and her personality. A number of hidden references and "easter eggs" can be found throughout the designs.
The preliminary ideas for Woods' packaging series were largely based on her pursuits as a law student. This influence carries through to multiple components of the project, in addition to details from the character's personal life. For example, the secondary logo features the scales of justice right alongside the symbol for Woods' (and her dog Bruiser's) astrological sign.
The dieline below is folded into a briefcase-inspired package. The interior pattern adjusts to the chosen shade of nails, which include Courtroom Coral, Boston Blush, and Delta Nude. It is inspired by design trends in the early 2000's.
The image below displays a dummy mockup and both sides of the final printed dieline.
Each package contains fourteen (14) nail wraps inside a legal folder, one (1) Case File, and one (1) instruction sheet. The exterior packaging features over 20 references to Woods' character and the films, including:
- Simply bend, snap, and stick ("If all else fails, just bend and snap.")
- Scented paper material (“Oh, and it's scented! I think it gives it a little something extra.")
- Ammonium thioglycolate ingredient (“You're forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate.”)
- Endorphins guaranteed ("Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”)
The product is shown here inside a Target, one of the three suggested retailers (alongside Ulta and Sally Beauty Supply). The handle on the briefcase design acts as a perfect hanger for in-store display.
Special thanks to Dana Lamolinara for the photography.
