We love the Patricks design aesthetics led by your award-winning product packaging design, which is minimalistic, intelligent, functional and unlike anything in the men’ s grooming market that we’ ve seen. What was the inspiration behind your brand’ s artistic and sleek style?
I wanted something that would set us apart both on the shelf and from a functionality point of view. Being an industry outsider this meant I was not constrained by industry norms and I draw inspirations from my love of luxury cars, watches, Apple products and architecture. If I had listened to everyone we would have released a product that was no different to anything else on the market. I think I drove the packaging company crazy with how perfect I needed to get everything and really had to fight for the high level of quality I expected. I was not prepared to compromise on anything even if it took several years, countless re-works and exceeded our budget!
Our award-winning packaging was specifically designed for travel and combines luxury and efficiency for the jet set. Sleek and intelligent, functional and beautiful, our packaging takes pride of place among our proudest achievements.
I was heavily influenced by the designs of Lamborghini, Apple, Audi and Aston Martin. I think all these companies have a perfect balance of form and function. One of the key elements of the design was the double lock system which we designed primarily for travel, whether it be to the office, gym or around the world and ensures the package will not open in transit. The size of the package also complies with carry-on and hand language regulations for all commercial and private airlines.
I also used the fibonacci sequence( Golden Rule) to design the dimensions of the packaging to give it beauty and feel natural in your hand. 98mm x 68mm x 35mm are the dimensions and I even de-bossed them into the side of the packaging. The packaging also features exactly the same angle on the top of the package as the side air intakes of the Lamborghini Aventador.
Real aluminium has been fused into the latch and base plate to provide strength, durability and beauty. The labels are laser etched directly onto the aluminium eliminating the need for paper, stickers and glue. The matte finish on the outside of the container is tactile, practical and beautiful. A thin rubber inlay seamlessly integrates under the aluminium base to prevent slippage in wet areas, protect bathroom surfaces and ensure a gentle audio when putting the package down. I’ m also a massive James Bond fan and as a tribute I included 007 in all of the barcodes and even named the company Patricks Universal Exports( James Bond’ s company when he’ s undercover). I have pushed really hard to make the Patricks brand the best it can be in every area whether its design or performance. The branding is still evolving but it is definitely an aspirational brand due to the price point and packaging.