Packaging: Frankly Fun

Paul Frank is a simple but fun brand. You can tell that their designers have a good time with the unique products, characters and colors. When I was browsing the mall I went into their store and saw the branding with the monkey and friends on cool retro watches, sunglasses, etc., one would expect to see. But then I was drawn to these striped squares on the wall. They just looked like pieces of foam. And because they were so awkward and seemingly out of place, I moved in for a closer look.

At first, I thought it was some kind of seat pad but then saw the familiar sandal straps popping out the middle. As I examined closer, I finally saw the dieline of the flip flops. They were held in place by a simple belly band and had a diecut handle, out of the foam, for retail purposes. I thought it was a great packaging solution because the designers considered how their product was made and designed around that. They also gained graphic impact from having more surface area to apply branding. The only downside to this was if someone was looking for flip flops, they might have a more difficult time finding them. Flip flops are easy to spot because of their unique shape. Now that the shape is disguised, a consumer might have to ask a employee where they might find them. Overall, I would have to give this a thumbs up.

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