Waterford

Agency: Identica
Creative Director: Richard Clayton
Location: United Kingdom
Project Type: Produced
Client: Waterford
Product Launch Location: Global
Packaging Contents: Crystal

Waterford, the Irish luxury crystal brand, has launched a new identity. Created by London based agency Identica, the rebrand amplifies the traditional craftsmanship and deeper complex cutting techniques Waterford employs. Reframing the brand as desirable and relevant to a younger audience, the overall result is an identity that shows elegance, the mastery of cutting and creating crystal - the very essence of Waterford.

With a history dating back to the 1780s, Identica was tasked with re-establishing Waterford as the unequivocal manufacturer of luxury crystal, by celebrating the brand’s authentic heritage, true craftsmanship and the unique feel and sound of Waterford crystal.

Looking to reframe the brand and where it sits in people’s lives, Identica sought to not only retain its more traditional consumers but also to attract a younger audience. Based on the brand idea ‘crafted since 1783 for this very moment’, the agency looked to change the perception of a brand saved for special occasions, to a beautiful product that transforms everyday moments to make them truly special. Ultimately to view Waterford crystal as more spontaneous. To exist to be enjoyed, and to elevate any occasion.

Identica has hardwired the history and craftsmanship of Waterford into the redrawn brand icon and word mark. Inspired by the brand’s signature Lismore cut which references the battlements and windows of Lismore castle in Waterford, the new logo uses the physical forms of this unique cut to create an identity steeped in the brand’s craft. The original Waterford cross section with the W has been retained; a subtle link to the past but a modern interpretation.

The new colour palette references to the brand’s origins in Waterford Ireland, with a deep Fjord green and a bright molten orange representative of the elemental starting point of all crystal pieces.

Identica redesigned the brand’s famous seahorse to feel like a modern shorthand of the brand and a mark of authenticity and heritage. The agency also developed the identity system to be monolithic across the ranges.

A new photographic style has also been developed, allowing the product to be shown in authentic settings, surrounded by everyday but unexpected items. The new style is a move away from the more traditional lifestyle images that exist in the category, demonstrating that this really is a brand for you to interact with every day. Finally a new suite of imagery and films was created to celebrate the craftsmanship and expertise in creating each piece, showcasing the time, care and skill behind every Waterford product.

The new identity roles out from January 2021