A Return to Craft

Issue #17

Lately, we’ve been thinking less about the speed of technology and more about how digital landscapes feel.

Much like walking into a beautifully curated room, a website or campaign should evoke a sense of place. We’re seeing a shift away from the stark and the sterile. Instead, the most exciting work right now borrows heavily from the physical world; taking cues from the weave of a heavy linen, the brushstroke on a canvas, or the drape of a couture gown.

Here, we explore some of the ideas currently pinned on our mood board.

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Typography

The Handwritten Touch

For a long time, digital lettering was all about perfection; straight lines and clean corners. Now, there’s a desire for something more human.

Think of it like a handwritten note left on a kitchen table versus a printed bill.

• The "imperfect" serif | These are letters with soft curves and quirks, reminiscent of old book covers or stone carvings. They bring a sense of history and warmth

• Fluid lettering | Words that seem to stretch or float slightly, almost like ink bleeding into paper. It feels organic rather than mechanical

We’re thinking about this as elegance with a slightly undone edge.

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Colour

The "Painted Room" Palette

A move away from the bright, neon colours that often dominate the tech world. The mood we’re leaning into is deeper, richer, and grounded in the natural world.

Imagine the colour card of a heritage paint brand or the interior of a dimly lit library.

• Muddy greens & deep olives | Sophisticated and calming, these shades act as a wonderful neutral backdrop, much like plants in a living room

  
  

• Spiced terracotta | A warm, clay-like tone that adds heat without being aggressive

• Chalky blues | Soft, hazy blues that feel airy and light, rather than electric

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The Digital Canvas

Art & AI

Artificial intelligence is often discussed in cold, technical terms. And that can often be the case. However, it can also be viewed through a more artistic lens.

Just as the Surrealists used dream logic to paint impossible scenes, many designers are using AI to create imagery that feels otherworldly.

• Digital Dadaism | Visuals that blend objects in whimsical ways. Think of a chair melting into a floral meadow, or fabric that turns into water

• Fashion-forward textures | Taking inspiration from the runway, we are translating the look of crushed velvet, silk, and embroidery into digital backgrounds. It adds a layer of richness that makes you want to reach out and touch the screen

Try using technology, not to speed things up, but to make something better. It can be a great tool for sketching ideas that would be impossible to build in a physical studio.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a pleasing atmosphere. Whether it’s a social post or a website, digital content should feel as inviting as a well-designed home. It should have layers, texture, and an innately welcoming feel.

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Pausing for Thought

The Last Emperor of Fashion

Valentino Garavani (1932–2026)

Last week, the world of couture lost its “Sheikh of Chic.” Valentino Garavani, the man who defined Italian splendour for over half a century, passed away on the 19th of January, at his home in Rome. He was 93.

Surrounded by loved ones, including Giancarlo Giammetti, his business partner and closest companion of 65 years, Valentino leaves behind a legacy that transcended mere clothing. As his foundation noted, he moved through the world with “rare delicacy, silent rigour, and a boundless love of beauty.”

A Life in Red

Born in Voghera but eternally linked to Rome, Valentino founded his eponymous atelier in 1959. He didn't just design dresses; he created moments. His debut featured the “La Fiesta” cocktail dress in a shade of poppy-bright crimson that would become his signature: Valentino Red.

“It is flashy, but it’s also very becoming. It makes a woman very happy because she looks sensational.” — Valentino on his signature colour

While he famously eschewed the “vulgar” trends of the 1980s, his adherence to glamour attracted the world's most watched women, from Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor to Julia Roberts and Claudia Schiffer.

The Man Behind the Myth

Behind the “Last Emperor” persona was a man of deep loyalty and humour. While the public saw the jet-set lifestyle — the chalets in Gstaad and chateaus in Paris — his friends saw “Vava.”

In a touching tribute, Gwyneth Paltrow remembered the private side of the couturier: “I loved how he always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh.”

A Lasting Heritage

Though he stepped back from the runway in 2008, his influence never waned. His successors, including Pierpaolo Piccioli and Alessandro Michele, have continued to view him as the north star of the Maison.

Piccioli described Valentino’s approach as an “innocent brilliance,” noting that for the designer, beauty was never just an ornament, but “a form of defence, a place of safety... a shield against the world.”

Valentino Garavani 11 May 1932 – 19 January 2026

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Let’s Connect

If you’re considering a rebrand, website refresh, or strategic campaign, now is the moment to act. Let’s craft experiences and identities that are remembered.

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Until next time,

Daniel

Brand Consultant | Content Editor | Digital Developer

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