Client
With three restaurants and other seven small food services inside other stores around Tokyo metropolitan area, the company wanted to add an Italian restaurant to its all-european catalogue. From the 19th century until 1999 the Italian Bar & Restaurant operated in Italy (Friuli) by the Russiani
family. The youngest Russiani moved to Tokyo and shared his passion for food, wine and happiness with someone who decided to revive Leon BIanco's legacy in Japan.
The Challenge
Design a visual identity, printed materials and interior design.
Adapting the italianesque environment to Japanese costumers and workers was one of the biggest challenges.
Adapting the italianesque environment to Japanese costumers and workers was one of the biggest challenges.
Concept
Inspired by the Baroque period, where emotion takes shape, the lion is the symbol chosen for this project. The name means white lion in Italian, this rare skin condition embodies the unique spirit, bold and strong aspects of the king of all animals.
Inspired by the Baroque period, where emotion takes shape, the lion is the symbol chosen for this project. The name means white lion in Italian, this rare skin condition embodies the unique spirit, bold and strong aspects of the king of all animals.
The hand drawn Lion, inspired by southern Italian designs, portrays a fierce and wise character: a lively soul and the gorgeous atmosphere from the Barroque. The engraved appearance is also a reference from the same period.
Black, white and gold and textured papers were chosen - representing materialization of human emotions and the ecstasy: the pleasure of the food!
For the Grand-opening an invitation, along with a business card, was sent.
The Interior
Monumentality and exaggeration were keywords to make the concept real. The shadow and textures contrasts provide a flexible space where costumers can enjoy parties, casual dinners or a romantic date. The restaurant is also opened for lunch time, for that reason the color palette and interior light design were important factors.
Monumentality and exaggeration were keywords to make the concept real. The shadow and textures contrasts provide a flexible space where costumers can enjoy parties, casual dinners or a romantic date. The restaurant is also opened for lunch time, for that reason the color palette and interior light design were important factors.
