Growing reverence to packaging condition in the collector's market and the resulting aversion to opening them has inversed the market dynamic between packaging and product with a strongly redefined function of 'play' to 'display'. The goal was to cater to this market transition with packaging as gratifying as the product. The solution was a visual design system focused on crafting an interactive experience around the story of the Magna Carta.
To commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, Seasons Playing Cards commissioned a new playing card gift set that realized the luxury of the brand along with the authenticity of the Magna Carta origin story. A black and white deck series was created to frame the dueling nature of the Rebels vs. the Royals allowing customers to "Choose A Side" in the marketing campaign. Those who got both products were rewarded with seeing multiple levels of interaction when "opposition came together".
The Royals deck commands attention in rich black, representing the King and his empire. The sleek ba design features the gorgeous crowned lion in which 3 heads represent the 3 lions crest of the Angevin Empire.
Corner reveals are highlighted in luxurious foils within a geometry that encourages pairing products to create their preferred suit. Each suit hides references to different family crests. Subtle emboss lines emphasize the linen texture and mimic the pleated knight uniforms of the time.
The Rebels deck is featured in white, displaying intricate linework and a composition showing multiple "regions" to symbolize all the different barons uniting against the King. Together the ribbon from the Rebels deck and the Royals deck unite to create a perfect circle representing a temporary moment of unity between the two sides referencing the circular shape of the King's seal.
The court cards were carefully selected based on actual people involved around the Magna Carta. The suits were used to help show the family factions within this time period. All of these cards were inspired by existing illustrations of the people found from that time.
Each suit carries symbolism based on the court card family that each represents. The Club hides a lion face representing the Angevin Empire and a sword skewers the Heart adorning the fleur de lis for Louis VIII.
A limited King John Edition Deck was launched for pre-order only and includes the King John box with a gold or silver hand gilded Rebels deck. This cheeky reference is based on the origins of the Magna Carta and the King's holding of all the Rebel's gold and silver from taxes.
Jokers feature an authentic recreation of the face and back of King John's seal.
The interior features a replica of the 1215 Magna Carta printed within.
Inspired by old book collections, this deck collection when fully assembled re-creates a reinterpreation of the iconic Magna Carta signing image for a master mural.
Each deck reveals a slice of this moment in history with illustrations of different members. A different faction is featured on either end so that you literally get to choose sides.