OlssønBarbieri brands Ambijus in a dreamy display of abstract illustration and refined typography

Ambijus is a non-alcoholic alternative to wine made with a concoction of herbs, roots, flowers, berries, fruit, tea and “a whole lot of passion and love.” Made through a process of fermentation, the brand is crafted by a team of passionate Norwegians who aim to offer their customers a new option that doesn’t compromise on flavour or pleasure. Commissioned to design the brand’s identity and packaging, Oslo-based design studio OlssønBarbieri devised a visual landscape that takes the focus away from the fact that Ambijus doesn’t contain alcohol to instead embrace its intertwined and indistinguishable flavour profile. The centrepiece of their concept is a series of abstract illustrations by French designer Alexis Jamet, which express an evocative visualisation of flavour and bring to life both the emotional and chemical nature of the product. Through a combination of digital and analogue techniques, Jamet’s illustrations result in a dream-like atmosphere that is both soft and bold; especially when in motion. The illustrations shine on Ambijus’ beautifully crafted bottles, which use pop colour seals to determine the flavour variations alongside the pared-back application of Bureau Brut’s characterful sans serif Ostia Antica. The identity is further defined by the motto ‘The Lab is Our Terror,’ a reference to Ambijus’ experimental fermentation process. It’s expressed through a playful drawing from fellow Oslovian Espen Friberg, adding an additional illustration style into the mix with a layer of lighthearted humour and wit. “The two illustration styles balance each other, making the products feel both intriguing and friendly,” adds OlssønBarbieri co-founder Erika Barbieri.