For quite a while, I was in the market for a new wallet. I had the same wallet since high school; it was a gift from my grandpa. I used it as a repository for old receipts and irrelevant business cards, and it held a lot of sentimental value—but it was falling apart.
So, I needed a new wallet—but I wanted to find the perfect wallet. I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted. It had to be simple: not too many pockets, no room for clutter, easy access to often-used cards and, of course, orange. Orange is awesome.
After much searching and many disappointments, an online ad led me to a website I’d never visited. Bellroy.com was surprisingly impressive with its clear information, subtle animation and great art direction, including use of color, sketchy illustrations and well-produced video. It also had a lead-in into the perfect product for you.
I really liked it because, obviously, in the world of branding, presentation is key.
I ordered a suitable wallet from the site, and eagerly awaited its arrival. It took a painstakingly long week, and when it finally arrived, I fervently opened the box and experienced a second surprise.
When I pulled out my cardboard-wrapped purchase, I was almost more impressed by the packaging than by the actual wallet. The small, hand-stitched box of post-recycled paper wove itself intricately around the wallet, almost acting as an extension of the wallet itself. For a while, I didn’t unwrap it; I just gazed at it as I turned it over and over in my hands.
It made for a great sensory experience. Oh, and the wallet was cool, too.