NEWS //
HARDHAT FEATURED IN EUROPEAN DESIGN MAGAZINE 'NOVUM'

There is a lovely 5 page feature on Hardhat in European design magazine Novum this month.

Novum: World of Graphic Design is what you might call a Grande Dame of the graphic design magazine industry, with an 85 + year history, published under the title "Gebrauchsgraphik" way back in 1910 and still going strong.

We especially love their description of our clients;

"Clients looked after by Hardhat [...] feel an obligation to their product or their service and strive to be simply the best in their particular field."
– we are honored to be in the position to wholeheartedly agree!

More images, and the full article, here.

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ALL GOOD

ONLINE

All Good Bananas are the only Fairtrade banana on sale in New Zealand. They have also been named as one of the world's most ethical companies (the first time a New Zealand company has made the The World's Most Ethical list).

All Good also produce Karma Cola & Gingerella, sodas with ingredients ethically sourced and fairly traded.

The website is not only a promotional tool for their products and stockists, but also dynamic hub of everything All Good... news, recipes, stories, things to inspire & community build. We have expanded, developed and brought to life the All Good brand for the web.

Design, build, CMS, SEO, interactive & editable Google stockists map.

WEBSITE

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MISS CRABB

ONLINE STORE

Simple clean design, to let the clothes do the talking, for the online store of Miss Crabb, noted as one of New Zealand’s most revered and interesting fashion labels, with craft and experimentation at its heart.

Hardhat designed, built & managed the project from beginning to end.

WEBSITE

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MONTY'S LONDON

BRANDING & LOGO

Identity development for Monty's London, a new concept in online dating: "Words are optional. Describe yourself using photos, music & videos. Oh, and we also throw great parties for the unattached."

Monty's needed to have personality, humour, and communicate that dating through Monty's is fun, not torture! In creating these elements for the brand Hardhat produced several interchangeable logos using different versions of the same font, some strong colour blocking and, alongside their light-hearted copy-writing, plenty of personal, hand-drawn touches.

Read more

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THE OYSTER INN

WEBSITE ^*NEW*

Located on a beautiful island in the Auckland Harbour in NZ, The Oyster Inn is a small boutique hotel, restaurant and bar, with private dining room and beach shop, all rolled into one!

With the look & feel of the space and it's 3 luxury rooms being led by NZ interior designer extraordinaire Katie Lockhart, their head chef Cristian Hossack brought in from London (he's ex-Providores), a focus on fresh local produce, and world renowned artists' work on the walls, this place is set to be a real destination for Aucklanders & the international travel set.

Design of the site was led by our pals at Special Group. Layout and interactivity development, full web build (including content management), email signature design, and integration of our email marketing system uMail was done here at Hardhat.

Now we just want to get over there for some oysters & a cocktail!

Read more

Website

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PENGUIN BOOKS UK

PRINT COLLATERAL

Hardhat were asked by Penguin Books UK to develop various pieces of print collateral for the Penguin English Library collection; their largest launch of 2012.

Read more

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MILDRED&CO

E-commerce design & build

Design & build for Mildred&Co, a unique and lovingly-curated online store and gift regsitry.

Read more

Website

NEWS //
HARDHAT WIN 2 BRONZE AT
NZ's BEST DESIGN AWARDS

Identity Development (small scale)
AND Packaging

Team Hardhat are chuffed to have won 2 Bronze at the Best Design Awards 2012 – New Zealand's 'premier awards programme that celebrates design excellence'.

Read more

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AVANTI BIKES

ONLINE DESIGN PITCH

Earlier this year, Hardhat were invited to pitch for design and development of the website for New Zealand based world class bike brand Avanti. Here is some of our work. Click the link below for more.

Read more

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PENGUIN CLASSICS

Posters

Several iterations during development of Penguin Classics' Dickens 2012 posters, celebrating 200 years since Dickens' birth.

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COFFEE SUPREME

Take-out cups

**Featured on The Dieline May 2012**

Part of the Coffee Supreme rebrand was the design of their take-out cups. There are 16 in total, each with a different illustration lovingly hand-drawn by Team Hardhat in paint, ink, chalk and pencil.

The cups come in three different colours from the brand pallette (in part so that the baristas can easily tell the three different sizes apart when they're cranking the coffee & grabbing a cup!)

We think they're looking pretty darn cute.

Read more

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WORKROOM DESIGN

Website design & build

It was time for the Workroom website to focus on telling Douglas & Rebecca's story, explaining how they lovingly design and make all their pieces themeslves (and that anything they outsource is still local and within New Zealand). This has been a big selling point for them, and an engaging story to tell.

Focus for the Workroom website was on the beautiful shots of Douglas & Rebecca, their studio, and the process of the design & construction (photography by Sara Orme). Their blog has also been completely redesigned, bringing the whole Workroom / Douglas + Bec brand up-to-date and ready for a hugely successful year ahead as the company continues to grow in leaps & bounds!

Website

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COLLECTED BY LEEANNE YARE

Branding, logo & print work

Just turned around a quick little job for stylist and journalist LeeAnne Yare. 'Collected' is her new interiors store which opens this month (March 2012).

Hardhat developed a brand, designed her logo, postcards (seen here) interior signage and price tags/labels.

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WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG

Branding, logo, print & web design

What's in My Handbag is a new website where you can take a peek into fashion, beauty and creative insider's handbags and discover the beauty products they use and couldn't live without.

Hardhat developed the brand, their logo, stationery and worked up layouts for their website. We gave them a toolbox of graphic elements as well as as a series of guides to layout, fonts & color-ways, so that they can now develop new content in-house quickly & easily, while keeping everything consistent and on-brand.

See the results of our collaborative work with their in-house team here and on the official website.

Website

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COFFEE SUPREME

Rebrand & Illustration

Rebrand for Coffee Supreme New Zealand and Australia.
**Featured in Fancy! – New Zealand Design April 2012**

Since their last rebrand, Coffee Supreme had grown to be one of the best and largest independent coffee roasters & suppliers in New Zealand. They felt their brand – while it represented their fun, quirky nature – didn't convey their expertise, reliability, or the hand-crafted attention to detail that is at the core of everything they do. In their words, it was time to 'grow up'.

Over several months, Hardhat developed the principles of the new brand that you are starting to see rolled out across NZ and Australia... something that brought them up-to-date and focused more on thier reliability and professionalism without losing that relaxed, friendly, and sometimes even irreverent character.

Website

NEWS //
HARDHAT WINS
PENGUIN BOOKS UK

Print Work

We are proud to announce that we have recently won Penguin Books UK as a new client.

We have been working with them on print collateral for Dickens 2012 – an international celebration of Charles Dickens marking the bicentenary of his birth (Penguin are the official publishing partner).

In addition, we have also been working on promotional print material for Penguin Classics' largest launch of 2012 – Penguin English Library.

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EMILY ANDREWS

Website design & build

Dynamic website for New York based photographer Emily Andrews.

The site allows Emily to update the site quickly and easily herself. The design has remained simple and pared back in order to focus on the images, and is iphone/ipad accessible.

Website

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DOUGLAS + BEC

Website/E-Commerce design & build

The New Zealand based father & daughter team of Douglas & Rebecca Snelling (Workroom Design) design and create beautifully crafted furniture which has quickly received worldwide acclaim.

After working with them on Workroom's on-and off-line presence, we continued what has become a great working relationship, taking on the design & buid of the online store for their city boutique DOUGLAS + BEC.

We're also in the midst of a redesign for the Workroom website, as well as the joint Workroom/Douglas + Bec blog.

Website

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ED MILES

Print Work/Website design & build ^*NEW*

Dynamic website and self-promotional print work for fashion and music photographer Ed Miles.

The site has an updated layout, brand spanking new look & feel, and is iphone/ipad accessible.

Website

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SPECIAL GROUP

Website/Content Management System

We've worked on several projects with the very talented Special Group (Auckland, NZ), so we were happy to put our heads together once again – this time for their own website. As well as working fully on the build, we sat down with them from the very beginning to offer our advice on layout & design, making sure their ideas all translated well on-line.

The Special team needed a simple way to update the site themselves (there's a constant flow of news and new projects) so we custom built something to suit their particular needs. Some clever tagging means that they can sort their work and news in date order, by client or by tag. Looking for projects with a bit of nudity? – Go for it!

Design by Special. Build & Content Management by Hardhat.

Website

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A FASHION MANIFESTO

Print design & layout (cover & interior spreads)

Modemanifestet – De Stilsmartas Handbok (Fashion Manifesto: The Style-smart Handbook) is a collaborative effort with New York based fashion journalist Sofia Hedström & photographer Anna Schori for this fashion manifesto for the modern age – how to be stylish on a budget and re-invent / re-work beloved old clothes into new.

The book includes a foreward by Vivienne Westwood, a nice personal touch with the month-by-month diary of Sofias year without fashion, beautifully shot portraits to accompany the 'recipes', a whole host of tips collated from old books in the margins, and space for notes at the end of each chapter.

Hardhat worked closely with Anna & Sofia to create something that is both modern & graphic, but with a definite nod to the cookbooks of old, & wartime political artwork. Design for the cover & all internal spreads, as well as all the hand-drawn illustrations found throughout the book, were all produced by the Hardhat team.

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NICHOLAS KING

Brand Development/Website/Online Store

Debuting at London Fashion Week in 2010, Nicholas previously worked with the likes of John Galliano, Donna Karan and Alexis Bittar and launched his solo collection in 2010.

King creates bold statement pieces of jewellery with found objects such as watch components and pearls, sequins, studs and chain all inlaid in resin.

Selling through the likes of Kabiri and Browns in London and Henry Bendels in the US the designer has already established himself as a fashion favorite.

Hardhat have worked with Nicholas to refresh his brand and will be developing his website and online store further in the very near future!

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RUGBY WORLD CUP 2012,
GOW LANGSFORD GALLERY
& DICK FRIZZELL

Website/Online Store

Teaming up with Richard Francis & Gow Langsford Gallery, Hardhat recently produced the microsite & online store for a unique and limited edition boxed set of prints by notable New Zealand (& official Rugby World Cup) artist Dick Frizzell.

Website

NEWS //
HARDHAT GETS PUBLISHED

Design coffe-table book VIVID!

Hardhat has work published in a newly released design coffe-table book – VIVID! The Allure of Color in Design. Currently stocked in all good design stores worldwide (we just spotted it on our travels at the MoMa design store in NYC), & online at Amazon.

NEWS & WORK //
LES CRAVATES PAR HERMÈS

Fabric/Pattern design

In mid 2009, internationally renowned luxury fashion brand Hermès – in conjunction with Designboom – announced an international graphic design competition: to produce 'an innovative and original pattern design' for their silk ties.

The entry from Nik here at Hardhat was awarded second place and is now part of the Hermès classic silk tie collection (see it featured here in their catalogue – in order – 2nd in from right / middle column 2nd from top / far right (cover) / 2nd in from right).

They are available from their flagship store in NYC, online at Hermès.com, and in good department stores worldwide.

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FIONA PAXTON

Website/Blog/Online Store design & build

With 2 years of shows at London Fashion Week under her belt, Fiona Paxton has created a distinctive and global profile her peers can only dream of. With prestigious stockists around the world such as Barneys, Lane Crawford, Le Bon Marché and Henri Bendel, Fiona's pieces have also been featured far and wide in the press, including The New York Times, The London Times, The Daily Telegraph, Grazia, & Vogue.

We have created a website, blog & and online store that allows Fiona not only to showcase her latest work and growing list of stockists, but also to sell direct to her loyal customers. While designing for the website we also had to consider the development of Fiona's brand, developing a collection of patterns based on her beadwork. While we have used them online as page backdrops, they also have the potential to be used throughout future print work.

Website

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PROCESS FASHION PR

Website/Blog

Development of a growing website and blog (to which we also contribute) for Auckland based Fashion PR firm PROCESS. Established in 2001 as New Zealand’s first fashion-focused PR company, PROCESS is recognized industry-wide by its unsurpassed reputation and client roster of style leaders.

PROCESS currently represent, amongst others, Converse, Deadly Ponies, Company of Strangers & Sperry.

Website

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ERA ARTIST MANAGEMENT

Website/Email Marketing/Print Work

London based agents for photographers, stylists, hair and make-up artists.

We have been working with ERA for several years and developed their site as their business grew. This latest design is fully dynamic. While keeping a beautiful animated and interactive Flash-based site, they are also in full control of updates with a nice easy to use custom-built content management system. We also added extra functionality in the form of a search facility so clients can get direct to the content they're looking for.

We also provide them with ongoing training and tutorials, produced and managed their branded HTML email campaigns (which they also update and send themselves), as well as promotional print work.

We needed an entire rebrand and came to Hardhat for advice and without much briefing quickly came up with our fantastic new look. They made us who we are today and continue to design all our artwork and website.

Website

www.eramanagement.com
www.eramanagement.com/blog

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APARTMENT-C

Branding/Logo/Print Work

An exciting new lingerie concept store on Marylebone High Street stocking, amongst others, another client of ours Mawi. We were pleased to see we even got a nod in Design Week!

The brand was led by founder Kenya's concept for the store interior; 'for me, Apartment C is about hanging out in a cool apartment in your knickers, drinking gin and tonic out of a tea cup.'

The calling cards have the same sensual and intimate feel (glossy black logo – think dripping nail polish – and text in an almost flesh-toned metallic ink on matt black card). This brand needed to whisper, not shout, leaving the interior of the store to be the star of the show!

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HELLO MY NAME IS BILL

Brand Development/Website/Print Work

We're pleased to be working with Parisian event design company HELLO MY NAME IS BILL.

"By blending original thinking, audacity and a good old-fashioned sense of fun, we strive to create unforgettable, original experiences.

"Why is Bill here? Because Paris is resting on its laurels. Over-relying on its old-world charm and classic opulence to seduce.  Brands launching in this market tend to reflexively fall back on this hackneyed device. Sure, in recent years, some of the city's younger natives have gotten restless.  They've made valiant efforts to turn the Kingdom into a Hipdom. To no avail. Paris events lack a sense of daring, an element of surprise, of wit. The folks with purchase power want to be dazzled, they are hungry for something original. Bill will feed them for you."

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MAWI

Branding/Website/Blog/Print & Packaging

London based jewellery designer Mawi (also currently showing at London Fashion Week) is sold in boutiques and department stores throughout the world. With an impressive list of celebrity clientele her designs have graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harpers, and Numero as well as cutting edge publications like Tank, W Magazine, I.D. and Dazed.

We were pleased to provide Mawi with a complete rebrand, designing new logos for her three lines (Mawi, SIR by Mawi & Lovestruck) which are placed on all products and packaging, all her stationary, and a highly-styled website that reflects the personality and style of Mawi and her company. We also worked on their popular blog.

Amazing web design, [Hardhat] really helped in promoting the brand image. Our creative director signed off the deal with the reassurance that she was working with someone who could interpret her own creative vision and understand her minute requirements on how she wanted the brand to be represented.

Great site, functionality, branding and scalability.

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MIM & LEA

Branding/Packaging Design

The brand development and packaging design for Mim & Lea (Australia/Ghana), which needed to appeal to a Western luxury goods market while still keeping elements of traditional African design. Hardhat was invited to have the work included in graphic design coffee table book 'VIVID! The Allure of Color in Design', available now from Amazon.

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HOPETOWN

Web DEVELOPMENT

Hardhat developed the website for new NZ fashion label HOPETOWN.

Built in Flash to allow for a more dynamic experience, the site also includes a nice little time-lapse video piece which documents the launch party from the initial set-up of the show right through until the final person has left the venue.

Website

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No7 BALMAC

Web DEVELOPMENT

In partnership with Tana Mitchell (design), Hardhat developed the layout and built the website to promote new bistro in No7 Balmac.

Website

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CORDY'S AUCTION HOUSE

Web DESIGN & BUILD

A refresh of the branding alongside development of a new comprehensive website for Cordy's Auction House. Now fully content managed, this allows them to promote all their upcoming auctions with key images and in depth details, as well as follow through with prices realised on their lots in their archive area.

Easy to navigate quickly to key pieces of useful information such as bidding forms, brief guides on how to buy and sell, how to order their online catalogue and join their online mailing list.

Website

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WINGATE & FARQUHAR

Web Design & Build

In partnership with Auckland based Shine Limited, Hardhat developed the layout and built this promotional site for architect & interior design firm Wingate + Farquhar.

Website

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NORTH SHORE CITY COUNCIL

Web Design & Build

In partnership with Special Group (design), Hardhat developed the layout and built the website for “Naturally Smarter”, an inspiring new programme recently launched by the North Shore City Council aimed at celebrating ordinary people doing ordinary things to protect and enhance our environment.

The website tells the stories of North Shore residents who are making a difference, includes a space for people to tell their own stories about what they are doing to protect and enhance the environment, and also provides environmental facts, figures and tips and has links to other relevant sites.

Website

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AUCKLAND CITY
FARMERS' MARKET

Website/Email Marketing

Design and development of content managed website and branded HTML email newsletter to help promote Auckland based City Farmers' Market.

Website

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DANE MITCHELL

Web DEVELOPMENT

Auckland based artist Dane Mitchell, recipient of a 2009 DAAD Artist-in-Berlin Programme residency.

Hardhat worked alongside Auckland based graphic designer Tana Mitchell who supplied us with the design/layouts.

Website

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JAKE & DINOS CHAPMAN

Webs DESIGN & BUILD

Promotional microsite for Disasters of War, the first publication from Jake & Dinos' Chapman Publishing.

Website

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ALEX HALL

Branding/Logo/Website/Print Work

Voiceover artist and the voice of Kiss FM.

Hardhat completely rebranded Alex's self-promotional collateral, including her logo, website and print work, developing a style that gives off a highly personal and individual style.

Website

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PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA

Website/Print Work

West End Cinema The Prince Charles, the UK's only non subsidised repertory cinema and answer to America's dollar cinema, have been a long-standing client of ours who we were happy to work with for several years.

We were instrumental in developing their brand, being responsible for the design and production of their website, weekly leaflet and a wide variety of other print work.

Moving our site to Hardhat was one of the best decisions we ever made, resulting in our usage figures going through the roof. We now have a user friendly site that gives up to the minute information in a form that the customer wants and appreciates. Always looking at ways to develop and improve the site, Hardhat gives me what I need in hassle free web design and maintenance.

Website

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RETOUCH

Brand Development/Website

Hardhat worked with London & Australian based Retouch to redesign and restructure their website while also developing their brand image, clarifying the services they offer and enhancing their reputation at the same time.

In doing so we hope to have not only strengthened their brand, but to have also allowed Retouch to appeal to a wider international customer base.

Website

www.retouch.com.au

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PARKER MELLER

Branding/Website/Print Work/Email Marketing

Parker Meller, a new alternative to estate agents, wanted their brand to project a friendly, honest and approachable image which would reflect the core principles of the company.

Hardhat developed their brand from scratch – created their logo, designed and developed their website and various printed material including their stationary and direct mail leaflets.

We looked at a number of different design companies but with Hardhat we were confident that they understood the feel of the brand. [They were] instrumental in helping create our brand, logo and site, and for that we are very grateful.

Website

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THREE POINT TWO COMMUNICATIONS

Web Design & Build

A clean simple site for Auckland based PR & communications company Three Point Two. In producing this site we helped them develop their brand and extend their online market.

Website