KGDA 2023 Visual Winner Interview - THE CABINET
Meet Malou Ko, the Founder and Creative Director of THE CABINET, a visionary design firm and the proud recipient of the Kyoto Global Design Awards 2023. Through their innovative approach to visual storytelling, THE CABINET transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
At THE CABINET, the ethos is simple yet profound: connecting people through design. Whether it's 2D, 3D, graphic or interior, product or UX/UI design, Malou and her team employ a unified methodology to fuel their creativity.
The company's logo, featuring two cabinets, symbolizes the yin-yang philosophy of balance, a concept deeply rooted in Chinese Feng Shui. For Malou, balance isn't just a design principle; it's a way of life—a guiding force that fosters harmony and tranquility in everything they create.
Award-Winning Creations
Their commitment to excellence shines through in their award-winning projects, each a testament to their mastery of design and storytelling. Here's a glimpse into three of their standout creations:
Nan Fung Group In Time Of Food
In Time Of Food, a series of initiatives focused on cultivating a food-resilient future, received a vibrant identity courtesy of THE CABINET. Incorporating textured visuals inspired by tearing paper and natural brushstrokes, the campaign identity captures the essence of food culture and community. Bright and saturated colors mimic the freshness of food, while rugged typefaces add a raw, authentic feel to the branding. Together, these elements convey a sense of urgency and excitement surrounding the exploration and celebration of food.
NakedLab Rebranding
NakedLab, a purveyor of products aimed at creating the ultimate comfort environment for sleep, underwent a transformation under THE CABINET's expert guidance. Through meticulous rebranding efforts, including rewriting the brand story and defining a new visual identity, NakedLab evolved into a high-end wellness brand. Embracing the founder's vision of ultimate comfort—walking barefoot on a Maldives beach—THE CABINET infused the brand with elements of relaxation and rejuvenation. The redesigned logo, with its soft handwriting and arch shape reminiscent of a bedroom window, embodies the essence of comfort and luxury.
Not A Lone
Partnering with ICYSCs to design the campaign identity for their neighborhood co-creative workshops, THE CABINET introduced "Si Jai 匙仔," a mascot symbolizing the journey into the unknown. With its keyhole shape and "Thinker Eyes," Si Jai embodies curiosity and exploration, encouraging participants to embrace new challenges and knowledge. The diverse family of Si Jai characters represents the inclusivity and diversity of the program, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Through these projects and many others, Malou Ko and THE CABINET continue to push the boundaries of design, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to create meaningful experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. As they look ahead to new endeavors, one thing remains clear: their unwavering commitment to balance, creativity, and the transformative power of visual storytelling.
Words: Kyoto Global Design Awards (KGDA)
Photography Credit: © THE CABINET, ©KGDA
