Students Win International Competition for Packaging Design

FIT Packaging Design BFA students Sara Griffin and Shan Khan have placed first and second respectively in a highly competitive international packaging design competition organized by Pentland, UK-based owner of global brands in sports, outdoor, and fashion, in partnership with the International Churchill Society UK, Champagne Pol Roger, and ARTS THREAD, a media company and online portfolio platform for designers. Entrants were charged with creating a gift box and label commemorating the life of Sir Winston Churchill for a Magnum of Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006 champagne, the brand that Churchill himself enjoyed. Pentland selected 11 finalists from more than 700 entries from 20 countries. FIT student Kelsey Coughlin joined Griffin and Khan among the finalists. Champagne Pol Roger plans to produce the winning design on Magnums of Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006, on both the gift box and label.

griffin_sara_botteGriffin covered her box and bottle label with witty pencil drawings illustrating incidents in the life of the legendary British Prime Minister. She included an image of Churchill’s wife, a plane to represent his role in World War II, and even a kidney—to acknowledge the one he ruptured as a child. Shan Khan’s box design featured a link that could be scanned with a mobile device, leading to an interactive timeline she created of Churchill’s life. Judging was based on insight into the storied leader, clarity of design, and commercial appeal. The three FIT finalists were interviewed via Skype by a judging panel that included Churchill’s grandchildren, Randolph and Jennie Churchill.

In addition to a cash prize of £1000 and a trip to visit Maison Pol Roger in Epernay, France, Griffin has been offered a paid internship at Pentland’s global headquarters in London. Khan received a cash prize and an internship offer as well.

Adjunct Professor Joan Nicosia brought the contest to the attention of the students in her Advanced Packaging Design III class. Marianne Klimchuk, chair of the department, said, “Not only are the students really wonderful designers but they are each amazing individuals. We are very proud.”

Randolph Churchill commented, “The winners demonstrated incredible awareness of the objective and will be outstanding achievers in their careers.”

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