Campari

At a time when digital communication dominates, a well-crafted print invitation can be a rare and exquisite experience. The invitation for “The Grand Campari Hotel”, designed by Denis Widmann Design Studio, is a testament to the power of print, storytelling, and meticulous craftsmanship. Created for a special Campari event at Soho House during the Bar Convent Berlin, this invitation merges artistry and functionality in a way that leaves a lasting impression and was awarded a Red Dot: Best of the Best in the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2024.

The inspiration behind the Grand Campari Hotel

The Grand Campari Hotel is an immersive tribute to cinematic elegance, inspired by Wes Anderson’s iconic film “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Much like Anderson’s film, which captures a nostalgic yet whimsical atmosphere with meticulous attention to detail, The Grand Campari Hotel aims to evoke a similar sense of grandeur, storytelling, and visual splendour.

The pop-up hotel is a vibrant theatrical experience that immerses guests in a carefully curated world of hospitality and bar culture. It embodies the four core values of Campari: passion, which can be felt in every facet of the design; cosmopolitanism, which is expressed in the diversity of the bar concepts; uniqueness, which makes the hotel an unrivalled experience; and prestige, which is recognisable in the exquisite staging and attention to detail.

Paper Peep Show & Invitation – The Grand Campari Hotel

The invitation consists of an intricately designed pop-up card depicting The Grand Campari Hotel, an evocative nod to the brand’s rich heritage and hospitality. A drawer houses a symbolic hotel key, which serves as the admission ticket to the exclusive event. But the experience does not stop there. Hidden within the design is a laser-cut “Paper Peep Show”, an illustrated three-dimensional scene featuring legends of the bar scene. This delicate yet dramatic display adds a theatrical touch, transporting recipients into a world of classic cocktail culture. The invitation impressed the Red Dot Jury, who awarded a Red Dot: Best of the Best in the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2024.

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The designer’s vision

Denis Widmann, the creative force behind the studio, is an experienced designer of sophisticated print projects. In an interview with Red Dot, he shared his vision behind the Campari invitation: “The aim of the invitation was simply to immerse the guest in the event immediately, meaning that the rough outline of the storytelling was already clear at the briefing. With the ‘Paper Peep Show’ it was different due to its complexity. I gradually approached the protagonists and placed bartenders like Charles Schumann or Ago Perrone as visuals in the scenery. I wanted to achieve a film-like atmosphere and was inspired by the style of Victorian panoramas that I first saw when studying in Scotland. These handmade paper stage installations were often a favourite souvenir of high society in the Victorian era”.

Precision and materiality

Creating an invitation of this calibre requires not only creativity but also technical precision. Every detail, from the pop-up elements to the intricate laser cuts, was meticulously planned and executed. “The material plays a key role in every project”, Widmann explains. “In the case of Campari, it was a specially produced variety from the Gmund Creative System, which was wonderful to work with”. Beyond aesthetics, Widmann emphasises the importance of haptic communication in his work: “I want to create multisensory experiences that also establish a specific emotional connection to the brand through the fine coordination of materials – whether paper, wood, metal, or fabric. In our studio, we believe that print is not dead; only cheap print will die.”

The passion behind the craft

For Widmann, the Campari invitation was an opportunity to draw on the full scope of laser cutting, colour cutting, slip-cases, hot foil stamping, die cutting, magnetic closures and more. “It’s precisely these projects where I feel the greatest passion for my craft. Being able to enjoy the creative freedom and trust, despite tight deadlines, when creating something special for others to enjoy is a great feeling. Putting smiles on people’s faces is probably the most beautiful goal in my profession”, Widmann says.

Denis Widmann Design Studio: excellence in print

Based in Erding, Germany, Denis Widmann Design Studio has built a reputation for exceptional print and packaging design. The studio specialises in high-end print projects that blend storytelling, material exploration, and innovative production techniques. Whether crafting invitations, packaging, or brand experiences, Widmann and his team continue to redefine the boundaries of print design.

The Campari Bar

The Campari Bar was a special highlight at the opening of the exhibition “World’s Best Communication Design 2024 and Highlights from NRW” at the Red Dot Design Museum Essen. The bar, inspired by the project “Paper Peep Show & Invitation – The Grand Campari Hotel”, offered guests Negroni and Campari Spritz and brought the award-winning print product to life: a perfect example of how well-thought-out design can create an unforgettable experience.