Thierry B.
Founder of Maison Thierry Bornier
Working with Studio Matte has been one of the most rewarding creative collaborations I’ve had. They bring not only strong design aesthetics but also deep strategic thinking, understanding the emotional DNA of a brand and translating it into elegant, cohesive visuals. From typography to layout to color systems, their work feels elevated and timeless. If you're building a premium or artistic brand, they're the partner you want.
Artisan French Chocolatier Brand Identity
Maison Thierry Bornier Branding
Sculptural, poetic, and ultra-luxury brand identity for an artisanal chocolate house bridging French craftsmanship with Chinese heritage.
Project Overview
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Client:
Maison Thierry Bornier
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Sector:
Food & Beverage
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Services:
Creative Direction, Brand Identity & Packaging
Taste as Silent Art
Sculptural, poetic, and deeply reverent. Maison Thierry Bornier is an ultra-luxury chocolate house founded by French artist and chocolatier Thierry Bornier in Yunnan, China. The brand serves as a cultural bridge, the museum-inspired design transforms chocolate into edible art through architectural monogramming and refined typography.
Process
The Concept: Galerie d'Art
Artistic, minimalist, and hushed. The visual direction, Galerie d'Art, treats each chocolate as a sculptural masterpiece to be admired. Drawing inspiration from classic museum vitrines and the architecture, the identity transforms the act of unwrapping into an intimate ritual of discovery.
The Symbol: The Crown Monogram
Symmetrical, iconic, and symbolic. The core of the identity is an elegant "MTB" monogram drawn with delicate strokes that echo ornate gallery moldings. When repeated in a four-way signature pattern, the mark reveals a crown-like form—a subtle nod to Chinese heritage and symbolism that provides rhythm and quiet sophistication to every brand surface.
Typography: Sculptural Poise
The typographic system pairs Drummond, a serif with soft curves used for titles and key brand moments, with the clean, modern shapes of Gabarito for body text. This combination reflects the brand’s dual nature: the timeless elegance of a gallery balanced with warm, accessible clarity.
Color Palette: Earthy Sophistication
Immersive, tactile, and understated. The palette is anchored by Bitter Ganache and Almond Cream, mirroring the rich materiality of fine chocolate and architectural museum interiors. Deep secondary tones like Cocoa Husk and Cherry Liqueur add sensory depth, while accents of Silver Foil provide a subtle touch of light and quiet luxury.
