Falansai

N.Y.C

Falansai’s mission is to blur lines and challenge cultural expectations, and Vietnam, with its diverse influences and rich visual history, epitomizes this enticing friction.It is rare to find a place that has generated and been infused with so many influences. From its majestic pre-colonial vestiges and culture of craft, to the Inherited French urban planning, Beaux-arts and Art Decor esthetics, from the emergence of new lifestyles and financial support from American, to the Nationalism of Republic of Vietnam government...

Focussing on 20th century design culture in main cities such as Saigon-HCMC or Hanoi until the end of the war, this direction explores a wealth of artisanal typography, a generous use of iconography and complex color palettes that mix unexpected background with bright pops. We are inspired by vintage stamps and by tourism posters; glamorous hotel signage and the 50s fashion when designers started adding hippy patterns to and tightening the fit of the áo dài, an outfit that was originally worn by aristocrats at court in the 18th century and later evolved as a modern dress, inspired by Paris fashions of the 1930s.

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Creative Direction: Polonsky & Friends
Graphic Design: Fuad Smeke
Hot sauce illustration: Naomi Otsu
Hot sauce photos: Giada Paoloni