l'Emile et Son Website

An architect and a filmmaker decided to create a lifestyle store unlike any other in South Africa. Nicework was invited to collaborate with this talented duo to design and develop an ecommerce website that would showcase and sell their selection of innovative products.

See the website in action here

Client: l'Emile et Son

l'Emile et Son is a unique lifestyle store sells a carefully curated selection of beautiful and functional design objects direct from the world’s top creatives. Communication specialist Sonia Zocchi-Dommann and architect Emile Pasqualle initiated the concept in 2010.

Discovery:

Understanding Emile and Sonia’s design philosophy was integral to developing a visual language and creative approach to the project. “E3 Thinking” is defined by three words: enthuse, explore and experience. It is based on the idea that great design products should inspire enthusiasm and encourage exploration through unique creative experiences.

Brief:

• Create a fully-functional ecommerce website

• Website design must be in-line with l’Emile et Son’s E3 design philosophy

• Website design must draw its aesthetic from the style and colours of the l’Emile et Son logo

Challenge:

• Developing a fully-functional ecommerce website from scratch

• Creating an “out-of-the-box” design without compromising on core functionality and good UX

Tackling the Brief

When Emile and Sonia commissioned Nicework to create a unique ecommerce website we were excited to take up the challenge. The trick was to come up with something unusual without compromising on website best practices or core ecommerce functionality.  

An introductory splash page was developed around the form and movement of a dandelion, which is the basis of the l’Emile et Son logo. By integrating dynamic elements that disperse and move according to the movement of the users cursor we were able to encourage interaction and spark interest. The splash page also indicates the stores encouragement of creative collaboration and communication.

l’Emile et Son’s desire for collaboration is carried through in the static footer of the website, which includes links to Emile and Sonia’s social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. A floating tab was also created to encourage users to sign up for the l’Emile et Son email newsletter.

Additional content about the available brands and their product ranges exemplifies l’Emile et Son’s personalised approach to selecting and curating design objects. A clean, minimalist layout was used on all product pages to ensure that the design objects took centre stage.

Result:

• A happy client

• A fully-functional ecommerce website that reflects the unique character of l’Emile et Son through design and layout

• A creative extension of the l’Emile et Son brand