Want to make your brand look more expensive? The secret lies in the details. Luxury brands have mastered the art of creating an image that exudes sophistication, quality, and exclusivity. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your brand, here are seven things luxury brands do to make their products look—and feel—expensive.
1. Use of Serif Fonts
One of the first things you’ll notice about luxury brands is their use of serif fonts. Serif fonts, characterized by their small lines or “serifs” at the end of strokes, are often seen as elegant and timeless. They evoke a sense of heritage and tradition, making a brand feel more established and trustworthy. Brands like Tiffany & Co. and Prada utilize serif fonts to convey sophistication and permanence.
2. Iconic Patterns and Signature Designs
Luxury brands often create iconic patterns or signature designs that are instantly recognizable. Think of Louis Vuitton’s monogram or Burberry’s check pattern. These patterns become a visual shorthand for the brand’s identity, signaling exclusivity and style. Incorporating a unique pattern into your branding can elevate your brand’s perceived value and create a sense of recognition and desirability.
3. High-Quality Materials
Nothing says “expensive” quite like high-quality materials. Luxury brands are known for their meticulous selection of materials, whether it’s Hermès’ silk scarves or Gucci’s leather goods. The texture, weight, and feel of these materials contribute to the perception of luxury. Investing in top-tier materials for your products can make them feel more premium and justify a higher price point.
4. Aligning with Art
Art and luxury have always gone hand in hand. By aligning with the art world, luxury brands tap into a sphere associated with wealth and culture. Collaborations with renowned artists or creating campaigns that resemble works of art can elevate your brand’s status. For example, Louis Vuitton’s collaborations with artists like Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons have reinforced its position as a luxury brand with cultural clout.
5. Extreme Close-Ups
Luxury brands often use extreme close-ups in their marketing to highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail in their products. Zooming in on the stitching of a handbag or the texture of a fabric convinces customers of the superior quality and justifies the premium price. These close-ups help communicate that your product isn’t just another item—it’s a piece of art.
6. Elegant Packaging
Packaging is a crucial element in making a brand look expensive. Luxury brands treat their packaging as part of the product experience, making unboxing feel like a special event. Think of Chanel’s iconic black and white packaging or Apple’s sleek boxes. By investing in high-quality, thoughtful packaging, you can elevate your brand’s perceived value and make customers feel like they’re indulging in something truly special.
7. Strategic Use of White Space
White space, or negative space, is a powerful design tool that luxury brands use to convey elegance and focus. By leaving areas of a design uncluttered, the product itself becomes the focal point. Brands like Rolex and Gucci use white space in their advertising to create a clean, sophisticated look that emphasizes the quality and exclusivity of their products.
Conclusion on How to Make a Brand Look Expensive
Making your brand look expensive isn’t just about high price tags—it’s about creating a perception of luxury through every detail. From the fonts you choose to the materials you use, and from aligning with art to the strategic use of white space, each element plays a role in shaping how your brand is perceived. By implementing these seven strategies, you can elevate your brand’s image and make it feel more luxurious, no matter your budget.
