Century-Old Cologne Brand: Pe Re Ja by Orhan Irmak Tasarım

Cologne is a very traditional product and an important symbol in a Turkish hospitality culture. Istanbul-based packaging design agency Orhan Irmak Tasarım designed the glass bottle, logo and visual identity of the century-old cologne brand Pereja.

The design agency was asked to modernize the brand perception of Pereja, while staying loyal to its visual image. Pereja is well known for its old hexagonal logo. The new glass bottle is square-bottomed, which is a unique form for the Turkish cologne market while in line with the brand’s cornered logo. The label area was created as a raised hexagon in order to stay loyal to brands visual legacy. Raised lines on the surface referring to the old bottle, make the square bottomed shape easier to hold during usage scenarios.

The copper cap complements the bottle form and reflects the modernization of the brand, also provides a premium look and makes it a symbol of status. The new logo keeps the well-known hexagonal form of the old logo as an outline. Navy blue and copper were used for the label and packaging graphic designs to add a well-deserved established and trustable perception to the brand.

The design director of the agency Dr. Orhan Irmak says: “Modernization of the cultural elements is not an easy task. However, if a strong bridge is built between the past and the future, it is well accepted by society. Pereja cologne bottle will help the cologne culture to be carried among the young generations.”

Established in 2004, Orhan Irmak Tasarım is the leading branding and packaging design agency in Turkey. To date, Orhan Irmak Tasarim has received nearly 100 awards in national and international design competitions on packaging design including Red dot, Pentawards, WorldStar and Design Turkey. The agency is a member of GLBA – Global Local Branding Alliance. In addition to its Istanbul office, GLBA also has offices in New York, Berlin, Shanghai, Moscow, Sao Paulo and Johannesburg.