Top 100 Branding Trends of 2014

From Re-Designed Pop Culture Brands to Fanciful Bottle Branding

— January 11, 2015 — Marketing
The top 2014 branding trends saw a rise in makeshift luxury, eco-consciousness, minimalism and, lastly, pop culture references.

In terms of packaging, brands wanted to reduce waste but enhance customer engagement with the product. For example, Aloof Design created a candle packaging concept for Heal's which featured a pleated cardboard design that "blossomed" when opened, creating the impression of a luxury gift item. However, because the box was made out of a thin cardboard material that was cleverly folded, it was affordable and less wasteful. Staying environmentally-aware, even while creating a luxurious experience, is important to brands.

Another branding tactic was incorporating pop culture or humor into packaging or logo design. Brands understand that pop cultural references resonate with audiences, so they seek to re-channel that nostalgia to connect with their consumers.

To gain more insight to the branding techniques of 2014, check out Trend Hunter's Branding Report.
5.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
99
Forbidden Booze Branding
Forbidden Booze Branding
This Contra-Bando Bottle of Rum Tempts Drinkers with Forbidden Fruit
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98
Stemware-Inspired Cups
Stemware-Inspired Cups
The Coca-Cola + Riedel Glass was Sculpted to Enhance Beverage Enjoyment
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97
Chic Ladylike Spring Lookbooks
Chic Ladylike Spring Lookbooks
The Spring 2014 Holt Renfrew Lookbook is Elegant and Contemporary
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96
Monochrome Cubic Fashion Branding
Monochrome Cubic Fashion Branding
Alli Marie's New Identity is Subtle, Chic and a Litte Retro
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95
Interaction Increasing Guides
Interaction Increasing Guides
This Infographic Explains How to Maximize Instagram Engagement
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94
Smartphone Screen Business Cards
Smartphone Screen Business Cards
An Apple Engineer Designed a Business Card with an iPhone Screen
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93
Satirically Honest Brand Slogans
Satirically Honest Brand Slogans
'Honest Slogans' Pairs Brands with Embarrassing Remarks
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92
Selfie Branding Graphics
Selfie Branding Graphics
The Year of the Selfie Graphic Examines Successful Selfie Campaigns
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91
Eco Sand Packaging
Eco Sand Packaging
Sand Packaging is Carefully Composed of Abundant Natural Material
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90
Shoe Department Portable Bars
Shoe Department Portable Bars
Selfridges Put a Portable Bar in One of Its Shoe Departments
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89
Abbreviated Bistro Branding
Abbreviated Bistro Branding
'Wich Packaging Has a Tidiness to It, Even in Spite of its Scribbles
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88
Colorful Branding Infographics
Colorful Branding Infographics
Chadwicks Explains How Color Psychology Can Benefit Businesses
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87
Vibrant 70s-Inspired Branding
Vibrant 70s-Inspired Branding
The Visual Identity Redesign for the Freies Theater Hannover is Fun
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86
Card-Swiping Smartphone Cases
Card-Swiping Smartphone Cases
The Griffin's Merchant Case From CES 2014 Accepts Credit Cards
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85
Ridiculous Rebranding Spoofs
Ridiculous Rebranding Spoofs
Tumblr's 'AirBNB Logos' Makes Fun of the New Airbnb Logo Shape
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84
Comic Book Alcoholic Beverages
Comic Book Alcoholic Beverages
Super Hero Beers by Marcelo Rizzetto is Inspired by Justice League
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83
Snacking Subscription Boxes
Snacking Subscription Boxes
General Mills' Nibblr Subscription Box Delivers Small Healthy Snacks
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82
Basic Patterned Branding
Basic Patterned Branding
Cal Valls Juice Packaging Features Simple Ingredient-Inspired Motifs
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81
Psychedelic Rave-Punk Collections
Psychedelic Rave-Punk Collections
The UNIF Spring 2014 Collection Unites Many Unique Looks
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80
Luxe Potato Chip Branding
Luxe Potato Chip Branding
This Smithuis Flavoured Chips Packaging is Designed by Peter Braakhuis
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79
Edible Spring Time Images
Edible Spring Time Images
Dan Cretu and Pizza Hut Restaurants Create Art Using Salad Ingredients
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78
Fashionable Snack Packaging
Fashionable Snack Packaging
Emily Fruit Crisps Pouches Feature High-Fashion Fruit Prints
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77
Minimalist Water Branding
Minimalist Water Branding
Ait Putih is a Fictional Brand by Wiko Williams
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76
Metal-Bound Beverages
Metal-Bound Beverages
Cuatro Almas Wine Packaging's Steel Label is for Optimal Preservation
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75
Chinese Character Logo Makeovers
Chinese Character Logo Makeovers
These Logos Swap Western Type with Chinese Characters
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74
Effortless Branding Apps
Effortless Branding Apps
Makr by Ellen Johnston is Geared Towards Creative Entrepreneurs
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73
Chilly Holographic Branding
Chilly Holographic Branding
Boreálica's Business Cards Feature a Cool Foiled Hologram Design
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72
Nautical Sinful Spirit Packaging
Nautical Sinful Spirit Packaging
This Creative Packaging for a New Kate Hudnott Spirit is Eclectic
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71
Food-Inspired Fashion Shops
Food-Inspired Fashion Shops
Anya Hindmarch's Fashion Pop Up Presents Luxury Goods Like Groceries
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70
Hexagon-Embossed Branding
Hexagon-Embossed Branding
Ame Honey Packaging Embodies the Symbol of Its Scrumptious Contents
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69
Radically Retro Retail Buses
Radically Retro Retail Buses
The Hex Bus is a Travelling Pop-Up Shop Bus
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68
Self-Watering Packaging Designs
Self-Watering Packaging Designs
Duncan Anderson Designs a Package to keep Herbs Fresh
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67
Plaited Paper Packaging
Plaited Paper Packaging
Bellis Preserves Branding Communicates a Carefully Crafted Mission
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66
Stony Scent Branding
Stony Scent Branding
BARB Fragrance Packaging Embodies a Rugged Image to Appeal to Men
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65
Celebratory Snack Packaging
Celebratory Snack Packaging
The Sweet Harvest's Packaging Looks Like a Candy Wrapper or Nutcracker
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64
Evolutionary Brand Logos
Evolutionary Brand Logos
These Images Show Brand Evolution Over the Years
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63
Integrated Camera Packaging
Integrated Camera Packaging
Fedrigoni Leica Uses Paper Thin Design to Combine Product with Casing
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62
Gift-Wrapped Grains
Gift-Wrapped Grains
Pandoro Bread Packaging Comprises Folded Paper and Bow-Tied Twine
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61
Funny Food Packaging
Funny Food Packaging
Tossed Branding is Printed with Bold Colors and Witty Quips
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60
Sustainable Aquatic Branding
Sustainable Aquatic Branding
Sitka Salmon Shares Use Smart Packaging as a Canvas for its Story
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59
Macho Hipster Parlor Branding
Macho Hipster Parlor Branding
Barbierattoo’s Rebranded Masculine Identity is Sharp and Sleek
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58
Fanciful Bottle Branding
Fanciful Bottle Branding
MIU Fruit Wine Packaging is Dressed Up for the Young Female Drinker
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57
Rainbow Arched Drink Displays
Rainbow Arched Drink Displays
This Coca-Cola Display Brings the Smiles with Rainbow
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56
Membrane Packaging Systems
Membrane Packaging Systems
Mireia Gordi i Vila's Flexible Packaging Suspends Bespoke Items
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55
Artisan Seafood Branding
Artisan Seafood Branding
The Sitka Salmon Shares Packaging is Artfully Illustrated
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54
Monkey-Faced Marketing
Monkey-Faced Marketing
BRRR Ice Cream Packaging Does Not Express Itself in the Usual Sweet Fashion
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53
Artisanal Confection Packaging
Artisanal Confection Packaging
ZumZumZ Offers Special Treats to Reward Oneself
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52
Minimalist Olive Oil Packaging
Minimalist Olive Oil Packaging
Koronaki Virgin Olive Oil is Revamped by Thomas Kiourtsis
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51
Versatile Health Food Packaging
Versatile Health Food Packaging
Containers for Plus Kitchen Foods Make Eating Healthy a Snap
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50
Revealing Sandwich Packaging
Revealing Sandwich Packaging
This Sandwich Container Has Cutouts to Show the Meat Inside
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49
Artisan Water Branding
Artisan Water Branding
New Zealand Artesian Luxury Water Bottles Are Stamped with Opulence
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48
Ageless Underwear Ads
Ageless Underwear Ads
This Elderly American Apparel Model is Stunning at 62
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47
Handwritten Sandwich Branding
Handwritten Sandwich Branding
Embutique Packaging Expresses an Approachable and Personal Image
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46
Vibrant Hipster Beer Branding
Vibrant Hipster Beer Branding
Cale Brewery's Beer Branding Identity is Clean and Colorful
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45
Crumpled Paper Bag Packaging
Crumpled Paper Bag Packaging
The UR Wine Bottle Comes in a Wrinkled Brown Paper Bag
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44
Visual Pitch Promotional Cards
Visual Pitch Promotional Cards
Make Sure People Remember You with These Visual Business Cards
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43
Groovy Booze Branding
Groovy Booze Branding
Devil's Peak Beer Packaging Channels 70s Spirit and Nostalgia
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42
Coordinated Salad Bowls
Coordinated Salad Bowls
Bright Bites' Salad Bowls Match the Vibrancy of the Ingredients Inside
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41
Wooden Vinyl Organizers
Wooden Vinyl Organizers
Laser Cut A-Z Record Dividers Make a Warm New Home for Your Old LPs
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40
Nutrition-Focused Branding
Nutrition-Focused Branding
RAW by Lauren Nicole Foot Uses Text to Highlight Health Benefits
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39
Street Food-Ready Packaging
Street Food-Ready Packaging
The Pull Wrap Makes it Easier to Eat on-the-Go
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38
Geometric Lifestyle Packaging
Geometric Lifestyle Packaging
Nada's Healthy Packaging Design is Vivid and Crafty
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37
Video Game Business Cards
Video Game Business Cards
This Business Card Acts as a Mobile Video Game
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36
Accordion Toothpaste Branding
Accordion Toothpaste Branding
Colgate Redesign Packaging Makes Squeezing Out the Last Bit Easy
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35
Bomb-Shaped Liquor Bottles
Bomb-Shaped Liquor Bottles
The Democracy Vodka Bottle Design was Created by STUDIOIN
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34
Ceramic Bottle Branding
Ceramic Bottle Branding
Zago TerraCotta Beer Packaging Was Designed to Communicate Craftsmanship
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33
Spectacular Business Branding
Spectacular Business Branding
The Assaggi Restaurant's Image is Accessorized with Chic Shades
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32
Vibrant Vintage Brewpub Branding
Vibrant Vintage Brewpub Branding
The Freehouse's Contemporary Brand Identity Gets It Just Right
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31
Tribal Coffee Packaging
Tribal Coffee Packaging
This Exotic Coffee Box Packaging Highlights Coffee from Around the World
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30
Brand Brainstorming Ads
Brand Brainstorming Ads
These Ads Show Iconic Logos Where 'It All Started with a Sharpie'
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29
Gold-Infused Floral Branding
Gold-Infused Floral Branding
This Luxurious Branding Identity is Glam and Charming
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28
Color-Focused Snack Packaging
Color-Focused Snack Packaging
Kim Gyeongah's Eat Color Concept Highlights Vegetable Hues
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27
Divine Drawer-Like Cartons
Divine Drawer-Like Cartons
Taj Mahal Tea Packaging Invites Access in a Sophisticated Way
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26
Typographic Salad Packaging
Typographic Salad Packaging
Insal'arte's Produce Packaging Spells Out Leafy Letters
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25
Crumpled Clothing Cartons
Crumpled Clothing Cartons
EAS Socks Packaging Reference the Slumping Accessories Stored Inside
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24
Eco Paper Gift Boxes
Eco Paper Gift Boxes
These Reusable Kraft Paper Gift Boxes are Ideal for DIY Gift Wrapping
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23
Delectable Juicery Branding
Delectable Juicery Branding
This Fresh Juice Branding Identity is Healthy and Simple
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22
Heat-Alert Coffee Cups
Heat-Alert Coffee Cups
The DD Smart Cup Changes its Appearance to Signify a High Temperature
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21
Monstrous Candy Packaging
Monstrous Candy Packaging
This Candy Packaging Design is Filled with Tricks and Treats
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20
Bluntly Branded Boxes
Bluntly Branded Boxes
Hnina Packaging Boldly States What the Consumer Wants to See
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19
Recyclable Cardboard Bottle Carriers
Recyclable Cardboard Bottle Carriers
These Cardboard Container Designs Are Extremely Eco-Friendly
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18
Beautiful Flask Branding
Beautiful Flask Branding
Yapira Honey Packaging Transcends Typical Disposable Condiment Containers
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17
Raw Crafted Branding Identities
Raw Crafted Branding Identities
The Branding Ideas and Solutions for This Company are Spot-On
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16
Star-Studded Scotch Parties
Star-Studded Scotch Parties
Symphony in Blue Brand Activation Brings Together Theatre & Whisky
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15
Doodled Snack Packaging
Doodled Snack Packaging
J Lally Brand's Bags Integrate Images of Their Contents with Illustrations
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14
Unexpected Blossoming Boxes
Unexpected Blossoming Boxes
Heal's Candle Packaging Unfolds Like the Petals of a Flower
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13
Homey Eclectic Cafes
Homey Eclectic Cafes
The New Neighborhood Tangent Café is All About Comfort Branding
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12
Product-Outlining Packaging
Product-Outlining Packaging
Corella Meat Branding Indicates the Exact Cut of the Animal Inside
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11
Minimalist Milk Branding
Minimalist Milk Branding
Simple Branding Identities Like The Pressery Always Stand Out the Most
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10
Graphically Enhanced Pill Packs
Graphically Enhanced Pill Packs
This Pharmaceutical Packaging Concept Illustrates What Ails You
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9
Implement-Patterned Packages
Implement-Patterned Packages
Cook Packaging Celebrates the Tools Necessary for Artistic Food Prep
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8
Playfully Interactive Packaging
Playfully Interactive Packaging
Stafidenios Raisins Turns Packaging into a Toy
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7
Multipurpose Underwear Boxes
Multipurpose Underwear Boxes
Levi's Basics Underwear Packaging Boasts Additional Uses
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6
Decreasing Origami Cartons
Decreasing Origami Cartons
The U Shape Travel Set Conveniently Downsizes During Your Trip
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5
Cultural Futurism Catalogs
Cultural Futurism Catalogs
Bei Kuo's Latest Lookbook Boasts Sleek and Holographic Fashions
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4
Earthy Product Packaging
Earthy Product Packaging
GreenLife's New All-Natural Branding Identity is Fresh and Harmonious
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3
Re-Designed Pop Culture Brands
Re-Designed Pop Culture Brands
These Logos Get Re-Worked in Very Unique and Clever Ways
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2
Fake Cookie Flavors
Fake Cookie Flavors
These Mock Oreo Cookie Flavors Celebrate National Junk Food Day
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1
Organic Superfood Branding
Organic Superfood Branding
Essential Living Foods' Healthy Food Packaging Highlights Nature's Best
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