Layers of identity

08 : 03 : 2016 Shuang Shuang : Ico Design : Xochi Solis

London – Design studio ico has developed the interior and visual identity for Shuang Shuang, a restaurant that brings a new take on the Chinese hotpot to the UK.  

  • Hotpots are a popular dish throughout East Asia, providing a creative and communal form of dining
  • The studio sought out contemporary artists with an interest in interpreting Chinese iconography as inspiration
Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London
Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London
Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London
Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London
Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London Shuang Shuang branding by ico, London

The London-based design agency took charge of all aspects of the brand from naming to menus and the website. 

The dining experience is defined by the layering of ingredients that customers choose from a conveyor belt to build their dish. In response, ico based its core visual concept on the playful arrangement of various tones, textures and images. The studio drew inspiration from the work of US artist Xochi Solis, whom it describes as combining ‘layers of visual ephemera to create contemporary collages that are rooted in Chinese culture’.

This approach enabled the studio to develop a look that feels culturally specific while avoiding the clichés of traditional Asian symbolism usually associated with such restaurants. 

The Big Picture:

Placing a traditional product out of context doesn’t mean you can resort to type. An increased incidence of transnationalism and the plasticising of identity mean that consumers are less tolerant of cultural clichés than ever. Read our New Bricolage Living macrotrend for more. 

Discover More Daily Signals
Pringles revives ‘Once You Pop’ slogan with new Duck King campaign

Daily Signals

Pringles revives ‘Once You Pop’ slogan with new Duck King campaign

Pringles is re-igniting one of the 1990s’ most recognisable taglines with a bold new twist. FCB New York has revived ‘Once You Pop’ for a new gener...
Marketing : Pringles : Advertising
Eurostar plans double-decker fleet to expand sustainable cross-Channel travel

Daily Signals

Eurostar plans double-decker fleet to expand sustainable cross-Channel travel

Eurostar has announced a major investment in its future fleet with the planned introduction of double-decker trains, named Eurostar Celestia, set t...
Travel : Hospitality : Mobility
Stat: Record hotel development fuels Middle East tourism boom

Daily Signals

Stat: Record hotel development fuels Middle East tourism boom

The Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) hospitality industry is projected to grow from £233bn ($310bn, €266bn) in 2025 to £366bn ($487bn, €418bn)...
Travel : Hospitality : Statistic
Cardi B joins formula brand Bobbie to fight feeding shame

Daily Signals

Cardi B joins formula brand Bobbie to fight feeding shame

Baby formula brand Bobbie has appointed rapper Cardi B as its new chief confidence officer in a campaign that redefines how parents navigate feedin...
Health And Wellness : Parenting : Marketing
Denmark launches national drive to close the gender health gap

Daily Signals

Denmark launches national drive to close the gender health gap

The Danish government is investing £18.7m (DKr160m, $21.9m, €21.4m) over four years to establish a National Centre for Research in Women’s Health –...
Health & Wellness : Women's Health : Policy
Stat: Gen Z lead surge in sales of hybrid beauty-wellness products

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Z lead surge in sales of hybrid beauty-wellness products

British consumers are increasingly turning to hybrid beauty-wellness products, combining cosmetic and health benefits, according to new data from C...
Health And Wellness : Beauty : Statistic
Moncler redefines warmth in campaign with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino

Daily Signals

Moncler redefines warmth in campaign with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino

Italian luxury brand Moncler unites cinematic legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino for Warmer Together, their first such collaboration. The series ...
Luxury : Fashion : Campaign
Stat: UK shoppers experience bargain hunting highs

Daily Signals

Stat: UK shoppers experience bargain hunting highs

According to new research from VoucherCodes, 86% of UK consumers experience a dopamine rush when they find a bargain, suggesting that sho...
Retail : Consumer Behaviour : Statistic
A new era for golf and hospitality begins as Mad Swans launches in the Mendips

Daily Signals

A new era for golf and hospitality begins as Mad Swans launches in the Mendips

Mad Swans, the innovative countryside destination by Longshot, has opened its doors on the UK's Mendip Hills, offering a fresh take on sports-...
Sports : Golf : Travel
Dutch Design Week 2025: kidult aesthetics and serious play

Daily Signals

Dutch Design Week 2025: kidult aesthetics and serious play

On a rainy day in Eindhoven, the design capital of The Netherlands, artists and designers showed us something that really makes us human, that sets...
Design : Dutch Design Week : Play
You have 1 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN