While I do agree the packaging itself is indeed beautiful, I would imagine the designer isn't brazilian. Sure, there are few things as typically brazilian as "favelas", but associating our "slums" with a sophisticated-looking brand definitely feels quite a bit ironic to me as a local.

According to her website: Proceeds are donated to Project Favelo Bairro. This organization improves living standards, basic infrastructure and social services in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

I think it's lovely. I'm not crazy about the Favelo typeface but the rest of it is gorgeous and very eye catching.

Thanks for the comment Sooli. The project objective was to introduce a foreign product into the US market. During my research of the area and from personal experiences abroad I came to the conclusion that while life in slums is often devastatingly challenging there’s often a sense of hope found within even the most extreme living conditions. Basic human truths survive: mothers love their children, families look after one another and everyone hopes for a brighter future. I wanted to communicate beauty found in a most unlikely place.

Given that you are a local, what would you suggest as a more appropriate name?

Kirsten,

I think I can understand the concept behind your project, and I do believe the powerful association there is between Brazil, the vivid colors and the word "favela" would work well with the objectives you stated, especially considering it would be a foreign product.

The problem I see, however, is that the beauty of your packaging is a very clean and finished one, while the beauty of a "favela" is a bit more raw and dynamic. The colorful aspect of the packaging works great, but the overall look doesn't translate the rough beauty that is typical of the "favela" environment.

I can see your packaging working wonderfully with other names that could also be easily associated with a colorful Brazil, such as (pardon the severe use of clichés here, it's just to give you a general idea of what I mean) "Samba", "Carnaval" or for a less obvious option, "Bossa Nova". Sadly, I'm afraid I don't have any names off the top of my head that would be as strong a reference and in the same tone as "favela"...

That said, I'd just like to point out once again that I think you did a great job visually! It's just that as a brazilian, I suppose I couldn't help a deeper discussion over the general concept as well.

Hi Sooli,I can completely see your point! I hadn’t thought of it in terms of rough & raw vs. clean & polished. As all designers know, a project is never truly “done”. Thank you so much for the insightful critique.