A big design obsession of mine is the Matchbook. Historically, big chef kiss. What a perfectly practical item to be ubiquitous at a time where more often than not someone needed to light something on fire. Any modern application immediately evokes nostalgia and a desire to turn one into a souvenir of that moment (or cocktail) in the sea of moments (not saying cocktails here). In a day where smokin’ cigs is hopefully becoming less and less popular (nice one, New Zealand), matchbooks are a piece of high-impact design at risk of burning out.
That said, an argument in favor of matchbooks:
Compact nature, implied analog vibe and ample canvas for creative/branding aside, a vote for matchbooks is a vote for an elevated lifestyle aesthetic. What’s cooler, a Bic lighter (lol) or a sexy set of matches sitting on hotel table? You know the answer. I might be charmed by someone writing their number on a plastic gas station lighter, but I’m willing to bet a matchbook makes a better, classier space for a phone number, saucy note or invitation to remember a moment in time - and the only plastic I want to grip after a few is a bouquet of tiki drink decorations.
Also: candles. There are birthday cake candles and regular life candles. On those grounds alone, we’re keeping matchbooks. No birthday cake? Light a candle with a match and voilà, birthday smell. When’s the last time you lit a match and caught a whiff? Leave matches in the John and delight your guests! Deep down, everyone loves matches.
So yeah, let’s make some matchbooks or whatever
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