Illustration of a winged man wearing a suit, holding a beer mug.

Duke, Istanbul

Duke, located within Istanbul’s Trump Towers, occupies 2,200 square meters and blends the culinary traditions of Britain with the dynamic food scene of Turkey. Designed to capture the essence of both British and Turkish cultures, it offers a sophisticated dining experience, featuring an open kitchen, a private dining room, and a spacious outdoor terrace. The menu, created by chef Mickael Weiss, combines modern European and classic British flavours, accented by unique local ingredients. We were tasked with bringing this concept to life through a brand identity that seamlessly communicated both cultures.

RESTAURANT BRAND IDENTITY
ILLUSTRATION
ART DIRECTION
DESIGN FOR PRINT
SIGNAGE

Ornate, custom crest and logo for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Close up of the ornate, linocut crest for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Matches on a yellow background for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt

With the concept of the venue firmly established, our approach centred on finding a delicate balance between British and Turkish cultures while avoiding clichés and maintaining the level of elegance essential for a luxury venue. The direction focused on creating an overarching symbol for the restaurant—an emblem that could serve as a flag, symbolizing the coming together of nations. This flag required a talisman, a single figure that could represent the restaurant’s unique offering, bringing British charm to the heart of a captivating Turkish location. The goal was to craft an identity that felt both sophisticated and ownable, bridging two worlds seamlessly.

Interior direction for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, taken as part of the brand identity project by Colt
Stacks of business cards in yellow and blue for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Luxury, card bag in bright yellow for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Interior design featuring bright yellow chairs for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created in line with the brand identity by Colt
Postcard on marble slab for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Single page menu typesetting or Duke restaurant in Istanbul, created as part of the brand identity by Colt
Photo of interior details featuring bright yellow pillows for Duke restaurant in Istanbul, taken as part of the brand identity by Colt

The Duke’s Coat of Arms was designed as a central visual element, where symbolic motifs from both British and Turkish cultures could coexist in harmony, reflecting the fusion of two rich traditions. This emblem also provides a home for our ‘winged Duke’ character, injecting personality into the identity. To keep the brand feeling fresh and dynamic, we introduced a vibrant colour palette and a series of playful Duke character illustrations. These additions ensure the brand avoids the stuffiness and formality often associated with traditional British aesthetics, offering a witty and approachable tone that feels modern while still celebrating heritage.

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