The Bureau

Rebranding a cutting edge model management agency
Fashion model sitting next to bag on bright blue background

Lead Designer

Article Agency

In the era of disruption, the modelling industry was standing still. Within this stagnant landscape, model management agency The Bureau improves the experience for brands, models and consumers by combining technology and technical knowledge.

To help them establish the agency as a reference point in its industry, I have chosen a new name and designed an identity built on an evocative brand story.

Girl wearing a branded bright blue t-shirt and walking in the streets of New York

Taking a distance from the modelling industry’s visual standards to help an aspiring leader reinvent the norm

Naming

Four naming routes were created, each focusing on a different aspect of the business. Out of the four proposals, The Bureau became the winner. A new name that confidently anticipates the leading role that the agency is taking by making a bold statement of authority.

Description

Aim

Shortlist

Longlist

Technical route

Express the innovative nature of the business and the advantage given by the employment of cutting-edge technology.

Orbit

Parallel degree / Sharp Signal / Incipit

Digital route

Position the company as a digital service, as opposed to a traditional brand, aligning it to the many start-ups currently thriving.

Aestec

Fashionly / Modelfy / Booklify

Evocative route

Centred around the concept of uniqueness and individuality, referencing the company’s ability to select the perfect match for any brief.

Limited edition

The Singulars / Untyped / One of a kind

Authoritative route

Establish the company as a leading business that is always ahead of the curve.

The Bureau

The Front / The Drapery / The Guild

From name to brand story

The brand visual story generates from the institutional connotation of the name. Elements associated with government bodies such as stamps, crests and structured layouts, inspired the symbol and visual language. The brand architecture is also infused with the story that spins off the name, with sub-brands featuring the word Department.

Logo featuring a crest inspired symbol and a stylised typographic treatment
Loop animation showing the 3 sub-brands: Modelling, Fitting and Studios Departments
A typographic roundel featuring the words The Bureau Agency
Branded print collateral giving an overview of the identity design
White stylised text on bright blue background reading: everybody is different from every body
Two branded paper sheets featuring the brand expression We are a fashion innovation agency and some additional messaging
Poster design showing the typographic approach of the brand

Supporting visual language

The style is hip and almost brutalist to resonate with the young, trend-conscious audience identified during the strategy stage. The simple illustrations also help visualise the main differentiation points that make the agency unique.

Illustration showing city maps and brand elements to explain the location technology used by the agency
White illustration on bright blue background featuring flags, numbers and patterns informed by institutional elements
Girl holding a white tote bag featuring one of the brand's illustrations

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