Villa Carlotta
Role
Visual Identity
Logo Design
Art Direction
UI/UX
Development
Merchandise Design
Year
2018
Category
Real Estate
Agency
Wicked+
Originally designed by Arthur E. Harvey in the classic Spanish Colonial Revival Style, Villa Carlotta is a legendary architectural and designated city historic landmark. Upon its construction in 1926, the Los Angeles Times declared Villa Carlotta “the last word on luxury.” Over the years, its rooms and salons have been inhabited by some of the city’s most intriguing denizens and visitors, accommodating an array of legendary Hollywood characters such as gossip columnist Louella Parsons, award-winning director George Cukor, actress Marion Davies and the Oscar-winning producer David O. Selznick. Actors, musicians, writers and creative souls of all kinds came and went, their legends seeping into the building’s very walls.
Now, Villa Carlotta is a Hollywood residential hideaway for free spirits drawn to the iconoclastic energy of bohemian Los Angeles. With five-star service, the sophistication of a landmark boutique hotel and the modern conveniences of a well-appointed condominium, Villa Carlotta offers residential hotel living in fully-furnished studios and one- and two-bedroom residences, welcoming stays of 30 days or more.
The current visual identity for Villa Carlotta, aims to pay homage to the past while ushering it into the 21st century. The Villa Carlotta logo is a custom typeface in which I designed. It was my first time designing a custom typeface and I am pleased with the way that it turned out. The lettermark blends 1930s arms, arches and ascenders with a 21st century modern sans-serif.
The building was once known for being a dilapidated artist commune. Quintin Tarantino at one point wanted to rent a writing studio at the Carlotta. I wanted to insert some of that artist grit and cheekiness into the visual tone and voice of the property. I came up with a set of sayings that could be hidden throughout areas of the property or showcased on print material.
Illustration by Kathryn Reina
Photo Credit: Kathryn Reina
Designed a custom matchbox to be used in each room. Photo Credit: Kathryn Reina
Responsible for wardrobe styling and art direction.
Photography Credit: Kathryn Reina
