Rome Design Awards Design Of the Year

2026

BACCHUS' TRIUMPH:Collector's 2026

Entrant Company

ChangZhou University

Category

Packaging Design - Roman-Inspired Design

Client's Name

Xu Zhou

Country / Region

China

BACCHUS' TRIUMPH: Collector's 2026 reimagines luxury wine packaging as an interactive architectural monument, merging Roman imperial grandeur with innovative decanting ritual.

Design Philosophy:

Inspired by Rome's triumphal arches—symbols of victory and eternal glory—this design transforms wine presentation into a ceremonial experience. The bottle itself embodies a miniature triumphal arch: flat rectangular deep red-brown glass framed by a golden metal structure featuring fluted Corinthian columns and a semi-circular arch. The circular label showcases an embossed Bacchus portrait with golden text "BACCHUS" and "TRIUMPH," while a sculptural golden eagle crowns the cork, evoking imperial majesty.

Innovation Breakthrough:

Breaking conventional packaging boundaries, the design integrates a functional triumphal arch decanter stand. The wine bottle stands upright at the arch's apex, connected to a crystal decanter below via an elegant golden siphon tube engraved with grape vines. As wine flows through the arch's center, built-in LED lighting illuminates the stream from below, creating a theatrical "victory cascade" effect. This fusion of architecture, mechanics, and light transforms wine service into immersive theater.

Material Excellence:

Museum-quality craftsmanship defines every detail: hand-blown crystal glass with micro-textured transparency, matte antique bronze-gold metal with oxidation patina, deep-relief embossing on labels and packaging, and precision-engineered siphon mechanics. The gift box—a deep Pompeian red velvet book-style case with ivory leather interior—houses the complete system alongside curated accessories: crystal glasses, brass tools, and tasting journals.

Cultural Narrative:

The design bridges ancient Roman celebration culture with contemporary luxury rituals. Each piece is individually numbered (Limited Edition 001/500), transforming the packaging into a collectible art object that retains value and function long after the wine is enjoyed.

Sustainability & Legacy:

All components are designed for permanence: the triumphal arch becomes a perpetual decanter stand, the bottle a display piece, and the packaging a keepsake box—embodying timeless luxury over disposable consumption.

Credits

ChangZhou University
Xu Zhou
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