Melbourne artist Steve Cross designs packaging for Connoisseur’s ‘Empire Collection’ ice cream
Melbourne-based street artist Steve Cross, has designed the packaging for Connoisseur’s new Empire Collection, bringing the story of ice cream to life.
Says Cross: “The flavours have been inspired by famous tastemakers from different empires: Emperor Nero, Emperor Jing Zong, King Cyrus of Persia and King Louis XIV. It’s a tale of four men, connected by ice cream and I really wanted to bring them to life through the packaging and design to create something truly unique.”
The iconic black Connoisseur tubs have been enhanced with colourful designs and artistic representations of the famed rulers.
Says Cross: “These flavour combinations are distinctive and I was inspired both by the ingredients used and the historic figures with their rich back stories. It’s a great acknowledgment to history, bringing these legends alive today – a beautiful demonstration of the blending of two eras.”
In celebration of the new Connoisseur Empire Collection, Connoisseur, with the help of Cross, will bring the four flavours and their inspirers to life at the Blank Space gallery in Surry Hills, from Wednesday 17 September to Monday 22 September with The Empire Collection Pop-Up Gallery.
The Connoisseur Empire Collection brings the story of ice cream to life with four unique flavour combinations inspired by four historical characters, each of whom had a connection to the very origins of ice cream. In an ode to Italy and Emperor Nero, coffee flavoured ice cream has been taken to the next level with the addition of chocolate coated hazelnuts and hazelnut liqueur, while in a homage to King Louis XIV, French vanilla ice cream gets the royal treatment with the addition of choc flakes and armagnac sauce.
Taking inspiration from the east and the extravagant Emperor Jing Zong, red bean has been paired with toasted coconut; and as a tribute to King Cyrus of Persia, divine pistachio ice cream has been swirled with a cinnamon, honey and date sauce. These four flavours make up The Empire Collection, a range packed with the signature creaminess of Connoisseur ice cream and indulgent textural extras.