Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Thought you knew everything about condoms? Well, The Prince Charles Emmanuel de Bourbon Parme and the Count Gil de Bizemont did come up with new creations branded under the name of The Original Condom Company.

 

The Prince Charles Emmanuel de Bourbon Parme and the Count Gil de Bizemont 

Luxury condoms produced in the French small town called Condom, the word "Original" refers to the unique design as much as it depicts the origin of the idea and the location of production. Two is company so to speak as the founders are two and their creations are to be used when two's are getting together. A fusion that has an aesthetic approach to a very common product often hidden and pulled out silently. It is now time to shout about it, not only is the packaging chic and sweet but it obliges you to add some humor in your intimate time for two. As you know we are very curious at Swide and we could not resist to ask Gil de Bizemont a few questions about luxury especially when it holds in a pocket...

1/ How did you get the idea?
Ct G de B (Count Gil de Bizemont): It all started 10 years ago, on a trip to the South of France in a country named “le Gers”, the same country where the famous d’Artagnan was born, and where the foie gras and the Armagnac is produced. And there, I’ve came across a medieval town named "Condom". The funny part is that the residents aren’t aware that their town’s name is used for the prophylactic object all around the world.
When leaving this town, I started imagining an eventual combination between “elegance” and condoms…The idea kept hunting me until the day I’ve talked about it to a childhood friend, the Prince Charles Emmanuel de Bourbon Parme. Our office is located of course in Condom, Place du Lion d’Or, in the heart of the medieval town.

2/ Why have you named your brand “The original condom company”?
Ct G de B: Simply because our parents always taught us to tell the truth. The Company is located in Condom, we produce condoms, and we are the first luxurious condom in the history of condoms, therefore original!
The name should be simple and clear, easily readable, and stay elegant.

 

3/ Why velvet and gold?
Ct G de B:  Actually, only our Pockets (of three) are made by hand in black suede and not velvet. In a pocket, or a handbag, the object is simply softer, more sensual then a piece of printed cardboard… Gold is simply evident; it’s a way to express the French elegance.

4/ Original as of one of a kind, or original as “the real and only one”?
Ct G de B: Original, because we are the « real » condoms from condom, and because France has always been renown for its condoms (several centuries of history!). And because we want to go back to something  more classical, more elegant and not follow weird trends. We want to produce quality in a traditional way (without making condoms with sheep's intestines, of course.)

5/ Should everything be approached with an aesthetic sense? Even the most day-to-day tools?
Ct G de B:  Yes, obviously, we live in a material world. We try to be innovative and to bring some beauty and quality in a product that is often hidden. By having an aesthetic approach we see our customers proud to pull out their condoms with a touch of humour.

6/ Would you say that generally packaging says it all?
Ct G de B:  In deed, specially ours. The word « condom » is written twice on the box: referring to the item and the town where it is made. Unfortunately, often the packaging does not suggest or represent well what it contains.

7/ Should the packaging reveal or suggest its content?
Ct G de B:  Yes, but it has to be in an elegant way! Our boxes evoke jewels, delicacies…

8/ What does luxury mean to you?
Ct G de B:  Luxury refers to quality and elegance. It’s not a matter of prices or trends.  Luxury equals exception and is meant to up lift the daily routine.

9/ Will you expand your brand to other product categories?
Ct G de B:  Yes, of course! We’ve already designed the new collection of boxes for next season and our Facebook fans will soon be able to express their views by voting for their favourite condom designs and win one of them.

 

Swide’s 5 Q/A:

1/ To pack or to unpack?
Ct G de B:  Beautifully packed to be delicately unpacked…
2/ On or off?
Ct G de B:  On to be safe ! Off to be relaxed… later !
3/ Play or replay?
Ct G de B:  First play, then replay as you much as you can !
4/ Lust or luxury?
Ct G de B:  Lust "in" Luxury.
5/ Good night or good luck?
Ct G de B:  Good Night

 

Interview by Delphine Hervieu.

Sources: theoriginalcondom.com

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