Situated in the historic heart of Charleston, South Carolina, Sorelle is where Southern Italy meets Southern hospitality. A dining destination by renowned chef Michael Mina, this multi-floor establishment boasts a mercato, a central bar, a wine room, a pizza counter, a grand dining room, and an exclusive chef’s table.
With the interior design finalized and construction of the three historic townhomes well underway, we were tasked with creating a brand that drew inspiration from Italian culture and the rich history of Charleston—all while ensuring that it would seamlessly harmonize with the various spaces and offerings within Sorelle.
We were inspired by the idea of warm hospitality, which is a commonly celebrated characteristic of both the Lowcountry and Italian cultures. This concept gained deeper significance when we discovered the narrative of two sisters who, over a century ago, operated a school for underprivileged children in the historic building. Thus, the name "Sorelle," meaning sisters in Italian, was born. It also became a nod to the client’s two daughters who grew up in the neighborhood.
The overarching brand design radiates an air of casual elegance. Our primary mark echoes the timeless charm of handmade Italian menu boards—a perfectly imperfect style that feels both effortless and elegant. The story of our sisters is brought to life in our illustrative secondary mark, a loose and gestural drawing which further adds to the welcoming feel of the brand.
Despite the renovation of the buildings, meticulous attention was given to preserving the distinctive historical details of the architecture. We highlighted these elements through subtle geometric graphics that are lightly woven throughout the brand. Each of the elements, from typography to color palette, seamlessly transition between the relaxed, everyday ambiance of spaces like the mercato and the refined atmosphere of the upscale dining room. The end result is an elegant yet approachable brand that perfectly complements the captivating space.
Situated in the historic heart of Charleston, South Carolina, Sorelle is where Southern Italy meets Southern hospitality. A dining destination by renowned chef Michael Mina, this multi-floor establishment boasts a mercato, a central bar, a wine room, a pizza counter, a grand dining room, and an exclusive chef’s table.
With the interior design finalized and construction of the three historic townhomes well underway, we were tasked with creating a brand that drew inspiration from Italian culture and the rich history of Charleston—all while ensuring that it would seamlessly harmonize with the various spaces and offerings within Sorelle.
We were inspired by the idea of warm hospitality, which is a commonly celebrated characteristic of both the Lowcountry and Italian cultures. This concept gained deeper significance when we discovered the narrative of two sisters who, over a century ago, operated a school for underprivileged children in the historic building. Thus, the name "Sorelle," meaning sisters in Italian, was born. It also became a nod to the client’s two daughters who grew up in the neighborhood.
The overarching brand design radiates an air of casual elegance. Our primary mark echoes the timeless charm of handmade Italian menu boards—a perfectly imperfect style that feels both effortless and elegant. The story of our sisters is brought to life in our illustrative secondary mark, a loose and gestural drawing which further adds to the welcoming feel of the brand.
Despite the renovation of the buildings, meticulous attention was given to preserving the distinctive historical details of the architecture. We highlighted these elements through subtle geometric graphics that are lightly woven throughout the brand. Each of the elements, from typography to color palette, seamlessly transition between the relaxed, everyday ambiance of spaces like the mercato and the refined atmosphere of the upscale dining room. The end result is an elegant yet approachable brand that perfectly complements the captivating space.
