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EXPERT BRAND IDENTITY SERVICES

Luxury brand identity agency: ikon - elevate your brand

Just like luxury products, a lot of time, energy, craft and thought usually goes into creating some of the finest things money can buy. It’s the same with your brand identity, you can’t expect to attract people wanting the best with a subpar brand. They see right through it.

Anything exceptional takes time and that means you need a budget to match your aspirations.

After 11 years of creating brand identities for businesses, buildings, events, pop-ups for leading brands, our luxury branding agency has developed a pretty robust process we walk every client through and that’s how we can guarantee the result.

Note: For a luxury brand that captures a high-end audience, ikon is your partner. We have a proven track record, with successful collaborations with globally recognised luxury brands.

We specialise in creating a distinct brand strategy and identity that attracts the ideal customer for your luxury brand. With experience working with iconic names like Cartier, Formula 1, Mandarin Oriental, and Porsche, we know how to craft a premium brand that resonates with your target audience.

Book a brand discovery call today, and let's explore how we can elevate your brand.

alex image book call

Our proven process for luxury brands

Just like luxury products, a lot of time, energy, craft and thought goes into creating some of the finest things money can buy. It's the same with your brand identity - you can't expect to attract people wanting the best with a subpar brand. They see right through it.

Anything exceptional takes time and that means you need a budget to match your aspirations. After 11 years of creating brand identities for businesses, buildings, events, pop-ups for leading brands, our luxury creative agency has developed a proven process we walk every client through and that's how we can guarantee the result. We are ranked among the best branding companies by Clutch.

Here’s how our process looks.

Perform market research

Before any design even takes place, the first task is to research the market, study the luxury lifestyle consumer, understand who you are competing against and get a deep understanding of how you can differentiate from them. In this stage of the project, we look at potential future competition too. This research will help us create the foundation of our brand development strategy.

For instance, we worked with a renowned interior designer. We considered their immediate short-term competition but also who they are likely to come up against on a global stage as they build a reputation.

We also analyse competitors' digital presence and advertising strategies across key platforms - examining everything from their social media aesthetics to their digital advertising campaign messaging. This helps us understand the competitive market landscape and identify opportunities where your brand can stand out.

For example, in luxury real estate branding, we study how competitors position their developments, the language they use, and the channels they prioritise to reach high-net-worth individuals.

Create moodboards

The size and scope of the project will dictate the amount of moodboards we create. At a minimum we will create one for the logo, one for print and one for web to build a full picture of how the identity will be used.

For larger projects, we often create one for illustration, photography and iconography to get ideas for possible future directions.

This creates a discussion point to determine if we understand possible future directions they want to take the brand. Is it minimal, is it based around a certain concept, does it mix two different styles. As an example, we are working with a luxury marketplace and we are mixing modern luxury with a web3 style to attract a certain type of early adopter who will use the platform and will be happy to buy in a VR experience.

Generate ideas quickly

I have seen time and time again, beautifully crafted proposals superimposed onto the most beautiful mockups only for it to be met with client disapproval as it was the first time they were seeing the work.

Design is not a pick which version you like at the end process. It’s a collaborative process where we are trying to create something the founders love so they are proud to go out and talk about, the target audience responds to and trust that you can deliver what you say combined with something that meets an agency's standards of output to build their reputation. It’s not easy and needs plenty of input for brand messaging and debate.

Whoever you chose to create your high-end brand identity, you need to be advised and led, not told what to do by an agency or sometimes more commonly known, a client telling the agency what they want. Similar to a luxury brand strategy, you need someone to act as a consultant to articulate and align you on your vision.

piano brand identity image

Develop, develop, develop

Once you have ideas that resonate, the next stage is merging or developing the good and removing the not so good. Identities evolve, like anything, whether it’s a piece of writing or art, you just need to start and then work from there. Try new things, observe customer engagement and keep referencing what inspired those ideas in the first place and through exploration, new ideas spark and develop.

Sometimes you hit on the perfect design quickly, sometimes it takes a little longer. It’s why we don’t work with a set number of amends, it’s priced higher to allow for this exploration phase but it’s priced on the result not the number of steps it took to get to that result.

It’s why we can be so confident in offering a guarantee that you walk away with an identity you are happy with, as we keep going until you are.

Finalise the brand identity

The development stage always considers how the brand will look across print, web and as a standalone identity. Only once we have tweaked and checked it works on a social icon all the way through to a billboard do we start to finalise the assets.

This can be refining the typography to ensure the icon is pixel perfect down to adjusting colours so it pairs perfectly with the right kind of paper which becomes your brand paper to get the perfect look every single time.

Create brand guidelines

From a startup to an established business, we always create luxury brand guidelines for each client. On the lower end, it could be as simple as the logo, typography and colour breakdown. For businesses £1m+, this will get much more in depth about how to use the identity, detailing paper stocks, illustration style, art direction.

Sometimes it’s for global brands like Westfield where we produced guidelines for campaigns to be rolled out across the world. Detailing exact layout guides, how big margins should be, the size of the logo, which font to use and what weight down to the letter spacing and line height (leading).

Everything on your digital platforms like web design and marketing materials should be cohesive.

Why work with our boutique agency

When it comes to luxury brand development, size isn't everything. As a specialised boutique agency, we bring focus and dedication to every project we take on. Unlike larger agencies that often delegate work to junior teams, you'll work directly with our experienced creative directors who have crafted identities for brands like Cartier, Porsche, and Westfield.

Our lean, remote-first structure means we can invest more in talent and less in overhead - savings we pass directly to our clients. But don't let our boutique size fool you. We've built a reputation for delivering world-class results, which is why prestigious brands continue to choose us for their brand development needs.

By focusing exclusively on luxury and premium brands, we've developed deep expertise in what makes affluent audiences tick. If you're an established luxury brand or aspiring to enter the premium market, you'll benefit from our specialised knowledge and proven track record of elevating brands with impactful results.

So what does it take to create a luxury brand identity?

Rather than give you a generic article on how to create a luxury brand that is so conceptual you are still scratching your head on how to start, we hope this breaks down the steps you need to take to start creating or rebranding yours.

Creating an identity that is designed to speak to some of the most affluent members of society is no easy feat. It needs to look elegant but well differentiated from your competition. It needs to look like it could be timeless as you don’t want to change your identity again in a hurry. You need to understand luxury consumer psychology inside and out.

It needs to be good enough for potential customers to trust you. It’s a real mix of brand research, strategy, insight and creativity rolled into one.

And remember if it looks simple, it probably wasn’t simple to create.

That’s why successful brands leave it to the professionals.

Understanding Luxury Consumer Psychology

High-net-worth individuals have distinct expectations when it comes to brand interactions. They're not just buying products or services - they're investing in experiences, prestige, and exclusivity. These consumers are often well-educated, well-traveled, and have sophisticated tastes shaped by exposure to the finest things in life.

What many brands get wrong is assuming luxury is just about high prices and flashy designs. True luxury is about understated elegance, exceptional quality, and meticulous attention to detail. Your brand identity needs to communicate these values at every touchpoint, from your logo to your email signatures.

The Art of Subtle Differentiation

Standing out in the luxury market requires a delicate balance. Your brand needs to be distinctive enough to be memorable, yet refined enough to feel timeless. Think of brands like Hermès or Cartier - their identities have remained largely unchanged for decades, yet they still feel contemporary and relevant.

The key lies in creating visual elements that are sophisticated yet simple. This minimalist approach allows your brand to adapt and evolve while maintaining its core identity. It's about finding that sweet spot between classic and contemporary, between tradition and innovation.

Building Trust Through Design

Trust is everything. Your brand identity needs to instill confidence from the first glance. This means every design element must be impeccably executed - from the weight of your business cards to the responsiveness of your website.

Consider how brands like Rolls-Royce or Patek Philippe present themselves. Their brand identities aren't just beautiful - they're a promise of excellence. Every visual element reinforces their position as leaders in their respective fields.

Consistency Across All Touchpoints

Luxury brands cannot afford inconsistency. Whether someone encounters your brand on Instagram or in a print advertisement, the experience needs to be seamlessly cohesive. This means developing comprehensive brand guidelines that account for every possible application of your identity.

Remember that in luxury branding, it's often what you don't do that matters as much as what you do. Knowing when to show restraint, when to be bold, and how to maintain elegance across all platforms is crucial.

Can you create our brand identity?

As a creative services agency specialising in luxury brand development, it's at the heart of what we do. Our branding company has designed a process that works seamlessly whether you're a promising startup, an established business (£1-5m), or a global powerhouse. We understand that every brand's journey is different - we've guided unknown gems to market prominence and collaborated with iconic names like Cartier, Porsche, Westfield & F1. That range of experience means we know exactly how to position brands at every stage of their growth..

We understand a luxury audience and branding. With our expertise, we can create a competitive advantage for your brand. For further reading, you can have a look at our luxury branding strategy guide to learn from the best and give you ideas on how to stand out.

So if you are a business in luxury, have creativity at the core of your business, get in touch and we can talk you through how to get started.

It is at the core of what we do. Simple, elegant & distinct.

What are the four P's of luxury brands?

Product, price, place, and promotion take on special significance when it comes to luxury brands, forming the cornerstone of effective brand positioning in premium markets. Your product must be exemplary in quality and craftsmanship, setting new standards rather than following them. Pricing needs to reflect not just the cost of production, but the exclusivity and prestige your brand represents.

Place refers to both your physical and digital presence - every touchpoint must deliver an exceptional experience that reinforces your luxury positioning. This spans from your website and social media to your physical locations and the way you package your products. Promotion is perhaps the most nuanced - luxury marketing requires subtlety, sophistication, and a deep understanding of how to engage affluent audiences without appearing overly commercial.

Together, these elements create the foundation of a successful luxury brand strategy and strengthen your brand positioning in the market. Mastering them requires expertise in both traditional luxury principles and contemporary market dynamics.

Brand identity audit: uncovering your true market position

Our branding services begin with analysing your current brand identity. Your brand identity is the foundation of how your business is perceived in the market.

A comprehensive brand audit reveals where you stand against competitors, identifies opportunities for growth, and provides a clear roadmap for elevating your market position.

Through our proven audit process, we help uncover what makes your brand unique and how to leverage that distinctiveness to command premium prices. This strategic assessment is crucial for businesses aiming to position themselves in the luxury market.

Initial analysis & research

Before diving into design elements, we conduct a thorough analysis of your market positioning and competitive landscape. We examine both current competitors and potential future ones who might enter your space as you grow. Your digital footprint is carefully analysed, from paid advertising strategies to social media presence, helping us understand how you're currently perceived. This research phase builds the foundation for all strategic recommendations and ensures your brand evolution is rooted in market reality.

Visual identity review

We meticulously examine every visual element of your brand, from your logo to your typography choices. Consistency across all touchpoints is key in luxury branding, so we evaluate how your visual identity performs across different mediums and contexts. We assess whether your current visual elements effectively communicate your brand's premium positioning and identify areas where refinements could strengthen your market presence. This review helps ensure your visual identity matches the caliber of your offerings.

Communication analysis

Your brand's voice must resonate with affluent audiences while maintaining authenticity and authority. We analyse your messaging across all channels, ensuring consistency and evaluating its effectiveness in engaging your target market. Through a detailed review of your content strategy and communication touchpoints, we identify opportunities to enhance how your brand story is told. This analysis helps create a communication framework that builds trust and credibility with high-value customers.

Strategic opportunities

Every brand audit reveals unique opportunities for growth and differentiation. We identify gaps in the market where your brand can establish a stronger presence and command premium pricing. Through careful analysis of current trends and market dynamics, we help pinpoint areas where your brand can expand its influence and reach. These insights form the basis of actionable recommendations that drive tangible results.

Implementation framework

Success lies in the execution. We provide a clear, prioritised roadmap for implementing audit recommendations, with specific timelines and resource requirements. Each recommendation is carefully considered for its potential impact and ease of implementation. Our framework ensures that improvements to your brand identity are implemented systematically and effectively. This structured approach helps maintain momentum and achieve measurable results in your brand's evolution.

Is our agency right for you?

Our brand identity projects typically start from £7,000 and can range up to £25,000 for comprehensive identity systems. We're best suited for ambitious businesses that understand the value of strategic brand development and are ready to invest in their growth.

Our most successful clients are typically:

• Established businesses looking to move upmarket (£1m-£5m revenue)

• Luxury startups with secured funding

• Premium service providers ready to scale

• Property developers and high-end real estate firms

• Boutique professional service firms

If you're looking for a quick logo design or budget branding, we're probably not the right fit. Our process is thorough and strategic, designed for businesses serious about establishing a premium market position.

Sign up for our brand identity audit

Ready to transform your brand's market position? Our brand identity audit offers a comprehensive analysis of your current brand performance, competitive landscape, and opportunities for growth in the luxury market. Whether you're looking to command premium prices, attract high-value customers, or establish yourself as a market leader, our audit provides the strategic insights and actionable recommendations you need.

Book a discovery call today to discuss how our brand audit can elevate your brand identity and drive sustainable growth.

A minimal brand identity for a luxury loft company

We created a brand identity and website for Loft Style Living, a London based loft company in Shoreditch. A minimal logo to match the aesthetic of their luxury loft designs.

loft image

A brand identity for a luxury property development

An identity for a projecct in Jermyn Street, Central London. Our high-end property branding agency put a simple monogram using the P & H which allowed the icon to be used as a brand pattern on the doors and throughout the marketing.

princes house image

A brand identity for an exciting start up

With a large portion of Wylie Environmental’s business focused on paper recycling, a tree with a twist stood out. We wanted to represent it in an abstract way so the concept of intertwining raw materials to re-purpose back into use resonated with the client. This approach is a great example of how start up branding can effectively tell a story, transforming a simple idea into a visual identity that aligns with the company’s mission and values.

wylie image

A simple monogram for a high-end construction company

The logo needed to portray luxury and elegance so we created a monogram with the letters D, B & C. Supporting imagery was monochrome suggestive of brand values of quality and simplicity.

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A brand identity for a leadership consultancy

The logo represented the building blocks of what successful businesses are built on and as a literal revolutionary scoring process Rejuvi created to quickly gain insight, analyse strengths and weaknesses to create exceptional leaders.

Rejuvi identity

The ikon luxury branding agency identity

You can’t offer branding advice if your brand hasn’t been considered. ikon was created from the ethos ‘design knows no boundary’ and this is at the core of our business, to push boundaries not just for clients but also as an agency. The idea was each letter formed no enclosed boundary.

ikon identity

A brand identity for a production company

Films by Wilson were the first production company in Europe to be commissioned by Amazon Studios, creating a four-part documentary series set in the world of Formula 1. We created a simple logo focused around the 'W' for Wilson to ensure people remember the most distinguishable part of the company name.

films identity image

A new identity for a recording studio

The concept behind the logo was to make the people’s voice the hero so we simplified a top down view of a microphone. Mixing this with variable weight fonts to give it some edge.

media identity image

A brand identity for leaders in luxury healthcare

Offering elite health check-ups, a premium look for the logo design was essential. Based on the Fibonacci spiral which related to anatomy of the body along with the letter P, we created a monogram to appeal to the luxury market.

Preventicum identity image

Work with our brand marketing agency

Over the years we have refined the process of creating a brand strategy and identity, we now have a signature service.

It's one we have been through and that's proven to attract some of the most renowned luxury brands. More recently, it's helping a £5m luxury healthcare client on their way to £15m.

If you are looking to refresh your brand identity, get in touch with one of the top branding agencies and we can walk you through the process. Book a brand discovery call  with us today to get started.

Ready to stand out?