Ntsal use origami and ornamentation to evoke refinement for a classy events space

Colesque is an event space set within a historical fortress in Cairo. It offers bespoke and curated experiences centred around design, craft and tradition. For its launch, it enlisted local designers Ntsal to create an identity that mirrors the essence of what it stands for – a space where stories, people, and cultures merge.

The result is whimsical and eccentric, combining dainty illustration with Arabic calligraphy and elegant type. This was driven by the brand’s emphasis on experiential storytelling, which is what initially intrigued Ntsal from a design perspective. “We wanted to visually translate a tale of well-synthesised and finely curated spaces,” says Nardine Shenouda, partner and design director at Ntsal.

The star of the launch is a nostalgic origami fortune teller that folds in and out between day and night, to illustrate Colesque’s diverse offerings and its tailored approach to curating personal experiences. “Each layer reveals a different set of services and categories,” says Nardine. “The Arabic elements bridge the gap between their ‘light’ and dreamy morning events, and the ‘dark’ night parties,” she says.

Ntsal also created a custom illustration library: delicate drawings of floral bouquets, candles, dice, and wine glasses. These more directly reflect Colesque’s offerings, which range from weddings and dining experiences, to gigs, art exhibitions and fashion shows. Theatrical but classy, these motifs reflect Colesque as a space where tradition meets modernity.

The logo also blends two worlds: Latin typography inspired by early 1900s archival prints and Arabic calligraphy. The Latin wordmark is set in two variable forms, arched and regular, while the Arabic letters are sculpted to double as an emblem, combining the first two letters of the brand name. “We paired these to create a logo that bridges Colesque’s story and identity,” says Nardine.

Even the name Colesque reflects their vision of bringing people, ideas, and experiences together. It’s a twist on the word ‘coalesce’, meaning to grow together. “We decided to play with the word, combining ‘collective’ and ‘esque’ to capture the brand’s storytelling focus with a refined aesthetic,” explains Nardine.

Ntsal’s branding sets the tone for what this unique space stands for: a convergence of cultures, experiences, and creativity. Each element is intricate and precious – a visual manifestation of all the bespoke experiences that Colesque’s visitors can expect.