Vaione is a premium small-batch gin born from Niue, distilled with care, connection, and cultural pride. Developed for the Niue Government, this project set out to create a world-class spirit brand that could authentically represent the island while standing proudly on the global stage. The result is a design that embodies rarity, legacy, and mana, a gift that carries the spirit of Niue.

The Challenge

Develop a luxury gin brand that feels authentically Niuean, balancing island identity with premium design cues.

Design a collectable packaging system that tells the story of Niue’s craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity.

Position the product as “Only on Niue”  rare, refined, and grounded in place.

The Approach

Drew inspiration from Lalaga Niue, the traditional art of weaving, particularly the Lili mat, a symbol of patience, care, and connection.

Treated each design element as a woven thread — interlacing story, craft, and cultural identity into one seamless piece.

Framed Vaione not just as a spirit, but as a gift of Niue — something to be treasured and shared with mana.

Infused storytelling throughout the brand, from the name to the tactile packaging, grounding it in ancestry and environment

The Solution

Brand Story: The name Vaione combines Vai (water — life-giving and pure) and One (land and connection), expressing the balance between nature and heritage.

Packaging Design: Gift box inspired by Lili mat weaving, featuring embossed textures and interwoven lines representing unity and tradition.

Tagline: “Only on Niue” — a declaration of authenticity, rarity, and origin.

The Outcome

Delivered a premium, culturally grounded brand that celebrates Niue’s heritage while elevating its craftsmanship to an international standard.

The product became both a collector’s item and a cultural statement, honouring Niue’s artistry and exclusivity.

Reinforced Niue’s position as a small island capable of producing world-class products with integrity, depth, and mana.