Stationery, Karen Tran Masterclass

The Royal Livingstone is truly breathtaking—perched on the edge of the Zambezi River with the magnificent Victoria Falls as a backdrop. Adding to the magic, zebras roam freely across the grounds, making this location an idyllic and awe-inspiring venue for such an event.

The event’s floral arrangements were a visual feast, with lavish displays of hydrangeas, roses, and tulips in vibrant hues of fuchsia and purple, creating an atmosphere of pure luxury. Inspired by these colors and the natural beauty surrounding the hotel, I embarked on crafting stationery that would elevate the guests’ experience from the moment they received their invitations.

For the invitations, I leaned into my artisan approach by hand-illustrating designs that reflected the event’s unique setting. Zebra illustrations took center stage, a homage to the majestic animals that roam the hotel grounds. To add a tactile element of elegance, each invitation was encased in a hand-decorated sleeve adorned with delicately crafted fabric petals in shades of fuchsia and purple, carefully arranged to echo the florals that would later fill the event. I paired this with a shimmering gold wax seal and tied it all together with luxurious white silk ribbons, creating a refined balance between nature-inspired beauty and elevated sophistication.

Accompanying the invitations was a details card embellished with pearlescent accents, bringing a subtle touch of sparkle and further enhancing the sense of grandeur. All of this was housed in a sumptuously lined envelope, featuring smooth, rich textures that delighted guests upon opening. Every element was carefully curated to build anticipation for the luxurious event that awaited.

The bespoke design extended beyond the invitations. I also created printed menus, again featuring my custom illustrations—this time highlighting the stunning Victoria Falls and the diverse wildlife that Zambia is known for. These touches not only enhanced the event’s unique location but also lent a cohesive, personalized feel to every aspect of the design.

When it came to the place cards, I wanted to ensure that they would stand out among the floral arrangements, yet remain understated and elegant. Crafted from thick, luscious lavender-toned cardstock, the place cards were hand-lettered with deep purple calligraphy, matching the event’s rich colour palette. To maintain the luxurious feel, I adorned each card with a silk ribbon, mirroring the design elements of the invitations and tying the stationery suite together in a harmonious, sophisticated manner.

Through the use of opulent textures, custom illustrations, and fine craftsmanship, my goal was to ensure that every piece of stationery would not only complement the grandeur of Karen Tran’s floral designs but also leave a lasting impression on each guest. This project allowed me to fuse artistry with the elegance of Zambia’s natural beauty, resulting in a collection of stationery that was as thoughtfully crafted as the event itself.