Studio Paperheads Brings Diwali to Life with Packaging for Café Vego

In the lively historic district of Bur Dubai, Café Vego has made a name for itself with quick, flavorful dishes and modern interpretations of classic Indian sweets. For Diwali, the café turned to Mumbai-based creative team Studio Paperheads to design festive packaging that would reflect the spirit and warmth of the season.

The goal was to create packaging that felt deeply rooted in Indian culture while also appealing to a modern audience. Studio Paperheads, known for its human-centered design approach, crafted a visual identity that celebrates the legacy of mithai-making—the art of preparing traditional Indian sweets—as both a cultural tradition and a form of culinary craftsmanship.

Each box design is carefully composed, with illustrations of ingredients, utensils, and local plants framed within individual tiles. This structure echoes the way mithai is traditionally arranged in trays: neat, compartmentalized, and full of care. The visuals invite consumers to experience not just the flavors but the thoughtful process behind each sweet and savory item.

The color scheme was key to the storytelling. The designers selected rani pink—a regal, vibrant hue—and marigold orange, commonly associated with Indian festivals and celebrations. These colors are instantly recognizable within Indian visual culture, yet their fresh, modern treatment adds a contemporary twist that feels both nostalgic and current.

More than just decorative, the packaging is designed to evoke a sense of connection—between generations, between tradition and innovation, between food and emotion. It pays homage to the richness of Indian heritage while presenting it in a refined, modern way. Every element of the design reflects an attention to detail and a reverence for culture.

With this project, Studio Paperheads showcases its ability to translate cultural depth into visually compelling stories. The studio—comprised of 12 creatives—works closely with mission-driven brands to build identities that are both impactful and enduring. From strategy to execution, their work bridges the gap between meaning and aesthetics.

Studio Paperheads Brings Diwali to Life with Packaging for Café Vego

In the lively historic district of Bur Dubai, Café Vego has made a name for itself with quick, flavorful dishes and modern interpretations of classic Indian sweets. For Diwali, the café turned to Mumbai-based creative team Studio Paperheads to design festive packaging that would reflect the spirit and warmth of the season.

The goal was to create packaging that felt deeply rooted in Indian culture while also appealing to a modern audience. Studio Paperheads, known for its human-centered design approach, crafted a visual identity that celebrates the legacy of mithai-making—the art of preparing traditional Indian sweets—as both a cultural tradition and a form of culinary craftsmanship.

Each box design is carefully composed, with illustrations of ingredients, utensils, and local plants framed within individual tiles. This structure echoes the way mithai is traditionally arranged in trays: neat, compartmentalized, and full of care. The visuals invite consumers to experience not just the flavors but the thoughtful process behind each sweet and savory item.

The color scheme was key to the storytelling. The designers selected rani pink—a regal, vibrant hue—and marigold orange, commonly associated with Indian festivals and celebrations. These colors are instantly recognizable within Indian visual culture, yet their fresh, modern treatment adds a contemporary twist that feels both nostalgic and current.

More than just decorative, the packaging is designed to evoke a sense of connection—between generations, between tradition and innovation, between food and emotion. It pays homage to the richness of Indian heritage while presenting it in a refined, modern way. Every element of the design reflects an attention to detail and a reverence for culture.

With this project, Studio Paperheads showcases its ability to translate cultural depth into visually compelling stories. The studio—comprised of 12 creatives—works closely with mission-driven brands to build identities that are both impactful and enduring. From strategy to execution, their work bridges the gap between meaning and aesthetics.