A couple of years ago, fashion retailer Whistles, started an internal communication/employee loyalty scheme where staff members can offer a limited discount to "friends and family". They coined the phrase "fashion rations" and produced ration book style booklets in a small "ladies purse" size. This is the latest incarnation, which is "more fashiony and less rationy" if you get what I mean - much brighter and less utility looking:
As with previous editions, a particularly nice touch is that the front of all the books are "crash numbered" on the covers (see above). For those of you who aren't aware of this process, it is an old letterpress process which uses a numbering box on a platten. It is an "impact" process which simply thumps the number on the sheet and then (in a clockwork style) clicks on one digit. It allows a degree of security and control on how many books are issued.
The size of the book is A7 (105x74mm) portrait and is stab stitched (that's where the staple goes through the whole book, from front to back - like a cheque book - although the term cheque book binding normally implies, the application of binding tape over the stab stitches).
The cover is on our Colorset (100% recycled) in Magenta 270gsm. The book includes 5 vouchers or "rations", which are perforated along the spine, so they tear out easily.
Print production was done by PrintStation, based in Bexhill on Sea (guy@print-station.biz).
The job was designed at Whistles by Jess Schiazza ... and thank you Jess for sending me a copy and the lovely note.
...and if you're interested, here's the post about the first ration book: http://justinsamazingworldatfennerpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/fashion-rations.html
http://www.whistles.co.uk/
http://printstationltd.co.uk/
Posted by Justin Hobson 13.07.2012
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