As a designer, I hate to admit this, but here goes:
I've begun shopping the liquor store for the ugliest wine bottle in the joint. The uglier the bottle, it seems, the more deliciously bold and satisfying the deep red wine inside. I buy a couple of pretty bottles, compelled by my love of tasteful, smart labels that sell a rich tale of wines crafted from magical grapes grown on thousand-year old vines in the toughest soils on earth. Then I buy a cheapo bottle with an ugly-ass label. And voila, it's the best bottle in the bunch.
My significant other claims that if something looks too beautiful, perhaps the maker is trying to pull the wool over your design-focused eyes; they've put their energy into the look and not the product. Very upsetting to hear, especially from the person who supposedly supports my career choice no matter what.
But when it comes to wine, I believe he may have legs to stand on.
