Since talking about sex has become a little less taboo over the past 15 or so years, sexual wellness brands have been able to shine with clever, ambitious identities that keep grabbing our attention. The best ones are colorful, smart, proud, and maybe even a little confrontational in their approach, not unlike an attractive stranger at a bar. The “sexual cosmetics” brand Platanomelon combines all four qualities with eye-catching packaging from Spanish studio Grande.
The system takes clear inspiration from the still-radical Salt-N-Pepa classic “Let’s Talk About Sex,” in which each product becomes a series of flirty text messages. Brightly colored conversation bubbles proudly promote body oil, flavored lubricant, and vaginal moisturizer, which the brand hopes will encourage open dialogue and a lack of shame around not just the products but sex at large. The system’s fun, youthful palette and earnest spiciness inspire memories of the early ‘90s, when sex education was cool enough to inspire confrontational art shows, loud fashion, and unapologetically risqué Top 40 radio hits.
But of course, this felt socially necessary because a lack of accessible sex education contributed to the deaths of millions from AIDS, the social stigma that still surrounds sexual lifestyles, and unplanned pregnancies that get riskier all the time in the post-Roe v. Wade era. As the laissez-faire attitudes of the ‘10s have started to evolve into a more punishing, precarious landscape, it’s all the more important to encourage open dialogue about sex, and Plantanomelon hopes their fun, brave work contributes to the ongoing work of breaking taboos and encouraging safe, consensual play.
