Author(s): Shahid Datawala

Design

Sold in every road-side booth, matchboxes are part of daily life in India. Curious, hilarious and visually stunning, matchbox labels come in a staggering variety of designs. Inspired variations on successful labels are an accepted part of the matchbox world, deliciously turning the whole notion of branding upside down. Matchbook showcases over 500 quirky members of this extended family, from the personal collection of Mumbaibased designer Shahid Datawala. This new edition comes with a thought-provoking essay which locates matchboxes within the web of Indian commerce and popular culture.