A|S Antonia Skaraki designed an olive oil gift, turning rejection into a bold “yes”

A|S Strategy, Branding & Communication redefined corporate gifting with a concept that earned nine global awards, while delivering a powerful social message. The gift, a bottle of premium olive oil for C-suite executives, was more than a token. The concept stemmed from the universal experience of rejection, where countless dreams and ideas are stifled by a single “no.” Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo, who sculpted the iconic David from a block of discarded marble, A|S envisioned a gift that embodied transformation. They sourced marble scraps deemed flawed or unusable and reimagined them as bespoke cases for the olive oil bottles. Named “NAI”—the Greek word for “YES”—each case became a tangible affirmation against rejection. The design celebrated the individuality of the marble’s natural veining and textures, turning imperfections into distinctive beauty. No two packages were alike, making each a unique work of art and a powerful metaphor for perseverance. The narrative extended beyond craftsmanship. It challenged recipients to see rejection not as an end but as a stepping stone for growth and innovation