First Look at ASCEND XIX Playing Cards

Unique Playing Cards and designer Tony Aranda collaborate on ASCEND XIX playing cards. Tony Aranda, originally from Buenos Aires, now based in Madrid, is an Industrial Design and Product Development student, showcasing early promise in his creative journey.

ASCEND XIX draws inspiration from the 19th century, a time characterized by various artistic movements like Art Nouveau and Impressionism. It also incorporates elements from the steampunk subgenre, which derives from that era.

Tony’s design approach merges these styles into a meticulously crafted, fully customized deck of playing cards, encompassing everything from the pips to the tuck box. The deck is rich in references that resonate with both the magic and card-playing communities.

The back design of ASCEND XIX encapsulates the elegance and enigma of the 19th century, drawing inspiration from the captivating architecture and intricate details of that era. The deep black background, chosen specifically to evoke the allure of the 19th century, conjures images of top hats, ballroom gowns, cobblestone streets, and gaslit alleys. 

Also, golden patterns adorn the back of each card, paying homage to 19th-century architecture. Delicate filigree and graceful flourishes weave together to create a tapestry of timeless elegance.

The face cards of ASCEND transport you to the 19th century, featuring portraits of distinguished personalities from that era, including elegant ladies and refined gentlemen. These face cards aren’t just symbols of a card game; they are windows into the lives and stories of individuals who defined this epoch. 

The deck is packaged in a tuck case adorned with high-detail foil techniques and is crafted with matte paper that includes inner printing, enhancing its visual appeal.

Ascend XIX launches tomorrow (15th of September 12:00 ET) on Kickstarter.