HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

We just got late word about a surprise winner at this year’s International Package Design Awards show held in New York City earlier this month. The winner of the 2006 Award for Originality went to a Los Angeles company named Just in Case, which markets a combination compact and condom-holder for women called, not surprisingly, “Just in Case.” According to a company release, “The unique acrylic compact is the first luxurious, chic condom compact on the market. Complete with a mirror and a hidden compartment that holds two condoms, ‘Just in Case’ assures the user of confidence and discretion, while never compromising style.” Pretty good idea; the compacts range from $30 for your basic model, up to $199 for the Swarovski Crystal Compact. And there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that they’re also developing a similar carrying case for men to be called, “Man, I Sure Hope So.” But they probably should. They’d sell millions.