The ubiquitous playing card is now being used for more than just playing games.

The U.S. Postal Service has just issued a new stamp in their popular Love series inspired by the king and queen of hearts from the 18th century French archives, the same cards that are the source for the recognizable 52 card deck that we know today.  Commercializing the game even more, Bryan Berg, the Guinness world record holder for card-stacking, is featured in this remarkable promotion video for the Lexus quiet ES model.  Bringing the deck to life, London fashion designer, Ashish Gupta’s Spring/Summer 2009 Americana collection includes sequined dresses reminiscent of Alice and Wonderland.

In the art world, playing cards have continued to be a source of inspiration. The geometric abstractionist, Sonia Delaunay designed her Simultane deck in 1964, while Salvador Dali had his own surrealist take with a series of lithographs completed in 1972.  Bringing this everyday pleasure into the luxury realm, Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade, Vivienne Westwood and Hermes have all placed their design stamp—and a price tag—on decks for the modern and upscale home.

By: Karen Maineti