Serif Contrasted Osmu 9 is a bold, narrow, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Berthold Bodoni' by Berthold, 'Bauer Bodoni' by Bitstream, 'Bauer Bodoni' by Linotype, 'Bodoni No. 1 SB' and 'Bodoni No. 1 SH' by Scangraphic Digital Type Collection, and 'Bodoni Antiqua' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, magazine, posters, branding, luxury, dramatic, classic, fashion, impact, refinement, elegance, prestige, hairline serifs, vertical stress, crisp terminals, tight tracking, sharp apexes.
A high-contrast serif with strong vertical stems and extremely fine hairlines that create a crisp, chiseled rhythm. Serifs are delicate and sharp with little visible bracketing, while curves show a vertical-stress modulation typical of modern display serifs. Proportions feel compact and space-efficient, with tall capitals, slightly condensed letterforms, and clear differentiation between thick main strokes and thin connections. The lowercase keeps a traditional structure (two-storey a and g), with pronounced ball terminals and fine entry/exit strokes that stay clean even at heavier thick-stroke moments.
Best suited to large sizes where the hairlines can breathe: magazine headings, fashion and culture editorial layouts, premium brand identities, and high-impact posters. It can also work for short pull quotes or subheads when given generous line spacing and careful background contrast.
The overall tone is poised and high-end, with a dramatic black-and-white contrast that reads as editorial and fashion-forward. It balances classical refinement with a slightly theatrical sharpness, lending headlines a confident, formal voice.
The design appears intended to deliver a contemporary Didone-like sophistication: maximizing contrast and sharp detailing to produce an elegant, attention-grabbing display voice for refined, image-led typography.
Round forms like C, O, and Q emphasize the contrast through very thin top/bottom hairlines, while letters with diagonals (V, W, X, Y) retain a pointed, polished finish. Numerals are similarly stylized, showing strong thick/thin transitions and decorative curves that feel display-oriented rather than utilitarian.