Serif Contrasted Ulso 1 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Chiaroscura' by Emtype Foundry, 'Chamberí' by Extratype, 'FS Ostro' by Fontsmith, 'Princesa' by Latinotype, and 'Didonesque Stencil' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, magazine, branding, packaging, posters, luxury, editorial, dramatic, formal, fashion-forward, editorial impact, premium branding, classic elegance, display drama, didone-like, vertical stress, hairline serifs, crisp, high-fashion.
A high-contrast serif with strong thick-to-thin modulation and predominantly vertical stress. Thick stems and bowls are paired with very fine hairlines and sharp, delicate serifs, producing a crisp, cut-paper silhouette at display sizes. Proportions feel on the broad side with ample inner counters, while curves are smooth and full, giving rounds like O and C a sculpted, glossy presence. Uppercase forms read stately and structured; lowercase shows compact, sturdy bodies with thin entry/exit strokes and neatly finished terminals, keeping a consistent, polished rhythm across text.
Best suited for display typography such as magazine headlines, fashion and beauty branding, premium packaging, and poster work where its contrast and sharp serifs can shine. It can also work for short editorial pull quotes or title treatments when set with generous size and spacing.
The overall tone is elegant and assertive, leaning toward luxury and high-end editorial styling. The dramatic contrast and refined hairlines convey sophistication and ceremony, while the broad stance and weight give it confident, attention-grabbing presence.
The font appears designed to deliver a classic, high-fashion serif voice with modern crispness—maximizing contrast and refinement to create impactful display typography that signals prestige and editorial authority.
The design relies on very thin hairlines for contrast, so it visually rewards larger sizes and clean reproduction. In dense settings the heavy verticals dominate, giving text a strong striped rhythm that feels intentionally dramatic rather than purely utilitarian.