Serif Contrasted Ulso 3 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Berthold Bodoni' by Berthold, 'Chamberí' by Extratype, 'FS Ostro' by Fontsmith, 'Bodoni No. 1 SB' and 'Bodoni No. 1 SH' by Scangraphic Digital Type Collection, and 'Bodoni' and 'Bodoni Antiqua' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, magazines, posters, branding, packaging, fashion, editorial, dramatic, luxury, theatrical, editorial impact, luxury branding, display elegance, dramatic contrast, didone-like, vertical stress, hairline serifs, crisp terminals, teardrop joins.
A high-contrast serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and a strong vertical stress. The letterforms combine broad, weighty main strokes with extremely fine hairlines and sharp, unbracketed serifs, producing a crisp, cut-paper feel. Curves are generous and smooth, with occasional bulb/teardrop shaping at joins and terminals (notably in lowercase like a, g, j, y), adding a slightly expressive, display-driven texture. Proportions read on the wide side with confident, open counters; uppercase forms feel monumental while lowercase maintains a fairly standard x-height and clear differentiation. Figures show the same contrast logic, with some numerals featuring hairline entry strokes and ball-like terminals that heighten the refined, dramatic rhythm.
Best suited to display roles such as magazine headlines, fashion/editorial layouts, posters, and brand marks where high contrast and crisp serifs can be showcased. It can also work for short pull quotes and titles in premium packaging or beauty/luxury contexts, especially at larger sizes where the hairlines remain clear.
The overall tone is glamorous and editorial, with a sense of couture polish and high-drama contrast typical of luxury typography. It reads confident and theatrical rather than quiet or utilitarian, projecting elegance through razor-thin details and bold silhouettes. The subtle bulb terminals introduce a touch of personality that keeps it from feeling purely austere.
The design appears intended to deliver a modern, high-fashion serif voice: commanding silhouettes paired with delicate hairlines for maximum contrast and visual sophistication. The added bulb/teardrop details suggest an aim to balance classical refinement with a distinctive, contemporary signature.
In text settings, the thick strokes build strong word shapes while hairlines and serifs create sparkle; at small sizes those fine details may visually recede compared to the dominant stems. The design rewards generous spacing and clean reproduction, where the sharp serifs and hairlines can remain distinct.