SHOW case 2015 was an exciting collaborative event held in May to celebrate the intersection of art, design and fashion in the capital city. 

VIP guests boarded special SHOW tranzit buses and headed off to a secret location; Propeller Studios in Shelly Bay where they were treated to drinks and designer canapés courtesy chef de Pâstisserie Louis Sergeant, before walking through a series of designed spaces, each one an interactive collaboration between design practices; artists, furniture, jewellery, fashion and furnishing. Mandatory had the thrill of collaborating with BoConcept in three colour themed rooms: The Amber Room [gentlemen’s study], The Silver Room [luxe lit entertaining suite] and the Black Room [private club]

 ‘Monodramatic’; Monochromatic+dramatic. 

THE AMBER ROOM 

THE SILVER ROOM

THE BLACK ROOM

Technology played an important role in the interactive aspect of the event - upon entering each space the SHOWcase App (developed by Hashbang) would open and display details about each item in the room. iBeacons were hidden in coat pockets and discreetly under furniture transmitting codes to the app via SMART bluetooth technology. The app had some teething problems on the night but for those who could use it, it added a dimension of interest and more detailed information about the spaces to take home. 

After guests made their way through the installations they were ushered back onto buses and taken for a trip; a sneaky trick to take them around the block and through another entrance at Propeller Studios. More drinks were served before guests were seated for a Zambesi Runway show, complete with a stunning ballet performance by RNZB dancers Loughlan Prior and William Fitzgerald. 

The event was an impressive feat of collaboration and hard work by so many dedicated and passionate people. Mandatory would like to send huge love and thanks to…SHOW, Mark, Kirsty, Bex, Jo, Ash, as well as the incredible hair teams from many salons including Willis York and Buoy.  Hair and Make up had a huge job with so many models needing to be so many places (on SHOW) at once, and for so long.    

HUGE thanks go to BoConcept for the opportunity to present a range with their incredible wares. The best to the crews involved in other collaborations.  Thank also to the photographers for the superb capture of a fast moving, challenging, exciting and fresh event.

It was fun. Yes to next year please… cant wait to invite people!

We were honoured to be involved in such a beautiful and unique event. the most heartening element was the sense of community shared by creatives in our capital city. Its events like SHOWcase that build relationships and support between design and lifestyle industries and it is a special occasion when we can come together and celebrate what Wellington and its design community have to offer. The focus on the relationship between experience, concept and the translation to retail was something we have yet to see done in such a clever and creative way. We were left feeling so encouraged and invigorated by the experience and look forward to seeing what SHOW will grow in to in 2016.