SIA Fashion Event

Each year the SIA Snow Fashion Show has been the kick-off event to the SnowSports trade show. However, for the final year in Vegas, they decided to approach the event in a new way—by having a smaller, more exclusive and intimate function. The fashion preview cocktail party would be open to retailers and media by invitation only and for members and exhibitors participating in the event.

The room needed to have an art gallery feeling, despite the fact that this event was to be held in a meeting room at Mandalay Bay. Clothing would be displayed on provided mannequins while accessories needed to be displayed in an artful way. There were also tight budget constraints and day-of-event set-up restrictions that needed to be considered in the conceptual phase in order for the deliverables to be met.

With our list of wants, needs and restrictions in hand, we got to brainstorming how we could turn a lack-luster meeting room with obstacles that could not be moved (craps table!) into one with an art gallery vibe inside of one afternoon and on a shoe-string budget. To simulate an outdoor setting, we constructed simple but artful trees out of inexpensive throw-away lumber and had log rounds cut that could be grouped and stacked to create display islands for the mannequins and accessories to be placed on. To give the natural wood some color and texture, felt was cut to shape and placed on various rounds. Merchandise placards were designed to look like trail guide signs, and pine cones interspersed with glitter silhouette forest animals tied the entire concept together, along with dramatic lightning and cocktail party worthy tunes.

As you can see by the turnout, the event was a huge success and the feedback glowing.