Reflection. Glimmer. Shine. Sparkle.
When we saw this year's theme for the annual World of WearableArt (WOW) Window Dressing Competition we just knew we had to get involved. Everyone knows we're a bunch of magpies at Smack Bang so "reflection" is right up our alley.
In case you've been living under a rock, "the World of WearableArt Awards have bedazzled audiences in New Zealand with their magic and ingenuity for 30 years. What began as a small local competition has grown to become WOW, a theatrical spectacle and magnet for extraordinary talent from around the world. WOW is an internationally renowned design competition that attracts entries from over 40 countries. Anything that is wearable art can find a place on the stage, as long as it is original, innovative and well executed.
For three weeks every year, WOW showcases the best of these creations in a spectacular show that takes over New Zealand’s vibrant capital city of Wellington in an explosion of creativity. This year 60,000 people will see the show." (via WorldofWearableArt.com)
After a bit of brainstorming and research we decided to cover our GIANT front windows in gold confetti, becoming more condensed towards the entrance to draw people inside.
We must have one of the sunniest retail spots in Wellington and this installation is taking full advantage of that. The mirrored gold confetti literally shines and reflects gold spots all over the footpath and inside, creating different patterns as the sun moves throughout the afternoon.
But there's more to it than just shiny dots! To stay on-brief, we wanted to "reflect" both the inside of Smack Bang and our surroundings.
If you've been down Tory Street during the last year you'll have seen the carpark wall installation. "Wellington based artists Ruth Thomas-Edmond and Kirtsy Lillico collaborated on the design of this colourful work for the hoarding that boarders the site of the former Reading car park building (damaged in the November 2016 earthquake).
The result is an engaging, playful, sculptural work, made from plywood and coloured perspex. Steel drums hold native plants, inbuilt seats provide resting points for shoppers and colourful portholes prove irresistible to curious eyes." (via Wellington.govt.nz). On a sunny afternoon the coloured perspex turns the street into a colourful disco.
Our metallic confetti directly references what's to come when you enter Smack Bang, where our round gold pendant lights dangle above the counter, 'Home Is Where The Dog Is' in giant gold letters, and our favourite gold-tinted House Doctor Mirrors adorn the back wall.
Swing by to see our installation in all its shiny glory (the photos don't do it justice)! And a MASSIVE thank you to the team at Frampton Signs for basically reading my mind.
We love seeing your snaps, so be sure to use the hashtags #smackbangstore and #WellyLovesWOW when sharing online!
Vote for your favourite window display (*cough* Smack Bang *cough*) to be in to win a $1000 David Jones shopping spree! Public voting for the Window Dressing Competition opens Wednesday 26th September and closes Monday 8th October. For more info about WOW and the events happening around Wellington for the next few weeks, head to WellingtonNZ.com/WellyLovesWOW.
Dog bless.
A