We've been featured on Event Solution magazine under "28 great corporate branding ideas" for an event we did earlier this year. The event took place at the Penthouse of the 1111 building on Lincoln Rd and was in collaboration with Arel Ramos. I wanted to take the chance to share some ideas with you.
When I met Arel we talked about the importance of keeping this event as modern and minimalistic as possible because of the space, but fun and groovy as soul train was in the 70's. The event was not only executed through design - it's was about the whole. Arel hired a Motown band to play live music (they wore white suits and all) and a stylist to dress up the guests and staff in authentic vintage clothing. Our part was to create a minimalistic lounge and some other decor elements for accent. The challenge was to keep all 70's design as modern as possible so it will look balanced with the minimalism of the space. We chose to do so by using authentic iconic photos from that era placed in modern shaped elements. So we used our illuminated columns for rent with printed images of iconic 70's figures. It worked out great! it was a focal point, and a backdrop for almost every guest on their Instagram.
Iconic images of the 70's on columns
illuminated columns with 70's images
So why we choose to use images? I found that one way to bring back an era into your decor is through photos. Guests can easily connect, relate, and feel nostalgic with them. Think about it, a photo is a frozen second in time, like a time machine that brings you back to an exact moment in life. If you use it to bring authenticity into your decor, you will win! so here is my tip: not every photo will make it, search for real images from the era of your theme. It can be people, architecture, or certain elements like a car or retro packaging. Anything that was authentic and brings back the feeling of that time. whatever you do stay away from look-alike custom-y photos!
Natalie.