Bleary-eyed commuters got an early-morning wake-up call thanks to Bravo's new series, Top Design. Instead of entering the usual 42nd Street shuttle terminal in Grand Central, New Yorkers found themselves in a chic living room complete with glowing lamps, flowers, and plush modern furniture. The event, which was created by Jason Klarman, senior vice president of marketing and brand strategy for Bravo, and Jim Anstey and Gabe Banner of Lime Public Relations and Promotion, was intended for members of the press, but given its very public location, crowds of people on their way to work stopped to gawk at the contestants and the living room displays, which were conceptualized and furnished by designer Jonathan Adler, a judge on the show—a take on Project Runway for interior designers. "I used the most glamorous, twinkly pieces in my collection to show how you can transform a space you take for granted every day into a glamour zone," he said.Choosing from his own line of furniture and home accessories, Adler designed two vignettes (one in front of a staircase and one off to the side of the train platform) as well as a fully furnished stage, which was draped off with a heavy black curtain. After a short press conference, organizers drew back the drapes to reveal the contestants grouped together for photographers, posing on different pieces of furniture. Behind them, a flat-screen TV aired commercials for the show.
"The show's all about transformation, so what better space to transform than a subway platform?" Anstey said. "Bravo wanted to have the event in a high-traffic area, and they had already bought signage to use in the subway, so we thought it would be a great location." But throwing an event in a subway station comes with its own set of challenges. To comply with MTA regulations, Lime staffers coated all items with fire-retardant spray and installed everything before and after rush hour. Because the vignettes will remain up until next Wednesday, they also made sure to secure the items to the floor. MTA security guards will be stationed throughout the terminal to prevent the displays from turning into a comfy resting place for weary travelers. —Lisa Cericola
Posted 01.30.07
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"The show's all about transformation, so what better space to transform than a subway platform?" Anstey said. "Bravo wanted to have the event in a high-traffic area, and they had already bought signage to use in the subway, so we thought it would be a great location." But throwing an event in a subway station comes with its own set of challenges. To comply with MTA regulations, Lime staffers coated all items with fire-retardant spray and installed everything before and after rush hour. Because the vignettes will remain up until next Wednesday, they also made sure to secure the items to the floor. MTA security guards will be stationed throughout the terminal to prevent the displays from turning into a comfy resting place for weary travelers. —Lisa Cericola
Posted 01.30.07
Related Stories
Runway Launches on Pins and Needles
Project Runway Fans Go to Elle
Jonathan Adler conceptualized the vignettes and provided all of the furnishings on display, from armchairs to ceramic vases.
Commuters stopped to check out the displays as they boarded shuttle trains to Times Square.
Adler designed one vignette for musicians taking part in the MTA-run Music Under New York program.
Colorful adhesive signage included images of the contestants that covered an entire flight of stairs.
Organizers pulled back a curtain to reveal cast members posed in a living-room-like environment.
