Spotify held a daylong pop-up experience for the launch of a limited-edition merchandise collection, “Wear Black History,” in partnership with black curators and creatives, which celebrates six moments in black music. The project is the latest installment of Black History Is Happening Now, Spotify’s ongoing program that celebrates and amplifies voices of black creators. To highlight Afro-Latinx roots in hip-hop music, an installation of plastic crates showcased black fanny packs, which are part of the collection designed by Joy Miessi and Brandan ‘bmike’ Odums. The pop-up was produced by Spotify with creative agency Imprint Projects, and it took place February 23 at a vacant space in New York’s SoHo neighborhood.
Another installation celebrated disco legend Sylvester. Highlighted by hanging disco balls and a photo of the singer, the installation displayed facts about him, a display of a beanie hat and orange wig, and graphics telling users how to listen to Sylvester on Spotify.
Philanthropists Gabriel and Christine Chiu held a Chinese New Year-theme benefit on February 19 at Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills. The event, which was designed by Aliana Events, was marked with a re-creation of the entrance to Chinatown in Los Angeles, branded with the Chiu name.
Rolex sponsored the Academy Awards' green room for the fourth time, this year designing an under-the-sea theme linked to the brand's Perpetual Planet campaign. Event Eleven handled production, while Warner Bros. Design Studio handled the scenic build. Located backstage at the Dolby Theatre, guests entered the space through a bronzed door resembling a hatch. The interior used large underwater photos lit from behind to create a dramatic, realistic feel.
Mercedes-Benz USA held its annual Oscars viewing party on Sunday night at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills. Guests could vote for which film would win Best Picture; people who chose correctly were entered to win prizes from Mercedes-Benz.
To celebrate the launch of Bumble’s first major Canada-only campaign, the dating and social connection app took over Bangarang bar in Toronto on February 14. The event, which was designed by creative agency Narrative, featured yellow candy machines that dispensed conversation starters for guests.
Analog clock cutouts on the walls represented other Bumble Valentine's day events that were happening in cities around the world.
The sixth edition of Miami’s III Points music festival took place February 15 to 17 at Mana Wynwood. Festival sponsor Red Bull constructed a secret bar inside of a renovated Area 51-theme Gravitron amusement park ride.
