This week's roundup includes Uniqlo's takeover of trains in Chicago, a rainbow bar in Toronto, Simpsons-inspired slipcovers in Los Angeles, and a dining table that mimicked an English garden in Boston.
Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing brand, will open its first Chicago store on Michigan Avenue later this month. To promote the opening, the brand is hosting a series of midday “train takeovers” on Chicago Transit Authority trains. Inspired by the Japanese fortune-telling tradition called omikuji, organizers tied paper strips containing special notes and prizes onto strings. The activation is called the "Lucky Kuji" raffle.
The Boston institution hosted its opening night gala in late September. The decor was loosely inspired by the symphony's Shakespeare-related programming this season, and a dinner table was laid out in a way that mimicked the shape of an English garden.
For the opening of event venue the Geraghty in Chicago on August 6, artists from Kehoe Designs created a large floral structure supported by three wire framing panels that substituted for a traditional step-and-repeat. A hand-painted mural served as the backdrop.
On August 15, Miami PR pro Nick D'Annunzio of Tara Ink hosted an all-neon birthday bash poolside at Thompson Miami Beach. While many parties happen on a pool deck, D'Annunzio incorporated the pool itself into the party with neon clothing strung up on a line above and inflatables floating within.
The Simpsons' 27th season premiere took place September 24 at the newly renovated Krustyland in Universal Studios Hollywood. Yellow spandex and custom logo slipcovers covered 15 V.I.P. tables behind a 24-foot-wide LED screen that showed the episode.
On their seats, guests find gift bags filled with Uniqlo products and Japanese snacks such as "Hello Panda" Meiji cookies.
To draw attention to its "Poverty Is Sexist" campaign, international campaigning and advocacy organization One Campaign showcased an interactive art installation that involved projecting a series of photos—many of which were taken in real time—on the façade of the Hudson Hotel in New York on September 27. The projection was a physical activation of what started as a social media campaign this year, aimed to show support for women by featuring people striking a Rosie the Riveter pose, which was dubbed a #Strengthie.
Web-based mattress company Casper launched its Nap Tour on September 11 in Boston and will conclude in Miami on November 1. The tour offers pop-up camping-style tents for guests to try out mattresses and schedule 30-minute naps. Swag branded in Casper’s signature blue-and-white color palette included cocktail napkins with a custom Snooze Bar logo, which artists used to sketch out guests’ dreams.
The Canadian Art Foundation hosted its 20th anniversary gala at the Carlu in Toronto on September 17. Toronto-based artist Barr Gilmore designed the "Colour Barr," which offered drinks in a rainbow of colors. Cocktails included the purple "Queen Bee," made with gin, Campari, and Bols Blue and garnished with blackberries, and the green "Frog Prince," with scotch and créme de menthe.
The Life Is Beautiful festival drew 108,000 attendees to downtown Las Vegas from September 25 to 27. Attendees lounged under shade structures during the festival's three-day run.
