November 15, 2011

Planar is once again excited to be included in another installation of BOFFO Building Fashion in New York City. After Planar’s successful display installation at the first venue, Nicola’s Formichett’s pop-up retail store, which featured PS-Series displays and open-frame monitors embedded in mirrored pillars, Planar continues involvement with the fourth installation in the series featuring the design work of The Lake & Stars + SOFTlab.

The space, which opened November 10th, will contain patterns that are meant to blur orientation and depth perception in a way that will encourage visitors to explore, discover and engage with the space in addition to viewing it. Director Jenna Elizabeth collaborated with The Lake & Stars on a special short film to debut on the opening night of the BOFFO store. Several of Planar’s new PS4200 displays will be featured throughout the store to giving customers the opportunity to view the film in multiple locations, including the dressing room. The designers decision to incorporate display technology into the retail decision further strengthens Planar’s message that digital signage can be an important element to a retail environment, moving beyond simple “buy now” messaging to enhance the shopping experience.

The Lake & Stars is a lingerie collection designed by Maayan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker. Maayan and Nikki launched The Lake & Stars after meeting in New York City in 2007. Having designed previously at mass and boutique brands respectively, together they sought to create a collection that would bridge the gap between special occasion and everyday lingerie. Their designs have been worn by Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and were recently honored with a spot in the CFDA Incubator’s Class of 2014.

SOFTlab is a design studio based in New York City. The studio was created by Michael Szivos shortly after receiving a graduate degree in architecture from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University. The studio has since been involved in the design and production of projects across almost every medium, from digitally fabricated large-scale sculpture, to interactive design, to large-scale digital video installations.

The store is located at 57 Walker Street in New York, NY and is open November 10th – 22nd, Monday – Saturday from 12 PM – 7 PM and Sundays 12 PM – 6 PM.

It's officially Fashion Week in New York. Runways are busy with designers sharing their latest design creations; some interesting, some wearable and others, well, everyone has their own special fashion taste.

While Planar has not taken to the runway, just yet, it has made it onto the New York Fashion scene. On Sept 8th, BOFFO opened the doors to Nicola Formichetti’s pop-up retail store, located at 50 Walker Street in Tribeca. The Formichetti store is the first in a series of five concept stores to take place over the next few months as part of the organizations second annual Building Fashion program, which pairs designers with architects to create a unique temporary space. Planar was selected by BOFFO to be the featured display partner for Formichetti’s store, created by Formichetti and New York based architectural firm Gage/Clemenceau.

If you are familiar at all with Nicola Formichetti’s work (Gaga stylist and Thierry Mugler designer) you know a typical retail shop is not what you will see. What can best be described as an exploded disco ball is an attraction in itself. The store offers a variety of items for sale, including a collection of limited-edition Thierry Mugler clothing, as well as more affordable iPhone cases and T-shirts by Nicola featuring his new Panda character. The store also displayed a few costumes created by Nicola for Lady Gaga, the one of most note is the gun-bra she wore on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Planar displays welcome visitors at the store entry using nine 42” digital signage displays, stacked in columns of 3 and encased in mirrored material showcasing imagery created by Nicola and his team. Located around the store you will find 10 Planar 19” and 17” open frame monitors built into 4-foot high mirror columns, again running Nicola created content. The installation is sure to rank high on the creative installation list for Planar products!

The New York Magazine and Elle Magazine are two of the many publications with comprehensive coverage of Nicola’s shop. (For those of you who can’t make it to New York in the next week to see the store in person.)

The Formichetti pop-up retail store is only open through Sept 21st. Planar displays will be included in additional pop-up retail stores in the series, running through December 14th. Stay tuned more for details!