A Flurry of Fabric and Finishing Touches as Designers and Showrooms Complete their Urbis Designday 09 Installations

With less than a week to go, fashion designers and showrooms are going through the final plans to make sure this Urbis Designday is bigger, more colourful and more ‘out there’ than ever. This Saturday 28th March will see nine central Auckland showrooms transformed into anything from a ‘30s Prohibition Speakeasy, to a beach setting, or Andy Warhol’s Studio.
Now in its fourth year, Designday guests will be taken on an exclusive showroom tour to see the best of original design. New Zealand’s top fashion designers and leading design showrooms have again collaborated to bring you inspirational installations and interiors.
This year Designday guests have been asked to register on-line and pay a $20 participation fee but this has done nothing to deter the popularity of the day. Pamela Jamieson, AGM Publishing’s event manager says “We’re delighted with the number of registrations we’ve had so far and, with just under a week to go, we expect up to 2,000 visitors will attend on Designday.”
The themes and visions for each showroom are as varied as the fashion designers themselves. From the minimalist to the OTT, dark to the light, the cheeky to austere, all will be revealed for one day only. Brief details of what each designer and showroom are doing are allowed to be disclosed but designers are wanting to keep tight lipped on exactly what they have in store for Designday guests.
Apartmento & Crane Brothers are all about tailoring. A makeshift workroom will be created with a sewing machine, racks of fabric and an expert tailor, cutting and sewing. Expect props, authenticity and getting up close to quality craftsmanship.
Cite & World will take you back in time to Andy Warhol’s infamous Factory, being represented in fine form by the creative minds of Benny Castles and Francis Hooper. It’ll be eye catching, eye popping as you enter their interactive 3D installation.
Coast & Emma Kate Bamford Design want you to experience island living in an urban setting. The showroom atmosphere will take you back to the bach, decorated to look like a beach house with plants, sand and other surprise props to emphasise the effect. It can get thirsty at the beach so 42 Below are doing a 'Coast Island Cocktail'.
Design Denmark & Lonely Hearts are creating ‘a day at the motocross’ for Designday guests. Night transcends day as the showroom gets blacked out in favour of the brightness of the new Lonely Hearts sportswear range of protective clothing. Guests will leave feeling like they just walked out of a highly fashionable speedway.
Inovo & Jaeha bring you a display centred on the question; “what would extraordinary people do in their private time?” Look inside the private sphere of peoples’ lives in a provocative display with a playful twist. The showroom will be been sectioned off with mannequins depicting scenes from real life, scenes that happen only behind closed doors.
Matisse / Kouzina & Karen Walker will be creating a colourful and fun space utilising Karen Walker’s Resene colour range. Painted kitchen implements and utensils will be creatively placed in the one of the kitchens to show off the colours.
Natuzzi & Lucie Boshier will secretly take you inside the 1930’s Cotton Club. This prohibition club is a place of mystery and exclusiveness. With themed characters, entertainment and the discrete consumption of alcohol this hazy and relaxed space will amaze you with its transformation from an Italian furniture store.
Poggenpohl / Lifestyle Appliances & Huffer want you to expel any preconceived notions about Huffer and Poggenpohl as they work together to “free the fish”. With real life protesters and ocean imagery this will be a wacky and fun display. Expect fishy dishes, loud music, and lots of energy.
The Westin & Zambesi are creating a scene set for luxury using the picturesque location and design of The Westin hotel . Zambesi are utilising the lounge area with mannequins, water and lighting creating a beautiful display.
“Designday guests are in for a real treat this year,” says Urbis event manager Pamela Jamieson. “Months of planning go into this unique day as each year brings different themes, entertainment and surprises for visitors,” she said. “We expect both designers and showrooms to outdo themselves and to make this the best Designday yet.”


Urbis Designday Event Details

Date: Saturday 28th March
Time: 10am – 5pm
Venue: Nine central Auckland showrooms

Guests must pre-register online and pay $20 to receive their Designday Pass which covers entry to the showrooms and complimentary transport on the day.

To register please visit: www.urbismagazine.com/designday/registration

For those that run out of time to register online there will be Designday passes available for purchase on the day. These are available from The Westin hotel on the morning of Designday.