events

Beaubourg [2001]

In 2001, a field of some 150,000 artificial poppies produced in Japan were “planted” by hand in the square in front of the Centre Pompidou (known as “Beaubourg”), inspired by Kenzo’s newly-released “Flower by Kenzo” perfume.

As part of the Kenzo marketing team, working in conjunction with the Baccarat agency, I helped to plan and execute what was a truly unique event. Appealing to multiple senses, we designed the installation to attract passersby and entice them to take pause and enjoy the full experience.

The striking blush of the petals coupled with discreet murmuring of “poppies” through hidden speakers and delicate lighting at night were further enhanced by Paris’s innate beauty and created a breeze of fresh air in the middle of a very urban environment.

The Kenzo poppy installation was so well-received and effective, our team created similar events across Paris the following year.

Residents and tourists alike were treated to a magical sense of anticipation and surprise, waking up to fields of poppies in unexpected places, each inscribed with Haiku.

People were invited to pick their own flower, the accompanying poem providing a personalised message from Kenzo. The company rolled out similar events across the world.

Annual WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education) Summit – Education Above All

Education Above All is a global initiative that strives to protect children’s right to education. The organisation appointed me to graphicaly animate and do the branding of its stand at the annual WISE summit in Doha, Qatar. My focus was on creating a visually impactful presence that incorporated the initiative’s logo with compelling but sensitive photographs of the children most in need of its programmes. My intention was to elicit compassion without shocking the audience, showing the real impact EAA’s work has on those communities it serves and the financial support it needs to sustain its crucial work.