Fabric hits the runway

Published On: March 1, 2007

The event. Paul Mitchell Fashion Show stage set for a traveling trade show exhibit and/or hair show event.

The company. Pink, Inc, New York, N.Y.

The task. John Paul Mitchell Systems hired Pink, Inc. to build two large tension fabric structures. Featuring larger than life photographs, the 12- x 12- x 18-foot dye sublimated fabric elements were “pillowcased” over an aluminum tube frame armature created specifically for the client.

Challenges. Pink, Inc. received the assignment less than three weeks from installation and the start of touring. With such tight deadlines, Pink, Inc. worked with a streamlined design approval process.

Solution. Working with the large-scale photographic elements required meticulous attention to detail to match seams and images. State of the art CAD software allowed Pink, Inc. to get the renderings accurate. The drawings were used as guides for building the structures.

Pink, Inc. used 10-foot wide Lycra® spandex fabric, and worked with the images so that each print was its own panel. Since each seam was a transition, the finished product created a “seamless” look. Paul Mitchell logo panels also fit into this design and installation format.

Result. The finished tension structures offered photo-realistic large-scale printing with vibrant colors and detail. The dynamic spiral shapes allowed the models to come inside, change, and make a grand entrance to the audience. The ease of installation and portability of the printed tension fabric structures created an impressive set design and trade show booth.

Lou Dzierzak is the editor of Fabric Graphics.