Brief:
In late July, we received an exciting inquiry from Lush, who asked us to support their busy events team by organising the launch party of their latest product collaboration: BARBIE x LUSH. Set to take place on 10th August 2023 at the flagship Oxford Street store. The event was designed to engage press, influencers, and industry guests’ by celebrating and showcasing the new products. The objective was clear: transform the store into a captivating oasis of pink. complete with delicious, themed catering options including sweet treats, a photo moment, designed lighting and furniture, and entertainment.
Delivery:
We wanted to incorporate pink photo opportunities throughout the store, and create a neon pink staircase. Given that the store remained open to customers until 8pm, with the party set to begin at 8.30pm, the Story team developed a meticulously coordinated setup process. With the lighting transformation and installation of a pink vinyl facade wrap taking place the evening prior.
As space was limited and with customer experience before the event a priority, many items couldn’t be set until the the store was closed, meaning we had a 30 minute window before guests arrival. It was all hands-on deck with Story coordinating suppliers and movement of furniture to transform the space from store to launch party. No space was left untouched with product displays, food stalls, activations and dancefloor on the first floor, and with product making, doughnut wall, seating areas, photo opportunity and a cloakroom on the ground floor.
On arrival, guests were greeted by themed brand ambassadors the running guestlist on a pink carpet before heading into the space via the perfect Barbie Box photo opportunity and a chance to try the bubble bath foam.
Guests then made their way to the first floor, where they were welcomed with delicious ‘Barbie’ and ‘Ken’ cocktails and Veuve Clicquot Pink Champagne and the chance to catch a bubblegum flavoured bubble in their mouth from a bubble volcano activation, inspired by the lush product range.
The food and drinks flowed throughout the evening, from a glittery pink food station serving up delicious vegan dogs, with all the toppings, to a revolving conveyor belt filled with themed treats. Music filled the air by the magnificent Mark-Ashley Dupé. Performances were followed by Izzy Bossy and a headline DJ set from Eliza Rose.
The evening ended with lots of happy Barbies and Kens.
Result:
We anticipated 150 guests, with close to 300 attending, the store looked like an amazing pink oasis and it was such an incredible event to be a part of.
“Thank you for organising such a wonderful event for the launch of our Barbie collaboration. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves, and we had really great feedback from everyone who attended. As always, you were all a lovely bunch to work with, and I hope there will be plenty of other things we can work on together in the future.” – Senior Creative at Lush
Photographer: Anna Fuchs
