 ashion, they say, goes in one year and out the other. But when you’re designing an exhibit for hip-hop music mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ line of Sean Jean clothing, the challenge is to create one that lasts longer than Nehru jackets and bell bottoms. “Sean Combs told us to go to the next level,” says chief designer Tyler Obres of Interex. |
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| That next level is a double-deck, storefront-like exhibit inspired by platinum-price-tag retailers that never go out of style: Prada, Gucci, and Versace. “We also wanted to create a club-like atmosphere,” Obres says. A curved welcoming arch with the Sean John logo in Las Vegas-neon sets the exhibit’s exclusive tone. Velvet rope stanchions manned by bouncers — OK, staff people — offer the illusion of a club only the swank can enter. “Controlled access was a cornerstone of their previous exhibits,” Obres says. “It makes people feel special when they’re let inside.” In fact, a ground-floor lounge with gold records on the wall and suede leather couches allows Sean Jean personnel to entertain VIPs. Nineteen different retail-style selling areas — for casual wear, outerwear, etc. — and large closets stuffed with Sean Jean’s upscale attire make it easy for buyers to find the newest fashion must-have. The designers don’t expect to change the exhibit much in the future — unlike most fashion. Because, as Obres put it, “We created a classic.”  |
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| Double-Deck — More Than $150/sq. ft. Sean John InterEx, Amesbury, MA; 978-388-8755; www.interexexhibits.com MAGIC 2002 $1.5 million 40 by 100 feet $188 |
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Martha Stewart colors dominate inside the exhibit: pearl gray, sage green, stardust silver, wedding-dress white. An illuminated glass floor makes the room look-like a cocktail party at dusk. And a lighted showcase with dozens of mannequins, two-tiered racks, and 16-foot-high graphics display the extensive line of clothes. |
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