The duo behind Confetti System, Julie Ho and Nicholas Andersen, have built an empire by crafting whimsically chic displays out of simple materials like tissue paper, mylar and glitter. Their installations, sculptures and creations that flutter and glimmer have caught the eye of major fashion houses and their unusual approach to retail display and adornment has graced shops like Opening Ceremony, Lanvin and Bergdorf Goodman. Capsule has invited the former art school kids turned retail artists to demonstrate their techniques and concepts. See them in action at Capsule New York Women’s, as the duo suggest some compelling display ideas as part of our ongoing series, Elements of Retail. Creating a memorable and enticing display statement doesn’t have to a super expensive, over the top affair, according to the Confetti System’s Julie Ho and Nicholas Andersen. “With any sort of object or installation that we create; our main goal is transmitting an energy and transforming the mood of the space,” says Julie. “We can do this with very simple materials. We both are really inspired by paper, and just very simple materials that you come upon.”
Their materials may be simple, but the result is nothing more than spectacular. They’ve created giant mylar confetti cats for a Glamour magazine feline-themed pop up shop in New York, and have installed abstract geometric mobile centerpieces to create some dramatic displays at Lane Crawford. Their creations are so beautiful and eye catching, and convey a very unique point of view, yet they are able to customize their creations to fit the needs of each of their clients. “Each retailer that approaches us for collaboration, challenges us to think about our aesthetic and our brand, and how we can translate what we’re doing into something that will work for what they’re doing. Just understanding what their story is or what their true aesthetic is helps us create,” Julie explains.
Confetti System likes to take a holistic approach to their work, and thinks about everything from fixtures, to lighting. “What’s exciting when we go into certain spaces is when we see a whole store or space come together as an our immersive environment, versus certain key areas that are designated for display,” explains Julie. “We love when a retailer, or really anyone, thinks of their space as a whole project. Telling the story of all the objects within it in a better way, and bringing out the reason of why someone curated the selection of goods together.”
We’ve asked Confetti System to create an installation at Capsule to demonstrate how their form of interior décor and display can make a major impact at retail. “For Capsule we’re launching our new party pieces, which are based on classic hanging paper decorations,” Nick tells us. “We’re exploring different ways of installing them, from traditional hanging decorations to applying them onto walls and creating patterns and wall panels. Basically, using those and mixing those with our classic fringe metallic pieces and garlands, just to create sort of a new thing.”
Confetti System’s Tips for creating compelling display in your store
- Find a good balance in creating a visually stunning display that won’t overpower the merchandise statement.
- Work with what you’ve got. If your space is raw, appreciate the rawness of it. If it’s a new construction, appreciate what’s great about that.
- You don’t need to spend a ton of money to create a beautiful environment.
- Trust your instincts. If you’re in love with some crazy silver piñata and you’re like, ‘will this work with everything else over the years?’ Yes, it can.
