AUSTRALIAN EVENT AWARDS
production company of the year
Overview
The stunning SEE LV Exhibition was a fitting homage to 160 years of Louis Vuitton’s (LV) contribution to the world of haute couture. The iconic fashion powerhouse engaged Stagekings to install and construct all exterior structures supporting an immersive experience which invited guests to ‘visit’ highlights of the company’s impact on high-end fashion over the decades. Gazing out over the Sydney Harbour from First Fleet Park in The Rocks, this hugely popular exhibition ran from January 2023 until late March, before being disassembled in April.
Benefit
Exhibition guests were invited to walk through an interior series of rooms presented interactive digital experiences, artistic collaborations and archival objects from LV’s many collections. Of direct benefit to LV was Stagekings extensive experience in imaginative set construction which allowed guests to delve into the world of the iconic House through an unparalleled immersive experience.
The SEE LV Exhibition showcased Stagekings’ reputation for providing high-end, exacting finishes on our constructions that reflects the prestige and quality of well-known luxury fashion brands. We have recently constructed other successful similar installations and events for brands including Dior and Van Cleef. Our extensive experience in this luxury sector gave LV confidence that their exhibition was in the safest of hands.
Influence
Our tried-and-tested project management processes were key to the successful running of this event. Stagekings was responsible for installing and constructing all components of the exterior structure; pieces that each needed to project a flawless, impeccable finish, while also being rapidly built. Stagekings required just one month in December 2022 to build the structure.
The installation altogether took 24 weeks, including prework in Stagekings fabrication warehouses. We enhanced stakeholder management with LV and gave them confidence in the overall and detailed quality of workmanship for the SEE LV Exhibition. A parallel opening night structure for SEE LV was also constructed and delivered to the same specifications as the exhibition structure and built on site.
SEE LV
Challenges and innovation
The logistics of working in a very small site and LV’s exacting requirements brought many challenges. For example, the location between Circular Quay Rail Station and the Museum of Contemporary Art attracts high foot traffic, causing continual challenges. To access the site, Stagekings used 60 smaller trucks for drop offs. Only one site access was permitted and equipment was only delivered as needed to save space.
The 8m H x 34m x 16m structure was waterproofed to safeguard the irreplaceable LV artefacts. Stagekings printed the highly detailed façade designed by LV, which was required to have its geometrical elements align on the exterior panels to within just 1mm. Such exactitude required exceptional precision for such large panels – a process complicated and delayed by unseasonably high rainfall during construction in December. Nonetheless, Stagekings leveraged our extensive experience to meet these high-quality expectations within budget and met all deadlines to ensure interior works could commence on time.
As an innovative sustainability bonus for the City of Sydney, Stagekings fully plumbed the internal roof structure to feed stormwater runoff into the First Fleet Park gardens and surrounds. To further protect the LV treasures, the structure was vermin-proofed and featured air-conditioning throughout.
Stagekings’ innovative construction method involved much roof work on the ground, before raising it using motors. This improved safety and precision of finishes. Additionally, cladding used refrigerated panels which included temperature and sound insulation properties, enhancing visitor comfort and artefact preservation. This public exhibition structure was fully building code compliant (with ramps, stairs, and a lift for accessibility).
“We knew we needed the best in the business to achieve the outcome we desired. Stagekings possessed the vision and expertise needed to bring our ideas to life. The professionalism, resourcefulness, and meticulous planning demonstrated were integral to the success of the project and are a testament to Stagekings' unparalleled commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering exceptional results” - Barry Water, Rizer (LV’s Project Management firm for the overall event).
The SEE LV Exhibition was a highly successful leg of the trailblazing SEE LV international tour, attracting a high volume of visitors, contributing to the allure of this luxury brand by reinforcing its history and creativity. Meeting LV’s quality expectations within this tight program and very constrained site was an achievement that has further reinforced Stagekings reputation for going above and beyond to ensure our clients are thrilled with the standard of presentation for their events and exhibitions.