Visit Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs x Barbie
For the globally-renowned London Design Festival, Visit Greater Palm Springs, California teamed up with Mattel, Inc.’s Barbie® to commission the Landmark Project ‘Pavilions of Wonder’.
Multidisciplinary designer Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama was selected for the project, creating a large-scale immersive public artwork on Strand Aldwych, in central London. The installation celebrated the instantly-recognisable midcentury modern architecture prevalent throughout Greater Palm Springs and the iconic architecture of the Barbie DreamHouses, which have been, in part, inspired by the architecture of Greater Palm Springs and midcentury modernist style.
“Our installation celebrates the vibrant interplay of iconic design and playful imagination, highlighting the connection between these distinctive influences.”
Nina Tolstrup
Challenge
Greater Palm Springs sits in a sweet spot of Southern California, boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year.
An eternally-stylish destination with close proximity to LAX, its offering and ease of access from the UK is relatively unknown.
This presents an exciting opportunity to connect with UK holidaymakers in a creative, emotive and impactful way.
Insight
Greater Palm Springs is the global epicenter of mid-century modern design and architecture, appealing to design-savvy travellers since the golden era of Hollywood.
In fact, Greater Palm Springs design credentials have been so influential that even the iconic Barbie DreamHouses have, in part, been inspired by the destination's architecture and midcentury modernist style.
Solution
We sought out partnerships that would put Visit Greater Palm Springs on the global stage; partners with shared values and audiences – London Design Festival and Mattel, Inc.’s Barbie®.
We commissioned an LDF Landmark Project (the first tourist board to ever do so), working with Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama.
Then, we invited the world's media – art, design, lifestyle and travel – for a preview of our playful, interactive public artwork.