"Last season the new lightweight 20K projectors from Panasonic allowed us to bring projection to the catwalk that could hold its own against the show lighting. This season, touchscreen technology was added to allow visitors to interact with, and customise, their experience of the Canon cinema."
Returning to the sumptuous surroundings of Somerset House, Bacchus PR and London Fashion Week upped its game this year in terms of interactive technology. In addition to the exterior screen - upgraded to WinVision 8mm and 13sq.m in size - the main screen in the Canon Cinema became an 'on demand' viewing platform between the scheduled shows.
Controlled by touchscreen technology, iPads allowed visitors to pick shows they might have missed and catch up at their leisure - kiosk style.
In order for this to work effectively there needed to be close collaboration between the crew and the client as Charlotte Lurot from Bacchus PR explains, "In addition to the large outdoor LED screen onto which the shows are live-streamed providing a constant link between visitors and shows, Chaos worked very closely with us to develop an interactive touch-screen capability for the Canon Cinema.
"To ensure this sort of high tech facility is a success on site requires a crew that is responsive, efficient and creative. Alex Leinster and his team are all those things in addition to being an absolute joy to work with. Their 'can-do' attitude makes them nothing less than superstars in our eyes." The kiosk style interactive facility proved extremely popular: throughout the entire week it was packed with guests personalising their visit by choosing the shows that were of most interest to them.
The large outdoor screen was, once again, a central point in the Somerset House piazza bringing all the show action to the crowds outside. The quality of the colour bit depth is a vital element at this sort of event - accurate and vivid colour reproduction is a must at any fashion event - and once again Chaos' installation didn't disappoint.
Completing a packed week for both the client and the crew, Chaos supplied an array of display and projector equipment for the individual designer shows that took place throughout the week. A full camera system and Panasonic 20k Projectors were also supplied for Vodafone's sponsored show. There were six HXC100 camera channels and the screen mix was done on a Kayak HD desk with a RF Steadicam on hand as well.
"It is good to know that our enhanced contribution to this year's London Fashion Week has been so well received," says Leinster. "It has been a pleasure to work with the team from Bacchus and, here at Chaos, we look forward to new challenges next season."
(Jim Evans)
