Concept, Design and Production of this special edition fine art book (published by Gallimard, France) to accompany Christo’s first exhibition in a museum dedicated to fashion — The musée YVES SAINT LAURENT marrakech. mYSLm
Available in both English and French, the book provides a compilation of the work featured in the exhibition: Christo: Femmes 1962 – 1968, and includes never-before-published photographs as well as stills by Charles Wilp from his original 35mm films which document Christo’s wrapping of women in London and Düsseldorf. Additional photographs of the artist’s work between 1962 and 1968 are also included from Christo wrapping a woman in Yves Klein’s Paris home in 1962 to the 1968 solo show at the ICA Philadelphia, the last time Christo wrapped women.The book also tells the story of this formative period of Christo’s career and his contributions to contemporary art.
The materials and attention to print details were carefully considered in the design process to represent Christo’s love of layering fabric and textures like “a second skin.”
Special Thanks to Madison Cox, President of the YSL Foundation, and Mouna Mekouar for supporting this project to its fullest.
Published by Gallimard, France and printed in Verona, Italy by EBS.
Note: Book sales went to support The YSL Foundation. Christo and Jeanne-Claude refuse profit from the sale of merchandise or books. They are huge supporters of the Arts and only profit from the sale of original artworks.
Photography: Brett Cody Rogers, Still Is The Life
Animal World Invitation
The Animal World logo was developed for Chopard’s 150th anniversary events which showcased a collection of 150 one-of-a-kind high jewelry pieces inspired by animals.
The cover illustration of this invitation was hand drawn by Erin and incorporates a selection of the jewelry pieces, inspired by the technical concept sketches of the jewelry designer. The illustration was executed in gold foil stamping. A watercolor painting, also by Erin, was created for the inside of the invite and incorporated the corporate blue of Chopard as requested by the CEO.
Additional printed collateral included; Engraved save the dates, place cards and napkins, a Letterpressed double sided menu, Foil stamped concierge folders and clip boards.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude Barrels and The Mastaba 1958-2018.
A Book Design collaboration with Taschen and Lorenza Giovanelli. This book accompanied Christo’s exhibition at The Serpentine Galleries and gathers drawings, collages, technical data, scale models—many published for the first time—and photographs by Wolfgang Volz to trace Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s 60-year history of barrel artworks.
Images courtesy of Taschen
Concept and Design of the complete Merchandise collection sold at the Serpentine Galleries for Christo’s The London Mastaba, Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park 2016-2018, a temporary floating sculpture on the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. The sculpture was accompanied by an exhibition of works: Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Barrels and The Mastaba 1958-2018, on view June 19 - September 9, 2018.
The Merchandise design concept was inspired by the 7,506 horizontally stacked oil barrels. The sides of the barrels, visible on the top and on the two slanted walls of the sculpture, red with an illusion of white stripes. The circular ends of the barrels, visible on the two vertical walls, were blue, mauve and a different hue of red.
Items included: T-shirts, Sweatshirt, Tote, Umbrella, Keychain, Postcards, Notebook, Pencil tube, Mugs, Jane Carr silk and wool scarves made with one of Christo’s paintings.
Note: All of the Merchandise sales went to support The Serpentine Galleries. Christo and Jeanne-Claude refuse profit from the sale of merchandise or books. They are huge supporters of the Arts and only profit from the sale of original artworks.
Photography: Brett Cody Rogers, Still Is The Life
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) presented Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980–83 | A Documentary Exhibition, an exhibition of archival materials and artworks around the renowned artists’ site-specific 1983 installation, Surrounded Islands, in Miami’s Biscayne Bay. The exhibition was on view from October 4, 2018 through February 18, 2019, and commemorated the 35th anniversary of Surrounded Islands.
This exciting project called for the conceptual development, design and production of a collection of museum store merchandise to accompany the exhibition. Each item was thoughtfully developed with Christo’s enthusiastic approval.
Items included: A limited edition letterpressed box set of 9 Surrounded Islands enamel pins, individual Surrounded Islands pins on letterpressed cards, Foil stamped notepad, Made in Italy T-shirts (4 designs), knit Made in Italy Island 9-10 shirt, BAGGU Christo “quote” tote, Jane Carr silk “Surrounded Islands press release” scarf, Surrounded Islands straw visor.
Note: The sale of all Merchandise went to support The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Christo and Jeanne-Claude refuse to profit from the sale of merchandise or books. They are huge supporters of the Arts and only profit from the sale of original artworks.
Photography: Brett Cody Rogers, Still Is The Life
Design collaboration with Christo for Taschen’s 846 page Collector’s Edition (1,000 copies), signed by Christo and Wolfgang Volz, with a 24 x 24 cm swatch of The Floating Piers’ original dahlia yellow fabric.
Other The Floating Piers related projects included: Design of monitor uniforms, website, print collateral, visitor maps and edition prints.
Images courtesy of Taschen
A full circle Brand Identity project for FILD— An online recruiting platform looking to appeal to a younger generation.
In addition to the Brand Identity, strategy and voice, we produced all new content to accompany the concept of “Filling a seat”:
Employers, Fill a seat.
Candidates, Find a seat.
Recruiters, Take a seat.
The Photography concept was to use the bold new color palette as a background and to photograph a variety of individuals who may be interviewing for a job. The result is a playful and memorable look unlike any other recruiting firm. Our goal was to stand out and to set the stage for a new approach to recruiting.
The website is simple, direct and playful. It will be expanded upon as they grow to incorporate a directory of recruiters.
Photography: Kent Rogowski
Produced in collaboration with @12ozcollective, this seminal collection reflects the icons and ideas that define the SWAE community: wilderness, wildlife, exploration, collaboration, survival, heritage. Interpreted through a lens of innovation, we pushed ourselves to create new connections that could, in turn, catalyze a community of dreamers to dig deeper, reach higher, and touch the edge of what’s possible.
ANOTHER [ARCHIVE] is a luxury women's label from Barcelona with a romantic and nostalgic edge, designed by Founder Cristina Fernandez. The brand is carried in niche boutiques such as Dover Street Market, IF SOHO, Robin Richman, and many other international shops with a similar flair for whimsical and unique aesthetic.
We were asked to collaborate with A[A] to create a concept for their FW22 Collection — [Inside]Out. The scope of work included; Concept Development, Graphic Design, Creation of all visual content, Creative Direction artwork, Website and Catalogue (both digital and print).
Inside Out was created in collaboration with four incredible artists; Terry Addison, a calligraphy artist based in San Francisco, Tati Compton, a well-known hand-poke tattoo artist in LA with a niche for the spiritual and the feminine, Melissa Constandse, a Brooklyn designer behind Open Sea Design Co., and Lidia Masllorens, a fine artist from Barcelona.
Delicate stretch tulle tops with romantic wildflower graphics sit like a second skin under recycled black leather coats with gathered shoulders, fitted waists and raw seams. Magical viscose silk skirts and dresses in red-pink and cream hues are inked with ethereal images and irresistible phrases fit for the woman who is tied to the moon. Voluminous off-white skirts in shiny, quilted heart-stitch fabric are worn under slouchy soft cotton sweatshirts with stunning calligraphy and graphics that will call out your inner mystic. Untamed fake fur coats and chunky knit scarves in hand- spun Spanish merino wool can be thrown over stunning dresses in shiny, quilted fabric with a vintage floral stitch. Soft black leather corsets are paired with wide leather pants or delicate faded pink and cream tulle skirts under red-pink oversize padded coats. Our playful garments invite you to be at once vulnerable and full of courage, to create your own manifestation of what it means to be you, from the inside out.
SWAE is redefining the luxury car industry with custom built super cars. Mclaren, Lamborghini and Maserati are just a few of the names reinvented by this bespoke Skunkworks niche car “shop.”
We felt that the DNA of SWAE resonated with the Ouroboros — an ancient alchemical symbol depicting a snake swallowing its own tail. It expresses the unity of all things, material and spiritual, which never disappear but perpetually change form in an eternal cycle of destruction and re-creation — just like their cars.
Because of this significant symbolism and the undeniable fact that the snake is a swift, mysterious and luxurious creature in nature, we decided that it would be the ideal mascot to align the brand with.
The Brand Identity System incorporates various iterations of the SWAE snake as well as an “S” mark which can be used interchangeably in various circumstances.
Stay tuned…there is much more to come from our collaboration with SWAE.
Project Team: Erin Bazos, Allen Benedikt, 12ozPROPHET, William Bahan
Read more about Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped
L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, a temporary artwork for Paris, was on view for 16 days from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, October 3, 2021. It was planned during Christo’s lifetime but was realized just after his death on May 31st, 2020.
Having been a part of Christo’s “Working Family” since 2009 — his Graphic Designer— I had the pleasure, and excitement, of designing various pieces for this final project such as;
The Design and production of the Worker’s Uniforms which were worn besides the Monitors who were dressed in uniforms Custom made by the Issey Miyake studio.
The Badge System for all guests and visitors, similar to the concept I previously designed for The Floating Piers in Italy.
Bloomberg App for the project which guided visitors and gave them a digital way finding resource with hours, maps and project details.
Concept and Design for the Monitor’s Uniforms who worked from June 18 to July 3, 2016 as staff for Christo’s The Floating Piers in Lake Iseo, Italy. It was important that the uniforms stood out and contrasted the orange fabric of the piers. This was important so that they would stand out in photographs as well as be visible to visitors in search of assistance or information..
The overalls were custom stitched with orange thread and had a graphic of the pier configuration on the bib. Long sleeve T-shirts had silk screened arms. Matching dark blue sun hats with “Christo and Jeanne-Claude” silk screened on the side were a bit hit for some needed shade.
Special thanks to my dear friends in Italy, ELisa Barbieri and Alessandro Molinari or 00:am for taking on the task to get the uniforms produced in Italy in record speed!
This Brand Identity was created for a giant bookstore in the main train station of Rome, Italy — Roma Termini. The client was intrigued by the idea of having a “mascot” to represent their brand. The solution, a beautiful bird, otherwise known as the “traveler” and a symbol of literature since the creation of “Mother Goose” nursery rhymes.
[English]
The Canadian Goose comes and goes like the passengers of trains. It expresses the freedom of movement — from departure to arrival.
Like the Canadian goose, a reader is always ready to take flight on the wings of literature and imagination. And so, we wish you “buon viaggio!” with a book from BorriBooks.
—
[Italian]
L'anatra va e ritorna, proprio come i passeggeri dei treni. Esprime la libertà di movimento. Dell'andata e del ritorno. Come l’anatra, il lettore è sempre pronto: a prendere il volo sulle ali della lettura e dell'immaginazione.
E allora, buon viaggio con un libro Borri Books.
Mikimoto
Product photography, concept development and styling
Project
4 Seasons Concept, Styling and Photography for a one-of-a-kind collection of Mikimoto high jewelry.
Description
To concept and style a photoshoot for each of the 4 seasons to accompany the suite of high jewelry (necklace, ring and earrings) bearing the seasons' name; Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall.
Design
Completed 2013
Erin Bazos, Creative Director, Stylist
Allen Benedikt, Photographer
ANOTHER [ARCHIVE] is a luxury women's label from Barcelona with a romantic and nostalgic edge, designed by Founder Cristina Fernandez. The brand is carried in niche boutiques such as Dover Street Market, IF SOHO, Robin Richman, and many other international shops with a similar flair for whimsical and unique aesthetic.
We were asked to collaborate with A[A] on the birth of the concept for their FW23 Collection — Snowland. The scope of work included; Concept Development, Graphic Design, Consulting on the Collection itself and garments produced, Website and Catalogue (both digital and print).
Mikimoto, Product Catalogue
Project
Design and production management for the 2016-17 Mikimoto product catalogue.
Description
This unique, one-of-a-kind catalogue was inspired by “Kizen”, a concept used by the Japanese in the medieval ages to describe the anticipation or swelling of possibility before something happens; the moment before delight overows; a seed just prior to sprouting; the fully prepared bud awaiting its flowering; the 14-day moon, just before it becomes full; water whose surface tension has grown and is about to spill over.
“Kizen" represents a latent space in which all events, facts and conditions abide peacefully in a free state immediately before they are revealed, expressed, or developed in the non-virtual world.
We developed a poetic narrative to accompany each product and to give it context. The texts set the reader up for the revealing of the jewelry piece on the following page. Each page incorporated a cut-out which related to the piece itself.
Catalogue text:
The brimming, electric air before a cloudburst
The big, deep breath before diving in
The slow, dreamy rise of alpenglow before it vanishes into night
The milk-white sky holding back a downpour of snowakes
The gradual unveiling of a full moon
The graceful uncurling of a fragrant, white blossom
The wide elds luminous with a spatter of morning dew
The undisturbed, silky surface of a lake before rainfall
The hush of a vast night sky, red up by a shooting star
The sweet invitation of an unopened gift
Design
Completed 2016
Erin Bazos, Designer
Cahiers d’Art, Paris.
Artist's Apparel Collection
Design and production of a limited edition apparel collection sold exclusively by Cahiers d’Art, Paris. In addition to a basic Cahiers D’art sweatshirt/pant set based on the concept of the gallery revue, this collection features a Marcel Duchamp “Coeur Volant” hoodie, an Alexander Calder chess set hoodie, and a hoodie with the artwork of Gabriel Orozco.
Cahiers d’Art is one of the world’s most distinguished publishers of the visual arts. Founded in Paris in 1926 in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Cahiers d’Art encompasses a publishing house, a gallery, and a revue of art catalogs defined by their striking layout and design.
The Reserve Collection Bust
Concept, Design and Fabrication of this distinct bust form made to showcase Mikimoto's most precious collection of flawless pearls — The Reserve Collection.
The form was inspired by the oyster shell and royal gowns from the 18th century.
This project was done in collaboration with the award winning architects: SU11 Architecture + Design
Chopard's Spring catalog mailer.
I am because we are | 150 Posters For Solidarity
La Rotonda della Besana, Milano
Project
Ubuntu, or “human kindness,” is a unifying term within several humanist philosophies that describes “the quality of being human.” But the meaning of Ubuntu goes beyond simple kindness. Ubuntu embodies the ideas of connection, of community, and of mutual caring for all. Ubuntu states that, “a person is a person through other people,” or, “I am, because of you.”
50 professional designers from all over the world, 50 students and 50 children were asked to design a poster around this South African concept. The show was created and curated by the famed Italian Graphic Designer Armando Milani.
Poster Description
This graphic depicts a mother breastfeeding her child, represented here as a white dove. As it grows, the dove-child will become a messenger to humankind of Ubuntu, spreading the compassion and values that have nourished it from childhood.
Stationery, The Floating Piers
Project
Design of the stationery system for Christo's most recent project, The Floating Piers, which took place in Italy on Lake Iseo from June 18 - July 3, 2016.
Description
Business cards, Letterhead, Envelope, Pencil
Design
Completed 2015
Erin Bazos, Creative director & Designer
A full circle Brand Identity Design project for a Pediatric Urgent Care chain in Illinois. The Identity was designed to function like a set of building blocks. The pieces that make up the logo were used to make a variety of icons and images throughout the space.
Mikimoto had the great honor of presenting their Parure collecion, and we had the great honor of designing the Identity and luxurious collateral to accompany it.
Historically, a Parure (a suite consisting of a matching necklace, ring and earrings) was bestowed only upon royalty and the wealthier echelon of society. The elegant women of the royal court often displayed a Parure to signify their status.
We designed a wrapped wooden box set of large fine art prints and decorative story cards (each box set contained the prints of the complete Parure suite categorized by gemstone among other informational material pertaining to Mikimoto and the suite design). The boxes came wrapped in a custom designed kimono made of a very precious fabric called Nishijin, popularized by the nobles of the imperial Courts of Kyoto and the Samurai class. Nishijin is a special weaving technique developed over 1,200 years ago.
Logo collaboration with the brilliant Neil Secretario
FREEDOM MANIFESTO
Humanity on the Move | Umanità in Movimento
Museo Centrale Montemartini, Roma
Project
Erin Bazos was one of 40 artists and visual designers of international renown invited to transform their viewpoints on a current global issue and phenomenon: the migration of men and women fleeing war, misery, overwhelming strife.
Questioned about the fundamental right to freedom, the designers involved were asked to answer in the form of a poster. The result was a collective exhibition called FREEDOM MANIFESTO and took place at the renowned Museo Central Montemartini in Rome, Italy.
Description
The Centro interdisciplinare di ricerca sul paesaggio contemporaneo launched an appeal to artists and visual designers of international renown intent upon gathering their viewpoints on a phenomenon currently plain for all to see: the migration of men and women fleeing war, misery, overwhelming strife.
Questioned about the fundamental right to freedom, the authors involved came up with a reflection in the form of a poster, a communicative means chosen to divulge – in words and images – their message. The result is a great collective exhibition whose objective is to raise awareness about, and urge, new perceptions concerning a topical theme of great importance: immigration.
The idea is to set forth, to claim a vision which seems unable to find sufficient space in the contemporary landscape: the democratic principle of equal dignity for all. An invitation to renew our perspective on a phenomenon which is of crucial importance today – but also historically perpetual, universal – , that of a humanity inspired by the hope for a better existence.
Does the poster, a form of mass communication which burst onto the scene in the second half of the nineteenth century, still represent today a means capable of capturing attention and divulging a message? Can a poster change the world?
It would be naive not to admit that sometimes, just a few words, or a single image are enough to make us see things through different eyes. This is the Utopia of the possible, which continues to find expression in every one of our ideas.
Designer
Erin Bazos
Illustration
Matty Huynh
Go Jays!
Design of the new Blue School mascot, environmental graphics, jerseys and school merchandise.
The Blue School Jays are shooting through space, in motion, aiming in a multitude of directions—like arrows being shot through the sky with precision across the fields and indoor courts. This design represents the drive and determination that takes one to victory. The italic typeography of the word Jays puts us in motion, points us forward. This new wordmark is hand lettered so as to be the same typeface as the Blue School logo, but in its italic counterpart. This keeps it harmonious, familiar, and flexible. The Jays wordmark can live alone without the bird, but typically sits as one unit, with a playful toy-like quality that the kids will love because it can be positioned at different angles, on different trajectories. It is sharp and fast and begs to be played with. The applications are endless.
A 360° brand identity and interior design project for a bustling locale in the theatre district of Milan, Italy. Trulli Love is a restaurant and store bringing you the best of the Mediterranean, and in particular the region of Puglia.
www.trullilove.com
Collaborators: Cristina Ottolini, Neil Secretario
An elaborate invitation for the launch of Swarovski's capsule collection collaboration with Zoë Kravitz. This invitation concept revolved around the mood board imagery of Zoë Kravitz. Translucent layers of collage, color and real Swarovski crystals made for a very unique and inspirational invitation.
A 360° brand identity and interior design project for a bustling locale in the theatre district of Milan, Italy. Trulli Love is a restaurant and store bringing you the best of the Mediterranean, and in particular the region of Puglia.
www.trullilove.com
Collaborators: Cristina Ottolini, Neil Secretario
Chopard, Watch display system
Project
To design a distinct new watch display system for Chopard’s various collections; Happy Diamonds, Imperiale, L.U.C, and Mille Miglia.
Description
Each watch collection needed its own branded display to help distinguish between collections and to tell a more specific story, while simultaneously maintaining the overall Chopard brand image. The Chopard trade accounts needed a display that was both functional and fool proof. When watches are sold, there is not always another to immediately replace it within the display and therefore we had to develop a solution to prevent empty spaces as well as prevent the possibility to overcrowd and include more watches than recommended. To achieve this versatility, we incorporated drawers and flip boxes.
Design
Completed 2014
Creative director: Erin Bazos
Designer: Marcus Eilinger, id connect, Switzerland
Website, The Floating Piers
Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Project
Website design and development
thefloatingpiers.com
Description
To design and develop the website for The Floating Piers. The site served not only as a tourist guide, but also as the space to house all images and video of the progress of the project as well as images for the press.
Design
Completed 2016
Erin Bazos, Creative director
Design & Development, Twin Collective
© Photography: Wolfgang Volz
A brand identity project and website.
Duette prepares and delivers healthy, wholesome foods in the most nutritious, time-honored ways so your family can eat eat better to live better.
Creative Direction of photography for a Chopard advertisement showcasing the Ganesh Pendants.
Photography: Allen Benedikt
Exhibition Design for Christo’s Three Store Fronts at the Brussels Art Fair.
Native New Yorker DJ, Mel DeBarge has established his name on the International Party Scene and among the stars.
Mel came to our first design meeting with a vision of pink, purple and bowties.
The resulting Identity was designed to appear as if it was vibrating to the beat of the music. We also developed luxurious print collateral with metallic foils and fine papers so that his business cards alone would be able to convey the vibe and style of Mel DeBarge.
A special event invitation for Janele Monae at the W Hotel.
Logotype, Identity and album artwork for songwriter, producer and recording artist Rico Love.
Love has written and produced hit records which include Usher’s “There Goes My Baby,” Nelly’s “Just a Dream,” Trey Songz “Heart Attack,” Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation” feat Lil’ Wayne and Beyoncé’s “Sweet Dreams,” and has contributed to Grammy Award winning works such as Beyoncé’s 2009 Best Contemporary R&B album “I Am... Sasha Fierce,” Usher’s 2010 Best Contemporary R&B album “Raymond v. Raymond,” and Usher’s 2010 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance “There Goes My Baby.” In addition, Love has written and produced records for artists such as Fergie, Chris Brown, A$AP Rocky, David Guetta, Wiz Khalifa and Mary J Blige.
Art Direction for a Shiseido product launch commercial. This commercial was created to introduce a new eye cream product: Bio Performance Super Corrective Eye Cream.
A collaboration with: Beige & Co. www.beige.company
Album Artwork
Concept and illustration of this fun children's album by Paper Canoe Co., a local Brooklyn theater company.
Illustration: Yelena Bryksenkova.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Greeting Cards
Project
Design of luxury holiday cards
Description
These glamorous foil on foil and gold engraved cards were designed for Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Eid Mubarak greetings.
Design
Completed 2012 & 2013
Erin Bazos, Creative director & Designer
Design of a luxurious gift card for a special Mikimoto event.
Single artwork for Leroy's By My Side.
Spring window display for the Mikimoto Boutique, 5th avenue NY, NY.
Design and print production of a promotional John Hardy mailer.
A hand painted cherry blossom mural for Spring at Mikimoto. We caused quite a scene on 5th avenue! Everyone stopped to watch and photograph the work in progress by artist Eric Beare.
Autumn windows at Mikimoto on 5th avenue. This was a very tedious installation consisting of 10 different vinyl types / colors (se last image) applied to each wind section on their own layer. The color palette reflects the various pearl colors in a playful way.
Window display for the Mikimoto boutique on 5th Avenue NY, NY
Event design and print collateral for Chopard's Oscars weekend.
The deign of a playful promotional mailer for a fine printer.
A Brand Identity project for a new business led by two determined Mothers eager to provide busy families with an easier route to nutritious and wholesome home cooked meals.
Creative Direction of photography for Mikimoto.
Photography: Ty Cole www.tycole.com
Brand Identity for a law firm in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Identity Design for a financial recruiting company based in L.A. and N.Y.
Oversize wedding certificate signed at the marriage of Lindsay Bazos to Drew Freeman.
Logotype design.
Identity design for the comeback of Maison Jansen, a Paris-based interior decoration office founded in 1880 by Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen. Jansen is considered the first truly global design firm.
Special event invitation for Hugo Boss, New York.
Identity Design and website for a rustic furniture company.
A special event invitation in the form of an oversize 2-fold, 2-sided poster delivered in an envelope. Gold and silver offset printing on a velvety black paper with metallic gold foil stamping made for a glamorous and memorable print piece.
