In the context of the international fashion scene, where exhibition design and material research contribute to building the visual identity of fashion shows, technical materials also play a decisive role in defining the stage space. It is in this context that PolyPiù and the design studio (AB)NORMAL collaborated on a project developed for New York Fashion Week in February 2024, resulting in a set designed to host several fashion shows during the event.
The project stems from the encounter between PolyPiù’s research into materials and the experimental approach of (AB)NORMAL, an interdisciplinary studio led by architects Mattia Inselvini, Davide Masserini and Luigi Savio. The studio develops projects that span different fields – from architecture to interior design, product design to exhibition installations and brand experiences – with a method that combines design skills and creative vision.
Within this scenario, the material chosen to construct the catwalk set design was the PanelPiù 500/40 panel with five walls, a solution that combines technical performance and aesthetic quality. The structural lightness of the polycarbonate system made it possible to create a temporary architecture capable of defining the space without weighing it down, maintaining a balance between stage presence and formal simplicity. The surface of the panel, characterised by a neutral colour and a matt anti-reflective finish, proved particularly suitable for a context in which the management of light and images is fundamental to the success of the visual spectacle.
The result is a minimalist but highly recognisable set design, capable of enhancing the collections presented on the catwalk without overlapping with the designers’ creative narrative. The polycarbonate surfaces thus become an integral part of the visual experience, while offering a high-performance and versatile technical solution for the construction of temporary spaces for complex and dynamic events such as fashion shows.
The collaboration also highlights the ability of PolyPiù polycarbonate to interact with experimental and creative design contexts, confirming the potential of this material not only in construction and architecture, but also in design and scenographic staging. In this field, PolyPiù stands out as one of the leading manufacturers of multiwall and compact polycarbonate solutions for a wide range of applications, from architecture and construction to design projects.
The installation created for New York Fashion Week demonstrates how experimentation with materials can generate new expressive possibilities even in contexts linked to contemporary culture and creativity. In this encounter between fashion, design and technology, PolyPiù polycarbonate is transformed from a simple construction element into the discreet protagonist of a scenography capable of amplifying light, space and movement.
