As always in the run-up to Christmas, Germany’s first concept shopping mall will be presenting a unique shopping experience: just like in 2016, BIKINI BERLIN will once again be offering a colourful installation, creative gift inspiration and specially designed wrapping paper – from 30 November until 23 December. And Berlin artist duo ZEBU are on board for this year’s cooperation.
Like BIKINI BERLIN itself, the Christmas concept is also original, creative and modern – a fantastic alternative to the hectic hustle and bustle and product offers of regular malls. Art exhibitions, pop-up boxes by young labels and the unique offer of the mall’s carefully curated permanent tenants will be enticing shoppers. And right in the middle of it all, there will be a gift-wrapping station with the city’s best wrapping paper.
Artist duo ZEBU designed the wrapping paper especially for BIKINI BERLIN and customers can have their purchases stylishly gift wrapped in it for free by the nimble fingers of the mall’s gift wrapping team. This year’s cooperation with ZEBU, the two artists Lynn Lehmann and Dennis Gärtner who were both born in 1991 in Berlin, is transforming BIKINI BERLIN into a vibrant Christmas landscape – that is both hip and modern and refreshingly stands out from the typical, festive images we usually see at this time of year. Like the artists’ work, the imagery of the designs is humorous, bold and minimalist. Eager to experiment, the duo uses the most diverse materials and techniques in their work and often even surprises themselves with the end result. Walls and large public spaces, which they also use as a canvas and projection area for their artworks, offer a welcome change to their atelier.
Three different visuals adorn this year’s wrapping paper designs by ZEBU, all of which reference the colours and shapes of BIKINI BERLIN’s architecture. In a fun way, the unique location and views of the concept shopping mall are also reflected in the designs. “Our aim was to create wrapping paper that could also be used after the festive season and would bring joy to young and old alike,” explains the artist duo. “The characters we used are a nod to BIKINI BERLIN’s proximity to the zoo and interact with other figures and image elements.”
The “Time Out” design depicts the wintry feeling of cosiness, visualising the aspects of indulgence, peace and making the most of ‘me time’. In the “Gift Giving” design, the focus is on the joy of giving, as well as the associated anticipation, shopping and wrapping of the Christmas season. The third design entitled “Togetherness” is all about spending time with loved ones and enjoying activities such as building snowmen.
Visitors to BIKINI BERLIN can capture wonderful festive moments on camera at the Christmas photo point: an installation prepared specially by the artists offering a suitable backdrop for souvenir photos and selfies.
