Overview
Submerged in black and gold, the Miller Design Lab kicked off its series of creative events this March with a launch party that celebrated everything arts, culture, design and technology. The invite-only event saw Chapel Street's SoHigh Gallery transformed into a glistening space that offered revellers an eclectic setting to eat, drink and enjoy works by the artistic collaborators of the Miller Design Lab.
Flying into Melbourne to host the kick-off event was the creative mastermind and global curator for the Miller Design Lab, Jeff Staple. Wearing his trademark Nike SB Pigeon — the shoe that kick-started his career and sent New York sneakerheads bonkers in 2005 — Staple explained that he set out to "find the common DNA that flows between the different creators" featured throughout this event series. Meanwhile, Staple also led an animated conversation between the artists as they considered their own creative practices, the Australian art scene and how technology could shape art and design in the future.
Half chic warehouse, half vibrant gallery, SoHigh Gallery was the perfect spot to highlight the artists' work. Meagan Streader's glowing orange and yellow electroluminescent tunnel transfixed attendees. Buff Diss' topographical mural was created in real-time while guests ate, drank and danced. Dreamcatchersdreamtime and Think Positive Prints' semi-transparent yellow and rose-coloured screens dangled from the ceiling beams creating an incredible centrepiece. And Christie Morgan helped partygoers experience Pitch Studios' immersive virtual reality work.
Attendees were welcomed to the dancefloor at each party by the likes of DJ Nick Murray and DJ Paz and Alice Q, and a lucky few even managed to get their hands on NANA JUDY merchandise specially created for the event.
After each event ended, revellers were invited to kick-on at the after parties held at The Emerson where DJ Sunshine, DJ Sezzo, DJ Cassette kept the vibe going. And rounding out this series of high-octane arty parties, Total Giovanni took to the decks on closing night hosted by NANA JUDY.
See all the happenings from the parties above and read about the creatives here.
Images: Parker Blain.