experience pepsi with mix it up exhibition at milan design week 2015

(above) atmosphere bar design by stefano giovannoni

PepsiCo Design collaborates with leading global design talent for ‘mixology 2.0’ showcase

design today plays a vital role in connecting many brands and products together to create meaningful, relevant solutions and experiences for users and consumers. at milan design week 2015, PepsiCo Design and world famous creatives collaborate to showcase innovations and products in the ‘mix it up’ exhibition space.

‘at #PepsiCodesign we believe design is a universal language and defies all boundaries. with the ever-changing world, design today is a discipline playing a very important role to connect all of the different touch points of different brands and product solutions into one meaningful, relevant story and experience for consumers. here at milan design week with PepsiCo’s #mixitup showcase, we are activating the power and equity of PepsiCo and our brands through key partnerships with some of the world’s famous designers bringing our designs, innovation and products to life in a new and unexpected ways,’ said mauro porcini, senior vice president and chief design officer, PepsiCo.

highlights include:
• the kola bar & lounge, designed by kravitz design inc.
• the kola station, designed by design group italia
• pepsi spire 2.0 experience spaces designed by fabio novembre and stefano giovannoni
• pepsi spire food truck, designed by karim rashid
• fashion showcases by vogue talents and masha reva
• pepsi + italia independent eyewear

the ‘kola station’ by design group italia

envisioned by design group italia, ‘mix it up’, displays pepsi’s ever-growing portfolio of snacks and beverages, from packaging and graphics to equipment and experiences. PepsiCo design and kravitz design inc. partnered to realize the ‘kola bar & lounge’ a relaxing area to network and socialize with sophisticated detailing and accents to celebrate the world of cola and mixology.

image © designboom

roberto rios, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, PepsiCo foodservice said, ‘milan design week provides a unique opportunity for PepsiCo to showcase our product innovations on a global stage. our partnership with #PepsiCoDesign enables us to co-create innovative solutions that meet the needs of consumers today and in the future; forge new partnerships with customers; and further strengthen PepsiCo’s role as an invaluable partner in the foodservice industry.’

pepsi spire™ atmosphere by fabio novembre

ever wonder about the uses of kola nuts beyond soda? adjacent to the lounge, is the ‘kola station’; manned by author, alchemist and nutritionist alex ott, alongside a small team of mixologists, he uses his skills to unleash the magic behind the ingredient. behind the bar, copper tubing stretches to the ceiling referencing artisan beer and whisky production. below, is an array of glass cylinders displaying all things kola–from raw nuts to various powders and spices.

experience pepsi with mix it up exhibition at milan design week 2015
all images © PepsiCo
above: ‘kola bar & lounge’ by kravitz design inc.

for those who prefer a refreshing soft drink, or want to be a mixologist themselves, the space features the innovative pepsi spire™. the digital fountain lets users choose from a variety of pepsi products, which can be further customized with a range of flavorings. two atmospheres house the machines, designed by world-renowned designers fabio novembre and stefano giovannoni. the rooms are built for socializing and sharing as visitors explore all sorts of tastes.

display by vogue italia

also joining the extensive list of collaborators, is industrial designer karim rashid. with his usual evocative design philosophy, he envisioned the first-ever pepsi spire food truck. partially reproduced within the ‘mix it up’ exhibit, it delivers unexpected snacks to accompany drinks.

outfit and art by masha reva

following a successful partnership with vogue in 2014, pepsi and vogue italia come together again to present ‘the pulse of new talent’ collection. the essence of youth and artistic expression is seen through the eyes of 14 young creatives from six countries around the world. in ‘mix it up’ is an exclusive showcase by ukrainian fashion designer masha reva.

pepsi spire™

sunglasses were displayed alongside custom-created cans

marking the event, is the fruition of a partnership between pepsi and italian eyewear brand italia independent and lapo elkann. sunglasses were displayed alongside custom-created cans, which is the first public output between the two brands. consumers will also have the opportunity to leave their stamp on the multi-national company.

wall displaying PepsiCo’s ever-growing product and brand portfolio

design by nicola formichetti

pepsi spire food truck display by karim rashid

glasses by italia independent and pepsi

sample can design by nicola formichetti

mauro porcini, nicola formichetti, marcelo burlon, franca sozzani, stefano giovannoni, karim rashid and fabio novembre
image © designboom

at the presentation mauro porcini (chief designer of pepsi), nicola formichetti (fashion designer and pepsi challenge global ambassador), marcelo burlon (pepsi creative director), franca sozzani (editor-in-chief vogue italia), architect/designer stefano giovannoni, designer karim rashid and fabio novembre participated in a round table discussion.

as part of the 2015 pepsi challenge. the public is invited to re-envision the universally celebrated can with their own design and artistic flair. submissions will be accepted through december 31st, 2015.

franca sozzani, stefano giovannoni, fabio novembre and karim rashid during the roundtable on april 17, 2015
image © designboom