CASE STUDY - MALIBU PIER
From re-concepting the Malibu Beach Supply Co. into a store that would appeal to a fisherman and movie star alike, to providing the the visual touches to the Malibu Pier Restaurant & Bar that garnered praise in publications including Architectural Digest, Malibu Pier has been a once in a lifetime project requiring creativity, savvy, leadership, tenacity and the responsibility of a beloved State Park under my watch.
MALIBU BEACH SUPPLY CO :
Task one, re-concept the existing gift shop at the ocean end of the pier into one that better reflected its location at the birthplace of modern surf culture and communicate the bohemian/rebel spirit of Malibu.
My work resulted in a unique blend of the elegant & the kitsch, the local & the exotic, the historic next & latest fad not to mention bait, lots of bait. On a summer weekend, the store sold scores of organic ice cream sandwiches, stacks of art & surf books ... plus 100 pounds of frozen squid & anchovies to the fishermen.
Setting an insubordinate tone, a blow up of Miki Dora from a vintage film still welcomed visitors with his Malibu salute.
SHRINES :
At the core of my the design were "shrines" dedicated to icons of Malibu. By using images, props & ephemera, created historical vignettes imparting an educational and instructional experience.
Gidget set the tone for the womens area, bad boy surfer Miki Dora gave threw his attitude to the mens area and a for the kids area, a diorama told the story of Malibu Barbie.
MERCHANDISING - created unique displays that incorporated historical artifacts, informational stories & brought unique product together (e.g. fishing tackle with dive watches)
BUYING - sought unique pieces that told the story of SoCal beach life. Heritage brands like Señor Lopez bajas, Rainbow sandals and Sex Wax proved to be popular for local & tourist. Also introduced brands including Skywatch, Izola, Charley Harper glassware by Fishs Eddy, Panda bamboo sunglasses, Vestal tide watches, Apolis market bags and Found Animal leashes.
VINTAGE SOURCING - scoured flea markets, eBay, surf swap meets & Gidget's house to find one of kind finds. From old surfboards, LP's and movie posters to 60's era St Christopher medallions and first edition books the selection was especially popular for Malibu neighbors.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - developed unique branded merchandise including t-shirts, postcards & hats. Created new graphics for product use.
OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT - at various points provided complete oversight including management, staffing and pier operations. Being a State Park, acted as person of responsibility for the State.
