Savage X Fenty Fashion Show
Rihanna’s annual Savage X Fenty fashion show for HBO is known for treating its location as an integral character, equal in importance to the talent it features. For the 2021 production, the iconic—and operational—Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles was selected as the backdrop. Amid ongoing COVID-19 protocols, our team developed and executed a detailed plan to segment and manage access to different areas of the hotel using separate entrances and designated zones. The production also included interior drone cinematography, rooftop performances, and even live animal coordination involving a peacock. Seamless permitting, rigorous logistical planning, and real-time adaptability were essential to bringing the vision to life.
Project Overview
Rihanna’s annual Savage X Fenty fashion show is renowned for transforming its venue into an integral part of the experience, treating the location as a character that enhances the overall production. For the 2021 show, the team chose the iconic Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles as the backdrop. Amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, our team was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to navigate both the venue’s operational needs and the complex safety protocols required for a production of this scale.
The Challenge
The Westin Bonaventure, an operational hotel, posed unique logistical challenges, particularly in managing guest access and production activities while complying with stringent health protocols. Additionally, the production featured intricate elements such as interior drone cinematography, rooftop performances, and live animal coordination (including a peacock), all of which required detailed planning to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
The Solution
To address the challenges, we created a strategic, multi-faceted plan that included:
- Access Control: Segmented access to different areas of the hotel, with separate entrances and designated zones to protect both guests and production staff
- COVID-19 Compliance: Coordination of safety measures, including social distancing, sanitization protocols, and health screenings
- Drone & Performance Coordination: Securing permissions for interior drone cinematography and rooftop performances, ensuring safety for both crew and talent
- Animal Handling: Managing live animal coordination for a peacock, ensuring humane treatment and safety for both the animal and participants
- Permitting & Real-Time Adaptability: Navigating complex permitting processes and maintaining flexibility to adjust to real-time changes and challenges during the shoot
The Outcome
To address the challenges, we created a strategic, multi-faceted plan that included:
- Access Control: Segmented access to different areas of the hotel, with separate entrances and designated zones to protect both guests and production staff
- COVID-19 Compliance: Coordination of safety measures, including social distancing, sanitization protocols, and health screenings
- Drone & Performance Coordination: Securing permissions for interior drone cinematography and rooftop performances, ensuring safety for both crew and talent
- Animal Handling: Managing live animal coordination for a peacock, ensuring humane treatment and safety for both the animal and participants
- Permitting & Real-Time Adaptability: Navigating complex permitting processes and maintaining flexibility to adjust to real-time changes and challenges during the shoot
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