Our class was tasked with selecting an existing brand and expanding it into the design of a conceptual pop-up shop experience. Our team chose Sephora and focused on Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Heat, a product line known for its luminizer and plumping effect. The challenge was to design a temporary installation that would embody Sephora and Fenty's brand identity while creating an engaging, interactive experience that encouraged product trial, social sharing, and emotional connection with the audience.

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Process

We began by conducting in-depth research into Sephora and Fenty Beauty's visual identity, including its logo, typeface, and color palette, as well as analyzing industry precedents in pop-up shops. We also studied the role of pop-ups in brand marketing, particularly for beauty and lifestyle products targeting 18-24-year-olds. This research informed our design goals: the experience needed to feel immersive, fun, and highly "Instagrammable," while remaining clear, acessible, and purposeful.

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From there, we developed multiple planning tools to map the experience. A bubble diagram identified the relationships between interactive elements; a floor plan established the spatial layout; and a flow plan visualized how visitors would move through the space. These tools ensured that the pop-up encouraged exploration which supported both product discovery and brand storytelling.

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Our Solution

The final concept emphasized playful interactivity and immersive brand touchpoints. Upon entering, guests would receive a branded coin, which could be used in a custom round vending machine inspired by classic gumball dispensers. In exchange, they received a mini Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb. Adjacent seating with mirrors created an immediate trial zone, allowing visitors to apply the product in a casual, welcoming setting.​

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To extend the experience beyond sampling, we designed a photo mural anchored by two oversizes glosses within a hexagonal frame, directly inspired by the product's signature packaging. A central cutout invites visitors to stand inside or pose around, generating shareable social media content aligned with Sephora and Fenty's visual language. Together, these elements created a seamless flow of discovery, trial, and storytelling.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Final Work

The entire pop-up was modeled in SketchUp, complete with all elements and architectural details. To bring the concept closer to reality, we rendered the space in Photoshop and composited it into an outdoor setting. Shading, lighting, and sihouettes of people were added to visualize the atmosphere and demonstrate how the installation would be experienced in context. These prototypes allowed us to test scale, interaction, and overall ambience.​​​​

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Impact​​

Although conceptual, the project highlights how experiential retail can be leveraged to strengthen brand-consumer relationships. For Sephora and Fenty Beauty, this pop-up design illustrates how merging sampling, social media engagement, and playful storytelling can generate excitement. From a design perspective, the project demonstrated our ability to translate brand identity into an immersive spatial experience, while balancing practical considerations such as user flow, visibility, and audience appeal. For us as a team, the most valuable outcome was showing how research-driven design can transform abstract brand values into tangible, memorable experiences.

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Contributing Creatives

This project was a collaborative effort, blending each of our strengths to create a cohesive and immersive design. I worked alongside the incredibly talented Ilham Farah, who brought her unique perspective and expertise to the visual aspects of the project. 

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​While the primary renderings included in this portfolio were created by me, Ilham’s artistic vision and technical skill were indispensable throughout the design process. Together, we ensured that the design not only reflected the brand's visual language but also engaged visitors in a way that encouraged exploration, trial, and social interaction.