Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/225036
WYNN EXPERIENCE "What we've created is ultimately so powerful, so colorful and so ambitious, and a true collaboration." —Preston Bailey Preston Bailey's revolving 6,000-pound carousel is among the most technically challenging projects ever undertaken by the designer. challenge for us, technically very difficult, but I also love that he challenged me. Between the combination of the flowers and the movement and the design, I really think we nailed it." More than 110,000 flowers were used in the making of the sculptures: The hot-air balloon stands 20 feet tall and weighs 4,000 pounds, while the carousel measures 13 by 16 feet and weighs 6,000 pounds. "I used primarily roses and orchids, flowers that have a real vibrancy about them," Bailey notes, adding that it took about eight months to gather all the elements that were needed. Bailey has crafted similar installations in New York, Taiwan, and London's Covent Garden, and notes that he's wanted to work with Wynn for years, and vice versa. The right project never presented itself—until now. "He's a genius with a huge vision, and I loved bringing our sensibilities together," Bailey says. "You have to understand, 44 Preston Bailey. Wynn is his baby, and he's so invested in the concept of visual entertainment, and for me, that's incredibly inspiring." The sculptures were crafted in off-site workshops, built in sections and panels that were each layered with flowers and then finally assembled in the Atrium spaces. "It was sort of like Legos," Bailey notes with a laugh. "To see it actually come to life was quite amazing." Thrilled with the final result, Bailey said in mid-November that he couldn't wait to see the reaction of guests once the installations made their debut. "Most of the events I do are about creating something that takes place over the course of one day, and I always hear the question, 'What happens to the flowers?' You're there for one day to experience the beauty, and then it's gone," he notes. "And usually at events I stand in a corner and watch the reaction of the people entering the room. This is a whole other level, not merely in their permanence, but in the number of people who are going to see them. What we've created is ultimately so powerful, so colorful and so ambitious, and a true collaboration. In more than 30 years in business, I think it's one of the most incredible things I've ever done." n PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN REASON /SQUARE SHOOTING (CAROUSEL, BALLOON DETAIL); COURTESY OF PRESTON BAILEY (BAILEY) A detailed view of Bailey's hot-air balloon floral installation. WYNN 042-044_Wynn_FOB_Experience_Winter13.indd 44 12/6/13 12:19 PM