FOS Decor Blog

January 19, 2012

Back to Our Roots: FOS Launches Entertainment Division

Trusting in our team’s proven reputation and talent for executing top-quality designs and service, many clients have asked us to arrange for special event entertainment in addition to design. With a nostalgic interest in fulfilling the requests, FOS has unearthed its company roots, and is proud to announce the launch of its new high-class, high-energy entertainment division, making FOS Decor Center a full-service event production company.

Many clients are unaware that FOS Decor Center was actually founded on entertainment. Our name, “FOS”, is a nod of recognition to “Freedom of Sound”, the DJ and entertainment production group from which our successful event decor business was born. With a proven track record for designing and producing “Wow Factor” events, FOS’s new entertainment division will provide a sophisticated and vibrant enhancement to any event.

Our high-energy entertainment services include:

  • DJs/MCs
  • Live Bands
  • Solo and Group Performances
  • Lighting and Sound Equipment
  • Stage Designs
  • Special Effects
  • And Much More…

We’re thrilled to have been encouraged to re-introduce music and entertainment into our company mission, and look forward to offering each and every client an unforgettable experience.

December 19, 2011

Bridezilla Couture

We had a great time designing this concept. Many ideas ran through our heads, but the overall vision we wanted to bring out was raw art. “It stemmed from the location in the middle of a field and it just took off from there”-Sonia.

Our concept was influenced by the high expectations of today’s modern bride in having the “perfect wedding”. We incorporated a natural vintage setting with modern elements to define the concept. Our location was selected based on its natural picturesque environment, which allowed us to work with Dark tones and vibrant accent colours. The main element of having Brides in reconstructed dresses was inspired to showcase the desire to gravitate towards the perfect wedding.

The mirrored table top from our Manhattan collection reflected the vibrant colours and crystals of the antique style centerpiece, while contemporary Kartell Victorian Chairs inspired by the 18th century design demonstrate true essence of modernized design.

Elegant floral design incorporated pink and deep purple hydrangeas, mix of posh pink and silverstone roses, and a touch of purple Phalaenopsis Orchids created cascading effect.

Incorporating a bird in each of the models hair design symbolized the idea of freedom; each bride is free to do what she wishes.  Make up was vintage and chic; made to represent the fierceness that brides possess when planning their dream wedding design. The use of hanging jewelry and double wrap necklaces around wrist was an elegant accent to the brides wardrobe and exemplifies that no matter what a bride goes through each bride is unique and beautiful.

We would like to thank the following people for taking part in this Whimsical photo shoot:

Mike Fantuzzi ~Grand Central Photography

Robert Amado (creative director), Antonella Palmieri, Maria Lombardo ~Amado Salon

Linda Penwarden ~Penwarden Jewelers

Michelle Raspo ~MVP Make Up Artistry

Patricia Drewnowska ~Patricia’s Cakes

November 9, 2011

Tis the Season…Its Holiday time

We’re already in November. I know it’s hard to believe that the year has gone by so fast. But at the end of every year we know there are some great times looming around the corner. The holiday Season, New Years, Lots of Gifts, and Vacation time. During this period, many companies want to reward their employees for a  job well done throughout the year. Whether it be a small dinner for 25, or a Gala for 900, FOS Decor Center is and inherit part of this season.

As a Full Service Event Decor and Production company offering a wide variety of services, we understand the challenges facing many corporate clients to create unique events on budget, especially in these uncertain economic times. That’s why as the Event Design Manager here, I can tell you first-hand that producing Award Winning Events requires many hours of dedication and hard-work. I spend countless hours coming up with ideas and than even more countless hours figuring out how to execute those ideas. It’s the challenge that gets me up every day and motivates me to continue doing what I love to do.

Corporate clients always present a unique challenge, because each event is dynamic. Each project is different and represents new and unique obstacles that require quick thinking and fast solutions. Some of these obstacles may include short setup times or tight budgets, but that’s what makes it interesting. You must be able to think quickly to make sure that no matter what happens, the job gets executed flawlessly. One of my biggest challenges was flipping the Canadian Ballroom at the Royal York Hotel from a 900 person Shareholders Meeting into a fully designed cocktail reception for 1200 people; in 2.5hours. A challenge such as this requires months of planning and co-ordinating. So you would think. However, we were given the go ahead for this project only 2 weeks prior, making it an even bigger challenge.

I have to say that regardless of all the hard work, I’m excited for this upcoming corporate season. When asked what events I enjoy most. Corporate Events? or Social Events? My answer is: The process with corporate may be longer and may involve more detail, but the adrenaline rush of having to think quickly and creatively is what makes corporate season a lot of fun. I encourage all of our readers to visit our online Corporate Gallery and take a look at some of our previous projects. I look forward to this corporate holiday season as we have many unique projects coming up that will continue to add to our long list of successful events.

If anyone has any questions or comments about this blog, please do not hesitate to email me:Raviv@fos.ca

October 7, 2011

An Ultraviolet Engagement

It takes a special eye to transform an already swank and beautiful banquet hall into an ultraviolet fantasy realm, but we have several special-eyed designers on our staff, including our Creative Director Miki Klevan. Miki was asked to take the Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall in North York to a new world last month – one where Gary and Valerie could celebrate their engagement in a modern, edgy, but elegant atmosphere.

Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall - Before the FOS transformation

Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall - Before the FOS transformation

Miki took the couple’s vision and streamlined a modern concept and decor scheme that literally lit up the Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall. With the hall packed to capacity with 120 people for the Engagement Party it was important to keep the design minimal, but transformative.

To achieve the desired effect, Miki coated the room in white sheer drapery, and then colour-washed every inch with ultraviolet hues using the FOS LED colourwash lighting system. As you can see from the photos, the result was breathtaking.

Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall - Transformed by FOS Creative Director Miki Klevan for Gary and Valerie's Engagement Party

Elite Restaurant & Banquet Hall - Transformed by FOS Creative Director Miki Klevan for Gary and Valerie's Engagement Party

Guests were seated on Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs at acrylic tables that were lit up from the base and covered with thin see-through ivory striped overlays. The tables were finished with small floral arrangements in mirrored boxes and crystal centrepieces at staggered heights topped with lit candles.

Table Decor

Table Decor

In addition to transforming the Hall into a UV paradise, it was also important to work in key hospitality features for the Russian couple’s celebration. The outstanding seafood feast, prepared by a well-known Russian chef, was presented on a bold nautical-themed table arrangement that popped against the modern UV setting. FOS also arranged for beluga caviar to be served from custom ice-dish sculptures, and a flow of Grey Goose Vodka wound all night long through an ice-encased luge positioned between two bottles of Grey Goose kept chilled in embossed ice blocks.

Chef INSERT NAME OF CHEF Seafood Feast

Seafood Feast

Beluga Caviar and Grey Goose Vodka Ice Presentations

Beluga Caviar and Grey Goose Vodka Ice Presentations

The event was another proud accomplishment for Miki Klevan and the FOS team, and Gary and Valerie were a deserving couple, whose vision and style was a fun twist on modern elegance. FOS Decor Centre would like to congratulate Gary and Valerie on their engagement, and we look forward to designing and producing the couple’s wedding next summer.

September 9, 2011

Marc Contardi : The September Issue

Design is not just a final product of creativity. Design is an avenue of life. Being an event designer at the country’s leading décor firm is a privilege. Many people resent their job; however, I flourish and excel with dedication and enthusiasm. I was trained in colour theory, space planning, and aesthetic design/decor at the country’s top design school, and I constantly push myself to learn more in my chosen career path.

This constant push is a true testament of my character. I don’t create “cookie cutter” designs. I constantly explore new and innovative designs to leave clients in awe, and with a smile that reads “complete security and validation”.

Colour, form, shape and size are just a few things I think about while making sure the client’s theme is highlighted. Any design style, from contemporary to traditional to minimal, presents a new challenge that I’m always excited to knock out of the park.

Design can be anything; there’s no right or wrong. Design is an art form, and art is very subjective. That’s what I love about this career: I am afforded the luxury to be an artist. And my client is my muse.

Every time a client walks into our showroom to meet with me, I immediately gather their vision. Together, we conceptualize a theme and break down décor ideas. I like to build relationships of mutual respect with every client because we work together for months at a time planning their big day. This relationship is a light in my mind that never shuts off, because my clients expect the best and that is what I always give them. I’m very interactive with my clients, and make a point to always keep us on the same page, as this is their event, and I am the one entrusted to fulfill the design promise and execution. The process is a journey we embark on together, and I need my partner completely on board for us to set sail :)

Whether I’m designing a dream wedding or a Fortune 500 company’s annual corporate party, I like to add a personal charm and reflection of the client that is almost impossible to duplicate. Incorporating my creative ideas with the client’s personality under the event theme lets me pull off the perfect design.

Creating a special milestone occasion for my client adds a chapter to their life novel, and it’s always such an honour to be a character involved. Like every designer in the industry, I have just one day to truly make my client blissfully happy. I give them reassurance, I give them a flawless design, and I give them the start to the next chapter in their life novels. A smile from my client is the only gesture I need to continue my day.

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