Crafting the Giant Pump Bottle Prop: A Bold, Functional Display for Malibu C at the Olympic Swim Trials 2024

When it comes to making a memorable impression at events, size and creativity can make all the difference.  One of the most effective ways to grab attention in a crowded space is with a giant product replica—a larger-than-life version of something familiar that pulls people in with its playful scale and irresistible sense of fun.  For Malibu C, a leading brand in professional hair care products, this concept came to life with a giant pump bottle prop that not only looked impressive but also served as a functional product shelf at high-profile events.

The giant pump bottle prop made its debut at the Toyota Aqua Zone during the 2024 Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis.  With thousands of athletes, spectators, and swim enthusiasts in attendance, Malibu C’s booth needed something that would stand out and resonate with its target audience.  Known for their hair care solutions specifically designed for swimmers, Malibu C seized the opportunity to create a display that showcased their brand in a unique and engaging way.  This custom prop quickly became a showstopper at the event, drawing attention to the booth and inviting interaction from visitors.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the creative process behind building the giant pump bottle prop for Malibu C, from the initial concept to the final product.  We’ll explore the artistry involved in scaling up a familiar product, the craftsmanship behind the integration of metal letters, and the practical considerations of making the prop both functional and durable for use at multiple events.

The Concept: A Giant, Functional Pump Bottle That Grabs Attention

The idea of creating a giant pump bottle prop for Malibu C was born out of a desire to do more than just display products on a traditional shelf.  The brand wanted to make a bold statement, something that would not only catch the eye of passersby but also embody the essence of Malibu C’s products.  The Olympic Swim Trials were the perfect stage for this—an event attended by athletes and spectators who were prime customers for Malibu C’s swimmer-specific hair care products.

The concept of a giant pump bottle was a natural fit.  Pump bottles are iconic in the hair care industry, and Malibu C’s sleek packaging already has a recognizable design.  The challenge was to take that familiar shape and amplify it, turning it into something that felt both playful and premium, while also ensuring it remained true to the brand’s identity.

This prop wasn’t just meant to be a visual centerpiece—it needed to serve a dual purpose.  The idea was to create a giant bottle that could also function as a product display, with shelves built into the prop to hold actual Malibu C products.  This would allow visitors to interact with the brand’s offerings in a fun and accessible way, while also reinforcing the connection between the oversized prop and the real products.

Designing the Pump Bottle: From Sketches to Digital Renderings

The first step in the design process was translating the concept of the giant pump bottle into something that could be both visually impactful and structurally sound.  Our design team began by sketching out different versions of the bottle, experimenting with scale, proportions, and how the built-in shelves could be integrated seamlessly into the design.

The final design stood approximately eight feet tall, a size that was large enough to grab attention but still manageable for transport and setup at events.  The pump at the top of the bottle was designed to be oversized, adding to the playful, exaggerated look of the prop while still maintaining the sleek, minimalist lines of Malibu C’s actual product packaging.

Once the initial sketches were approved, we moved on to creating a digital 3D model of the pump bottle.  This allowed us to fine-tune the proportions and ensure that the built-in shelves could be incorporated without disrupting the clean, modern aesthetic of the prop.  The 3D model also helped us experiment with different finishes and textures, so we could achieve the same glossy, high-end look that Malibu C’s real shampoo bottles are known for.

Materials and Construction: Combining Durability with Aesthetic Appeal

One of the key challenges in building a giant product replica is finding the right balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.  The prop needed to be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of transportation, setup, and use at multiple events, but it also had to look sleek and polished, like a true representation of Malibu C’s premium brand.

We chose to construct the main body of the pump bottle prop from high-density foam, a lightweight yet durable material that could be easily shaped and sculpted to match the smooth curves of the real bottle.  The foam was then coated in a fiberglass layer for added strength and durability, ensuring that the prop could handle the wear and tear of being moved and displayed at different events.

The surface of the bottle was finished with a high-gloss automotive paint, which gave it the same shiny, sleek appearance as Malibu C’s actual shampoo bottles.  This finish not only looked visually stunning but also provided an extra layer of protection against scratches and damage.

One of the most important aspects of the construction process was the integration of the built-in shelves.  These shelves were designed to be hidden from view when looking at the bottle head-on, preserving the clean, minimalist look of the prop.  However, from the back, they were easily accessible, providing a practical way to display Malibu C’s products.  The shelves were made from durable acrylic, strong enough to hold multiple product bottles while remaining lightweight and easy to clean.

The Metal Letters: Adding a Touch of Sophistication and Brand Identity

One of the standout features of the giant pump bottle prop was the custom metal letters that adorned its surface.  These letters spelled out the brand’s name, “Malibu C,” in a way that was both elegant and eye-catching, reinforcing the premium quality of the brand’s products.

Creating the metal letters was a detailed process that required precision and craftsmanship.  We used CNC machining to cut the letters from stainless steel, ensuring that each letter was perfectly formed and matched the brand’s official typography.  Stainless steel was chosen for its sleek, modern look, as well as its durability—important factors for a prop that would be used at multiple events and needed to maintain its pristine appearance.

After the letters were cut, they underwent a polishing process to achieve a smooth, reflective finish that would catch the light and add a dynamic element to the display.  Some of the letters were also given a brushed finish to create a subtle contrast between the matte and glossy surfaces, adding depth and sophistication to the design.

The letters were then mounted onto the surface of the pump bottle using hidden fasteners, ensuring a clean, seamless look.  This not only added to the overall aesthetic of the prop but also reinforced the connection between the giant replica and Malibu C’s actual product packaging.  The metal letters gave the prop a sense of luxury and attention to detail, elevating it from a simple product replica to a true brand statement.

The Functional Side: Turning a Prop into a Product Display

While the giant pump bottle was designed to be visually striking, it also needed to be functional.  The built-in shelves at the back of the bottle allowed the prop to serve as a product display, giving visitors at the event the chance to interact with Malibu C’s actual hair care products.  This functionality added a layer of engagement to the display, turning it into more than just a photo opportunity.

The placement of the shelves was carefully considered to ensure that they didn’t detract from the overall design of the prop.  When viewed from the front, the pump bottle appeared as a seamless, oversized version of Malibu C’s shampoo packaging.  However, from the back, the shelves were easily accessible, allowing event staff to display and restock products throughout the day.

The shelves were designed to hold a variety of Malibu C products, from shampoos and conditioners to their specialized swimmer-specific hair treatments.  This not only allowed visitors to see and touch the products but also provided an opportunity for event staff to explain the benefits of each product in person.  By integrating the product display into the prop itself, Malibu C was able to create a more immersive and interactive brand experience for attendees.

The Debut: A Showstopper at the Toyota Aqua Zone

The giant pump bottle prop made its official debut at the Toyota Aqua Zone during the 2024 Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis, where it quickly became one of the highlights of the event.  The Aqua Zone is a fan engagement area designed to give visitors hands-on experiences with brands, and Malibu C’s booth, featuring the oversized pump bottle, stood out as a fun and creative way to showcase their swimmer-specific hair care products.

The prop’s playful yet sophisticated design drew in crowds of attendees, many of whom stopped to take photos with the giant bottle or ask questions about Malibu C’s products.  The built-in product display added a practical element to the booth, allowing visitors to learn more about the brand and its offerings while engaging with the larger-than-life bottle.

The combination of the pump bottle’s size, the glossy finish, and the elegant metal lettering made it a true centerpiece at the event, helping Malibu C stand out in a crowded space filled with competing brands.  The prop not only attracted attention but also reinforced the brand’s connection to the swimming community, making it a perfect fit for the Olympic Swim Trials.

Beyond the Olympic Swim Trials: A Versatile Display for Future Events

While the 2024 Olympic Swim Trials marked the debut of the giant pump bottle prop, it was designed with versatility in mind, allowing Malibu C to use it at a variety of events in the future.  Whether at trade shows, product launches, or other special events, the pump bottle prop serves as a dynamic and functional display that can be easily adapted to different environments.

Its durability ensures that it will remain in excellent condition, while the built-in shelves make it a practical tool for showcasing products at any venue.  The sleek design and custom metal letters give it a timeless, high-end look that will continue to represent the Malibu C brand for years to come.

Conclusion: A Creative, Functional, and Bold Brand Display

The giant pump bottle prop for Malibu C is a perfect example of how a creative, well-executed display can elevate a brand’s presence at an event.  By combining bold design with practical functionality, we were able to create a prop that not only drew attention but also served as an effective marketing tool.

From the precise craftsmanship of the metal letters to the seamless integration of the built-in shelves, every detail of the prop was designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind.  The result was a visually stunning and highly functional display that helped Malibu C make a big impact at the Olympic Swim Trials and beyond.

At its core, the giant pump bottle prop is more than just a product replica—it’s a statement of Malibu C’s commitment to quality, innovation, and engaging with their audience in a fun and memorable way.  Whether at the Olympic Swim Trials or future events, this bold, interactive prop will continue to showcase the brand in style

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