My camera breaks after Björk's first set and I think she put a spell on all the tech in the area that made her impossible to photograph — which makes sense for her. All the pictures I tried to take ended up looking like found footage or Bigfoot sighting photos, but I think she wants it that way. Her masked ensemble (courtesy of Noir Kei Ninomiya and James Merry) made someone wonder aloud, "Is that even her?" While she stayed hidden for the most part, only occasionally popping out from behind leaves to erratically dance and thrash around, the Björk touch was undeniable. Who else is mixing hymns, soundbites of hysteric laughter, and Megan Thee Stallion?
Beyond aesthetics, with its selection of boxy oversized tees, jackets, and collaborative Alpinestars racing suits onview, the pop-up was also experiential. At the HUGO GARAGE, attendees could take photos with a life-sized replica of the VCARB car, customize their own merch with spikes and gears, design a T-shirt with a selection of screen prints and colors from artist Jordan Watts, or airbrush a HUGO scent bottle. There was also a F1-inspired arcade-style racing set up by LOVE RACING and where attendees could compete in races by remotely controlling miniature cars to see who could achieve the fastest lap. But of course, at any Boiler Room event, it all comes back to the music. DJ sets by Sel. 6, El Gusano, and V1FRO, and performances by La Goony Chonga and Ivy Queen amped us up for the weekend in just a few hours. The outside bar pumping out drinks and Cuban snacks: empanadas, croquettas, and mini-Cuban sandwiches, kept us fed and hydrated. Not even a five minute rain shower could stop people from crowding the decks to dance.
Images courtesy Hugo Boss
As Saturday came in, HUGO didn't miss a beat in keeping the momentum going, partnering with AFROFUTURE to close out the weekend with a festival that honored Miami's Afro-Caribbean influence. There were DJ sets by TxC, Ethan Thomas, MC Lolahsti and a performance by Afrobeats artist Victony. Then came the main event on Sunday, HUGO and a select group geared up to support VCARB racers Daniel and Yuki. It was bittersweet when McLaren crossed the finish line first.
Here's a peek at what went down night one below.
Try it for yourself before the pop-up closes up. The restaurant will be open for a 6-course lunch and 8-course dinner service from May 3rd through 12th.
Reservations can be made here. ‘Hard Copy’ curated by Aaron Stern runs until May 31st.
