Photography courtesy of BAPE

"Pop-up shops are where bold creativity meets strategic experimentation—the perfect blend of art and science,” says Christina Magrans, founder of New York-based Studio Lourdes.

Tasked with crafting a pop-up for cult Japanese streetwear label A Bathing Ape (BAPE) at Wynn Las Vegas, Studio Lourdes leaned all the way in—embracing the temporary format to take calculated design risks that still hit hard.

“It's this here-today-gone-tomorrow allure that makes pop-up shops so uniquely powerful in capturing attention and driving engagement,” she says. “Their limited-time nature adds a sense of urgency and exclusivity, turning each experience into something rare and memorable.”

In a market saturated with pop-ups, the challenge was making this BAPE experience stand apart. Working closely with Wynn owner representative David Pirie, Studio Lourdes deftly negotiated the tension between pushing creative boundaries and preserving the brand familiarity that loyal customers love.

The design team reimagined BAPE’s signature ABC camo in electric neon tones set against deep black—a visual homage to the high-voltage spectacle of the Strip. The showstopper? The brand’s first-ever sneaker wall, positioned front and center at the storefront.

Magrans adds, “By thoughtfully balancing brand identity, localized design elements, and strategic experimentation, we created a bold and memorable retail environment that resonates with both the brand and its consumer.”

The big twist? This so-called pop-up was just too good to let go. What began as a limited-time gamble turned into a long-term win: Wynn was so taken with the concept that the it extended the lease on this retail space for another 12 months. Proof that bold design risks can pay off big.