Hand-Painted Fragrance Bottles at Balmain Atlanta
A Luxury Shopping Experience
Blending fashion, hospitality, and hand-painted artistry: the best way to describe the Balmain boutique at Phipps Plaza for a special Mother's Day shopping event. VIP shoppers, previous clients, and special guests were invited to explore Balmain's stunning selection of fragrance, fashion, and accessories—and to top it all off, receive hand-painted fragrance bottles created right in front of them (by yours truly, of course).
As a calligrapher and engraver, I typically work more events using my lettering skills, but I also offer live painting on everything from gift boxes to perfume bottles. For this event, Balmain invited me to showcase live painting services in their boutique. Their fragrance bottles were the perfect canvas for colorful paintings that felt luxurious and personal.
An Afternoon of Style, Celebration, and Storytelling Through Art
The moment guests entered the boutique, they were immersed in a sensory experience. Sparkling glasses of champagne were passed as the in-store DJ curated a playlist that set the tone—chic, upbeat, and celebratory. A playful photo booth gave shoppers the chance to capture moments with friends and loved ones, while the boutique’s cozy lounge area invited them to relax between browsing the season’s latest pieces.
At the front display case, I setup my painting station to welcome guests with a colorful, live personalization. With all of my favorite painting supplies, I painted each fragrance bottle to match its unique scent. This activation wasn’t just decoration—it was a visual depiction of the fragrance’s notes.
Matching Art to Fragrance Families
Balmain’s fragrance collection is made up of distinctive scent categories, and I used the notes of each fragrance to design and paint in a style that matched the scent.
- Musk – Carbone: Deep and sensual fragrance - moody tones with layered strokes
- Floral – Vent Vert, Rouge, Ivoire: Fresh and romantic scents - soft pastels, floral patterns, and delicate brushstrokes
- Amber – Sel d’Ambre: Warm and luxurious - gold accents, earth tones, and textures
- Woody – Bronze, Ébène: Wood-inspired, earthy scents - think deep browns, burnt oranges, and mossy greens
- Aromatic – Blanc Galaxie, Bleu Infini: Fresh and invigorating - soft blues for airiness
Shoppers took home a one-of-a-kind piece of art, with some designs tailored to the guest’s preferences:
🎈 Birthday balloons for a friend's celebration
☀️ Summery floral details to match the season
🌹 Romantic roses for an anniversary gift
Balmain Style: A Moment to Remember
One of the most memorable and unique touches of the event?
Balmain styled me in one of their iconic dresses (get it here!) for the occasion. I was a little nervous about painting in high fashion, and normally I prefer an apron or paint-stained button down). I made sure my setup was clean and well organized.
Their choice to style me for live painting was beyond aesthetics—it was a symbol of Balmain’s commitment to design, detail, and presentation. They didn't just host a unique Mother's Day event, they provided an experience to their clients.
Gifting with Meaning
Throughout the day, guests purchased fragrances for their moms, wives, daughters—and in many cases, for themselves. As they handed over their newly selected perfume bottles, I painted in real-time while they watched.
For this event, the sales associate shared my service with the client, then offered them a spout to lounge with cocktails while they waited. Some shoppers stay to watch me work, and others chose to continue shopping or hang out in the boutique lounge.
How Live Painting Elevates the Shopping Experience
At this Balmain event, my role was more than a vendor—I became part of the boutique team. I was positioned near the entrance to offer both entertainment and personalization. How does live painting elevate the shopping experience for guests?
Beautiful Takeaways
Live painting gives guests a unique item to take home and enhances the entire event experience.
Genuine Interaction
At first, guests are curious about the process, then they are drawn in and invited to the interaction. It's a unique experience for them to choose their colors and design. While some give me creative freedom to paint anything I choose, they still receive a one-on-one interaction to make them feel extra VIP.
Live Art = More Sales
If guests are unaware that a live event artist will be present, it's even more of a surprise. As a gift with purchase or minimum spend, live painting encourages guests to shop to receive the personalization. The bottom line? More sales for you.
Live Bottle Painting FAQ
- What surfaces can be painted in a live setting?
- Glass surfaces such as wine bottles, bourbon bottles, fragrances
- Champagne (especially since it isn’t safe for engraving)
- Leather portfolios and wallets
- Gift boxes
- Cloth totes and accessories
- How long does each painting take?
- A hand-painted design can take 5-10 minutes depending on the level of detail decided when booking. Clients may choose to offer preset designs or allow guests to use their imagination for colors, styles, and designs.
- Dry time is approximately 5-10 minutes: a perfect time for guests to mingle, shop, and enjoy other activities while I complete their custom painting.
- Do you offer painting for private events or brand activations?
- Private events (weddings, retirement parties, and client appreciation) and brand activations or product launches are great opportunities for live painting.
- Can guests choose what is painted?
- Clients usually choose design ideas or colors ahead of the event.
- If the client has no preference, guests often choose certain colors or styles to receive on their hand-painted item.
- Is the artwork permanent or washable?
- The paint dries quickly for guests to take home the same day, and it is permanently bonded to the surface after about 48 hours.
- If needed, guests should hand-wash glassware with a non-abrasive cleanser and pat dry.
Let’s Bring This Experience to You
If you’re planning a brand activation, boutique event, or private gathering and want to offer your guests something truly unforgettable, live painting is the perfect touch.
My live painting services are fully customizable for product launches, pop-ups, corporate gifting events, weddings, and more. I help brands and brides transform their event with hand-painted items created just for them.
✨ Let’s create something your guests will talk about long after the event ends.
Visit my Contact Page to inquire about availability, packages, and how we can bring this experience to your space.