CAbi's models do their thing.

Carol Anderson started designing her own line of clothing in a garage in Burbank California in 1977.  It was there that Carol, with her friend Jan Janura and $800 between them, started CAbi–Carol Anderson By Invitation.  Since then the business has blossomed into one of the premier diect sales women’s clothing lines in the world.  It’s no surprise that 2500 women gathered at Opryland, Nashville, TN, to get the scoop Carol’s spring 2008 line and celebrate their theme for the year – “Whole Hearted.”  One Smooth Stone was the producer on the event; PS America was the staging company that brought Production Plus in to help out.

A dramatic entrance for the Hopeless Romantic line.

“The show went really well,” remarked Brian Jansen, Production Plus’ scenic coordinator on the scene.  “Production Plus has been supporting the event /for a number of years, but this was my first experience with Cabi.”  The show consisted of four sessions of fashion show, a general session, and an awards banquet over two full days.  It was a busy schedule.  It was important to the producers that the attendees get an intimate look at the spring lines; the fashion show played four times, so the audiences could be small and spread out over the four shows.  Brian estimates that there were about 600-700 at each fashion show, and over 2500 for the “Heart of CAbi” presentations the following day.

The scenic pieces were simple, but effective.  The central heart had a rear projection screen behind it, allowing it to be backlit to frame the models and show content.

Production Plus put their heart into making these scenic pieces for the CAbi show.

One of the most gratifying things about the show was the talk amongst those working on the show about how well this one went, and how they could top themselves next year.  “We’re looking at stepping up the production for next year,” confirms Brian.  “We’re already brainstorming ideas, thinking about how we can bring the show up a notch or two for 2009.”  Production Plus looks forward to working with CAbi for their next show, and beyond.

A bright look at the Cabi stage.