Giant Spheres

[blueeyesdesigns]

Our fashion department was in this week to talk about their show this spring, and they've fallen in love with these giant white spheres that they've seen at other shows in the last few years. They would like to hang a bunch of them over the runway, but I'm getting to the end of my contact list and not coming up with any leads. They're probably about 6'/2m in diameter. Don't have to light up or anything, and their budget certainly wouldn't support having them made by an outside company. Anyone know a shop that might have some to rent out, or know of any safe and inexpensive ways to build a giant sphere?

 

[Van]

My first thought was Rosebrand 'Flex shapes'. I mean, those spheres are just wire frames with spandex socks over them. Quick search of Party/wedding rental places in the Chicago area might help, if you haven't already done that.

 

[What Rigger?]

The instruments in the top photo are ground supported on stands. Looks like an Airstar product. Maybe someone has something like that to rent near you.

http://www.airstar-light.com/en/secours-securite/

 

[Amiers]

@BillESC does this stuff all the time. But he’s more east coast.

If you haven’t tried look up wedding consultants/planners in Chitown.

If you wanted to make them. I would say a basic luaun strip frame and paper mache and leave the top open to peel out the luaun. Then just spray them and gloss them.

You want them sheer then that’s a whole other beast.

You could go this route.
https://www.sciplus.com/latex-weath...OdVzg9cAf2CMYHniTVjYD8aEInadZKZEaAva2EALw_wcB

 

[BillESC]

Chinese lanterns are available up to 48" in diameter and maybe even larger. That's what they appear to be. Below is a charity event I lit several years ago.

 

[venuetech]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Custom-giant-inflatable-balloon-with-stand-lighted-outdoor-inflatable-led-balloon-for-advertising-1m-1-5mD/32787677414.html

Search for inflatable construction light came up with this