Pepsi x Nicola Formichetti Ignite the Light

What could be better than repurposing Pepsi bottles into something that helps people who go without the most basic of human needs, such as electricity and light ? .... Pepsi is literally helping bring people out of the darkness and into the light, and that is something I can stand behind with conviction. - Nicola Formichetti

Pepsi Challenge Nicola Formichetti Liter of Light

Pepsi and Nicola Formichetti are shining a light on those around the world who live in darkness in Hong Kong, since March 15 to March 17 ... As part of its global 2015 Pepsi Challenge program, ... the iconic brand has launched the Pepsi x Liter of Light “Ignite the Light” Tour – an international journey of illustrious and creative art installations with local artists ... who will bring attention to communities around the world that lack electricity and basic lighting solutions.

In partnership with the Liter of Light organization and world-renowned Fashion Designer, Creative Director and Fashion Editor widely known for collaborations with Diesel and Lady Gaga, .... Nicola Formichetti, ... Pepsi reveals the first “Ignite the Light” installation in Hong Kong .... Unveiled on March 15th and open to the public for a limited time at the PMQ Courtyard, .... Formichetti’s piece titled “Ao Dress” is a physical example of the symbiotic relationship between light and material. 

"It’s important that the fashion and art industries work hand in hand and help each other, as each world now collides. I’m very much inspired by the art world mixing with my fashion angle, so it’s exciting to be able to have a hand in both through the Pepsi x Liter of Light ‘Ignite the Light’ Tour,” said Formichetti. “For my piece, ‘Ao Dress,’ I was inspired by Mother Nature – the embodiment of renewal, birth and the light of infinite possibility."

"Everyone has the ability to be creative … To generate new things … to change their lives …. Even change the world itself … I am launching the “Ignite the Light” tour with Pepsi as my first Pepsi challenge … challenging artists to create art out of Pepsi bottles and light … Shedding light on an organisation called “Liter of Light” which teaches people to make solar lights out of pepsi bottles …This installation is the first art piece on the tour … This is just the beginning … Every time you use the hashtag #PepsiChallenge … Pepsi will donate a dollar to “Liter of Light” … So here we are and here we go !!"

From art to education to light … Throughout the year, watch art come to light around the world … Building awareness for Liter of Light, an organization that brings light to communities in darkness with ecologically sustainable light from Pepsi recycled bottles .

Ao Dress 

“Ao Dress” is an out-of-this-world gown with body architecture crafted from light and Pepsi bottles. Inspired by “Ao” the Goddess of Light, the truly alchemystical  fashion spectacle observes the beautiful nature of the liquid diffused glow of Liter of Light solar lights and creates a futuristic silhouette that stands as a celebration of the project. Formichetti’s team collaborated with fashion and technology company Studio XO and production company Prettybird to bring his vision to life.

Illac Diaz, Founder of Liter of Light poses by the solar bottle light at The Pepsi x Liter Of Light "Ignite The Light" Tour at PMQ, Central on March 15, 2015 in Hong Kong

A solar bottle light is seen at The Pepsi x Liter Of Light "Ignite The Light" Tour at PMQ, Central on March 15, 2015 in Hong Kong

Jerome Jarre, Vine/Snapchat Star takes photo with fans at The Pepsi x Liter Of Light "Ignite The Light" Tour at PMQ, Central on March 15, 2015 in Hong Kong

“Through the ‘Ignite the Light’ Tour with Liter of Light, we’re infusing the fun and excitement of the Pepsi Challenge with a focused purpose – helping our consumers around the world achieve their desire to make an impact,” said Kristin Patrick, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Global Beverage Brands. “Our work with Liter of Light is the connective tissue throughout the Pepsi Challenge program and we're challenging ourselves, our artist partners and our consumers to draw attention to this vital need. To act and to make a real difference.” 

To date, Liter of Light has provided ecologically-sustainable lighting solutions, free of cost, including nighttime lighting solutions and public lighting such as street lights, to more than 18 countries including Brazil, India, Kenya, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt, Pakistan and the Philippines. Using empty recycled plastic bottles, water and chlorine, Liter of Light creates innovative “bottle lights” – a 55-watt solar bulb, with zero carbon emissions, that refracts sunlight and is powerful enough to light up a home. “Light is not only a great need, but also a great inspiration, for so many,” said Illac Diaz, Liter of Light Founder. “The Pepsi Challenge program and its ‘Ignite the Light’ global challenge sheds light on our great mission in inspiring, beautiful and visually stunning ways – both physically with the artistic light installations around the world, as well as the great impact and movement made through our partnership with Pepsi.” 

As a global ambassador for the Pepsi Challenge, Formichetti will challenge select artists around the world to take his lit torch and create the next “Ignite the Light” installation. Up to five “Ignite the Light” installations will be unveiled throughout the year around the world.

Share this post and tag it with #PepsiChallenge . For every use of #PepsiChallenge on your public Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook profiles, Pepsi will donate 1 dollar to Liter of Light up to 1 Million dollars. 

Love and Light,

DSB