Only a few more days remain to experience While You Were Dreaming — Estée Lauder’s immersive installation at Vivid Sydney 2025, which officially wraps on Saturday, 14 June.

Now in its second year as an official partner of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, Estée Lauder is once again turning heads along the iconic Vivid Sydney Light Walk with an ambitious new work blending beauty, science and sensory art.

Set in Darling Square, the five-metre-tall sculptural piece titled While You Were Dreaming explores the invisible transformation of skin during sleep, drawing inspiration from Estée Lauder’s nighttime expertise and its cult-status Advanced Night Repair serum. The work takes the form of a split facial structure that appears to rest from the outside, but reveals a dynamic, light-filled world within — representing the body’s natural overnight renewal process.

Created by acclaimed Sydney multidisciplinary artist Mikka Byarugaba (aka Mikkapedia), the installation invites visitors into a dreamlike state between consciousness and imagination. “While You Were Dreaming is an exploration of transformation – both the kind we can see, as well as what happens while we rest,” explains Byarugaba. “I’ve created generative animations and visuals that feel fluid, organic and alive, and that evolve over time. I wanted to not only incorporate that sleep itself is an act of renewal but also how Estee Lauder’s expertise in nighttime skincare mirrors the deeper idea of regeneration. It felt right to build a piece that reflected both the science and the magic behind that process.”

The commission aligns with this year’s festival theme, Dream, and highlights Estée Lauder’s continued focus on the circadian rhythms of the skin. “While You Were Dreaming brings to life over 40 years of Estée Lauder’s Night Science Research,” said Brand General Manager Mariko Rex. “It represents our commitment to innovation, merging scientific research with creative expression — ultimately taking visitors on a journey to dream skin.”

Givenchy Beauty also made a memorable mark at this year’s festival, celebrating its iconic fragrance, L’Interdit Eau de Parfum. Select media and influencers were invited to an exclusive underground experience, where the Muru Giligu Tunnel was transformed into a moody and elegant dining destination — catered by culinary icon Nigella Lawson. The immersive dinner echoed the bold duality of L’Interdit, capturing the tension between elegance and edge in a setting designed to heighten the senses.

Rounding out the beauty buzz at this year’s Vivid Sydney, Medik8, recently acquired by
L’Oréal, hosted an exclusive cocktail party at Café Sydney to celebrate the launch of its new C-Tetra Advanced serum.

L’Oréal confirms Medik8 acquisition after reports of €1 billion deal

Media and guests gathered to learn about the latest innovation in Medik8’s vitamin C portfolio — all while taking in panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Vivid light displays below. The event marked the perfect start to the long weekend, blending science, skincare, and spectacle in true Medik8 style.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini praised the beauty brand collaborations. “Thanks to our partners, we’re able to raise the bar with what festivalgoers can experience.”

Vivid Sydney 2025 runs until Saturday, 14 June. For more information, visit vividsydney.com.

Read the AUTUMN ’25 issue of Retail Beauty below:

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