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In tune with wider ideas of an experience economy, the hospitality industry has increasingly focused less on giving a service to its customers and more on offering them memorable, sensory experiences. This paper looks at one facet of this provision of experiences: the material engineering and management of the ‘affective atmosphere’ or ‘ambiance’ of a venue. It unfolds the exploration of theme restaurants in practicing the material management as an inspiration to stage an experience. This paper illustrates its arguments through one case study: the Indonesian theming of the Pondok Malindo restaurant, Selangor. Practically, the findings suggest that creating the desired ambiance needs proper planning and careful attention to a wide range of material elements. More broadly, the paper suggests that accounts of the experience economy should consider the powers and agencies of materials and objects.

This new book published by the Victoria and Albert Museum contains a total of nineteen images of Gavin’s work, as dedicated ‘portfolio’ chapter of fifteen images as a photographer/fashion stylist, with additional photographic contributions to other chapters and front cover image. Supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded ‘Diasporas, Migration and Identity’ Programme, the book is one outcome of the research, collaborative events and discussions that emerged from a partnership between curators at V&A and the Geography Department at Royal Holloway, University of London on a project titled ‘Fashion Diaspora Space.’