A love of Visual Merchandising

Anthropologie get a paint job

2012-02-24T17:47:00.003Z

This display at Anthropologie on Regent Street can't help but make you stop in your busy shopping tracks. The burst of colour and dramatic dripping paint design that covers the majority of the stores windows is big, bold and brilliant! The pastel colours, in particular the aqua, nod towards the key trends this Spring Summer with these sorbet shades looking to dominate the high street.

I like the fact that the two windows, one either side of the stores entrance, use different compositions for the paint drip design. The one dominating the majority of the window with a few cleverly placed gaps to showcase product and props. And the second, creating a window (within the window..) to show key outfits on a mannequin grouping.

Mulberry are the flavour of the month

2012-02-16T21:20:00.003Z

It may be ten below in London but that doesn't stop this display on Brompton Road look any less appealing! This summer inspired candy campaign from the British brand is right on the mark with this seasons candy colours and fun approach. The attention to detail on the giant icecreams is what prevents this campaign from looking cheap and tacky, the hundreds and thousands are my personal favourite, they look good enough to eat!

Selfridges are dreaming of a white Christmas

2011-11-18T18:46:00.011Z

Christmas has officially arrived in retail and what better way to kick off the festive season here than with Selfridges. This year Selfridges have gone for a white winter Christmas theme, each of their windows depicting a Christmas related scene in a wash of white and silver sparkle. The attention to detail, use of scale, texture and lighting are what makes the all white display a success and looks particularly stunning at night. If you havn't been yet definitely get down to Oxford Street and feast your festive eyes on this gorgeous display! From cute polar bears to silver sequin stilettos there is something for everyone!

Topshop reflects the high street

2011-09-28T18:59:00.007+01:00

I absolutely love this window in Topshop's Oxford Street Flagship store and under the beautiful clear blue skies of London today the reflective design looked incredible. A very simple concept, the window was made up of a row of mannequins on the floor styled in this seasons autumnal colours of magenta, mustard and oxblood. The mannequins on the floor were reflected in the mirrored surface of the backdrop so that to the passer by (or blogger in my case) you can see them perfectly as if they were stood up like in any other window..
As a brand that is ahead of the pack in delivering fashion to the high street it is great to see a creative concept that reflects (excuse the pun..) this.

French Connection is the product

2011-09-11T21:12:00.010+01:00

French Connection state on their website..

"Going forward we will present French Connection as a credible and focused fashion brand that speaks through its product."

This campaign does exactly that! In a tough economic climate it is more important than ever that retailers focus on having the right product for their customer. This campaign for French Connection is fantastic, especially with this in mind. It communicates to the customer about their product in a direct, humorous and visually exciting way.
I love the visual presentation of this campaign with the product displayed on tube shaped lights that extend from the floor to the ceiling of the window. Without the detail and composition of mannequins it strips the display back and keeps your eye focused on the product. The text is a short one liner slogan simialr to those of French Connections previous two campaigns.. (Scroll down to February post to re-jog your memory!) I like the way they have used a similar format from previous campaigns and given it a new spin, making it instantly recognisable to the brand. I just hope they don't get too comfortable but continue to bring out new ideas that surprise and excite the customer!

John Lewis spell it out

2011-07-27T17:49:00.005+01:00

This set of windows at department store John Lewis is a really strong example of how text can can be used with merchandise to create a clear and visually exciting message. By using a range of products to help write each word for the relevant department, for example 'dine' for their china and glass department, they add humour and interest to an otherwise very minimalistic display. By keeping the colour palette to mainly black and white they allow the text and products to create the impact. Informing passers by of the departments and products available in John Lewis!

Bright Lights at Kurt Geiger

2011-05-29T21:21:00.006+01:00

Kurt Geiger have taken this seasons neon brights and created a simple yet high impact display that draws your eye to another collection of their amazing shoes. Faced with one of the hardest types of product to merchandise in my opinion, Kurt Geiger have created a scheme that is very bold with the contrast of neon brights and stark white whilst maintaining a slick feel that embodies the brands image. I love this scheme and think it is the perfect display for this season.

A Right Royal Do!

2011-04-30T13:10:00.018+01:00

The most eligable man in England has tied the knot in what I thought was a fabulously traditional yet intimate ceremony yesterday. Wedding fever has swept across London over the last few weeks, and it seems like everyone is taking part in the celebrations! Here are my favorite windows dedicated to the royal wedding. In order of the photos, the stores are Liberty, Oasis, Urban Outfitters, Gola and John Lewis.

This was my contribution to our royal wedding meal, (they are meant to form a Union Jack..)

Match Point to Tommy Hilfiger

2011-03-05T21:31:00.002Z

The bright yellow and the sheer giganticness of the tennis ball caught my eye at Tommy Hilfiger on Regent Street this afternoon. The all-American brand have used the ever popular connotation of the country club lifestyle, more specifically tennis, to create a fun and eye catching display.

While I think the window display is striking, what I think works particularly well in this scheme is how the brand has carried the concept throughout the whole store. (Which is something I don't think brands do enough in visual merchandising!) The second photograph is one example of how they did this by using old fashioned rackets and a range of multi-coloured tennis balls on a shelf above a rail of clothing. Another example, which I couldn't photograph because of the number of staff stood around was a table tennis table complete with net being used to display a range of piled up polo shirts!

French Connection ask if you are man?

2011-02-02T16:16:00.006Z

Following the success of their 'The Man' and 'The Woman' campaigns last year, French Connection have splashed out this Spring on a new campaign titled 'You are man? and 'You are woman?' The campaign plays with connotations of what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman.

These images are of one of the store windows that French Connection have launched as a part of this campaign. This display asks men are you man? using the scenario of a man riding an inflatable, not the most masculine of activities! Fun and humour is created by inflatable water and cloud props and of course the male mannequins styling of comical moustaches, speedos and inflatable animals.

I really like the way the brand has covered the entire side of their store with a giant graphic with a big cutout for the window display. Using an image from their print campaign makes the store instantly recognisable as French Connection and creates a coherent message across the different forms of promotion. The combination of the large scale photography, powerful text and humorous props creates a big impact and is hard to miss along the hustle and bustle of London's Oxford Street.

Spring is blossoming at Mulberry

2011-01-23T13:22:00.005Z

Amongst the doom and gloom of January it was really refreshing to come across this vibrant display at Mulberry. The white cut out dolls allow both the giant pink flowers and Mulberry's spring collection, including the much talked about Tillie bag to stand out.
Part of the strength of this display in my opinion, is the way it ties in with their current print advertising campaign, full of pink hydrangeas, wheel barrows and watering cans: all things Spring!

The best of the sales

2011-01-19T18:02:00.003Z

After my last post about the White Company I decided to see if I could track down anymore window displays that have used innovation and creativity in their promotion of that four letter word. It was by no means an easy task but eventually I found three displays that impressed me.

The first is Kurt Geiger on Regent Street, I really like the way they have used highlights of red in a subtle and stylish way; in their light bulb signage, in the shoes on display and also in the lips of the otherwise very plain mannequin.
The second display at Anthropologie also on Regent Street, uses playful fonts and patterns to create a composition of key messages about their sale. The third retailer pictured is Vivienne Westwood's menswear store just off New Bond Street. Refreshingly this brand decided to abandon the colour red and use the same vibrant blue as their store signage for their sale promotion. The bunched up giant letters are instantly eyecatching and work well next to the two mannequins, creating a balanced composition that fits the small but perfectly shaped window.

The White Company reduce their prices without reducing their image

2011-01-09T21:00:00.006Z

Sales are the one time when retailers tend to strip back displays to just simple graphics, often using a combination of large lettering and the colour red! So I was really impressed when I spotted this display at The White Company at Sloane Square. The upmarket brand have successfully created a display that clearly communicates their sale but in a way that stays true to their strong brand identity. Proving that even though they are discounting their prices, by no means does it mean their upmarket signature style is impacted.

Using mannequins, examples from their product range and giant scripted lettering, all in their signature white, the brand create an elegant and effective scheme. The element to the display that allows it to be a success in my opinion, is the lighting. By positioning spotlights over the letters they prevent the all white display from looking bland and allow the word 'sale' to pop out.

Topshop are swept up in a snow storm

2010-12-29T17:24:00.003Z

The sheer size of this giant snow globe in Topshop's flagship store was enough alone to grab my attention. As I stopped to look at it amongst the flurry of Christmas shoppers on Oxford street, I admired the giant snow globe set amongst a scene of frosty and glamorous mannequins and props. I like the way everything from the mannequins white afro's, to their embellished evening dresses and fur accessories emanates the frosty theme. Positioned amongst a backdrop of silver and white sprayed shards of metal. This instantly recognisable ornament is represented in a larger than life size full of Christmas sparkle and glamour.

We three kings of Orient are

2010-11-21T19:35:00.004Z

Christmas has landed and I thought I'd kick off with this gorgeous scheme from Vivienne Westwood. The quintessentially British fashion house has used the three kings characters from the nativity story as the inspiration for their Christmas window displays in their menswear store (see first photo) and their ladies store (see second window.)

The rich tones of coppers, reds and golds emanate grandeur and royalty, while the use of three mannequins and mock crowns help to establish the theme of the display. I love this simple concept, that with clever spotlighting, really shows off the fabulous Vivienne Westwood signature tartans and elaborate prints.

Back to the drawing board for Moschino

2010-11-18T18:27:00.003Z

I really like this display at Moschino, their white space just off New Bond St is the perfect setting for a colourful and playful display. The oversized objects really stand out as you walk past the store and the attention to detail, including the moschino logo printed on the pencils draw you in further. The symmetry in the display created by the two groups of pencils and the limited colour pallette makes this window pop!

Chanel's icy exterior

2010-10-31T11:45:00.005Z

This icy display at Chanel is the perfect winter window and is bang on trend with some of this seasons key pieces including fur accessories and the leather shearling jacket. The darker tones of the clothing really stand out against the white and icy blue backdrop of the display. They have kept the composition simple and elegant, embodying the brands image perfectly.

Harvey Nichols are switched on

2010-09-29T14:10:00.004+01:00

I love these menswear windows at Harvey Nichols in London's Knightsbridge. The very male range of electrical objects including a toaster, headphones and a tv, are created in a illustrative style using different colour wires and bright lighting.

I think the composition of these windows is really strong, with the wire installation in the middle with a mannequin at one side and a range of clothing and accessories hanging off the wire on the other.

I really like the way the coloured wires are plugged into the sockets that are stark white along with the backdrop, making the primary colours of the wires and products stand out.

Black and white is best at Cos and Topshop

2010-09-26T11:21:00.004+01:00

The stark visual contrast and impact of a completely monochrome display works really well here for Topshop, in the first two images and Cos, in the third image. In order for such a simple concept to be successful the composition of the props and clothing/accessories has to be carefully thought out. What both brands have done is used the height of the window display to products at different levels. Topshop's stacked and balanced props are busier and more compact than Cos's minimalist chairs, stools and rails, but I think both approaches have a really strong look and work well for their brands.

Anthropologie Set Sail

2010-09-24T14:58:00.003+01:00

Anthropologie was one of the first brands that I posted about on this blog, and I'm happy to see that their displays a year on are as strong as ever. These nautical inspired windows have an authentic, rustic feel that is Anthropologie down to the ground. This is created by the worn, faded tones of blues, greys and greens and the handmade looking materials used for the props. I really like the composition of the displays in these windows, in particular the symmetry between the sails and the mannequins in the first image.

Selfridges wish, crave and lust over the new seasons key pieces

2010-08-22T17:51:00.007+01:00

It's one of the most exciting times of the year in the fashion retail industry, the summer and the sales are drawing to a close and the Autumun/Winter collections are being stocked up and sprawled all over the fashion magazines. Key trends and pieces are predicted as consumers are told how they can update their wardrobes with the "must-haves" of the new season.

My interpretation of this series of windows from Selfridges is that the creative team have tapped into this and created a visual display that shows consumers a wishlist for the new season. Whether they crave, obsess or lust over, at this time of year consumers choose the new jacket, the perfect cocktail dress and the fabulous new handbag they must have this season!

Each window features one emotion and one key piece, making it easy for consumers to focus in on each product as they walk down Oxford Street. The key pieces in the scheme show what the department store do best; housing the most innovative, relevant and iconic designers of the moment and help stamp their authority within the industry.

Gap Kids and H&M battle it out in the classroom

2010-08-15T12:41:00.005+01:00

Gap Kids and H&M are tapping into the Back to School trend for their childrenswear departments in a big way. Both brands have used props of giant stationary including sharpeners, erasers and rulers to create fun, colourful displays. Gap Kids have used bright primary colours and cardboard for their props whilst H&M have used a broader range of materials to create more lifelike versions of the stationary.

The compositions of the two displays are determined by the scale of the windows, as H&Ms much bigger and wider window of their Regent Street store allows the brand to spread out the props. Compared to Gap Kids much smaller window at their Oxford Circus store, where the stationary and mannequins are much more compact. I think the composition of Gap's window display is much more eyecatching and the closeness of all the props reminded me of a childs stationary crammed into a pencil case.

Melting Moschino

2010-08-11T12:48:00.003+01:00

These windows at Moschino are the perfect summer display. I love the way the giant fruit, icecream and the mannequin are all melting, presumably from the heat of the summer sun, creating splashes and puddles below them. This simple concept works for me because of the contrast of the bold colours and soft fabrics of the props against a stark white backdrop. The strong lighting used also helps to give the impression of the heat and brightness of the sun on a scorching summers day.

Designers get taught a lesson by Selfridges

2010-08-07T10:54:00.003+01:00

August has arrived and at this time every year this spells out three words for retailers "Back to School". Here Selfridges have cleverly used references to days at school including apples, books, and knee high socks to create a quirky and rather grown up display for the womenswear department.
I always think attention to detail is what makes a visual display work and here is no exception. The carefully placed apple on the mannequins head and the freckles on their cheeks are both examples of this. One element of the display that I thought was particularly clever was the way they have shown which designers clothes are used for each mannequin by writing it in letters on their arms and legs. Something my school friends and I certainly did when the teachers weren't looking!

Louis Vuitton travel in style to the Eiffel Tower

2010-06-29T16:08:00.004+01:00

Even on holiday I can't resist a peak at the windows of the worlds most prestigious fashion designers stores! This display caught my eye in Munich, Germany where I visited a couple of weekends ago with a group of friends.

I love the way the brand have taken one of France's most famous landmarks the Eiffel Tower, and created a really fun, building block style model out of mock pieces of luggage. This display uses a range of summer themes such as travel, luggage and tourism to create a playful yet sophisticated display. The limited colour palette and symmetrical composition of the three components: the model, the drawing and the mannequin, create the level of sophistication that is required for the premium brand.

Hanging out at Whistles

2010-06-25T20:21:00.004+01:00

I have done a few posts about the use of giant letters in retailers window displays, discovering that it is quite a big trend in Visual Merchandising. I like this display by Whistles because unlike the other displays such as Stella McCartney at Liberty and Burberry where the letters were placed on the floor, at Whistles the letters hang from the ceiling. By hanging the neutral tone letters from wires they are able to use the height of the window and draw the customers eye across the store.

Fred Perry enjoy the beautful game

2010-06-21T19:19:00.003+01:00

The Football World Cup is one of the biggest events this summer so its not surprising that brands have tapped into the tournament for visual merchandising inspiration. I love this window display in Fred Perry's Nottingham store because although it is a strong association with football, the display is subtle and clever and in line with the heritage brand's identity.

The oversized table football players are instantly recognizable and a fun play on size, as table football itself is a miniature form of the sport yet here it is a giant version of it. I particularly like the way the "footballers" are wearing Fred Perry's signature polo shirt which is famous to the brand.

Jigsaw's Sweet Tooth

2010-06-13T09:17:00.005+01:00

I have blogged about Jigsaw's window displays a number of times and this scheme is perhaps my favorite so far. The womenswear high street brand have used props of oversized sweets to create a bright, fun and eye-catching display. The giant gum balls, sticks of rock, lolly pops and pick and mix striped bag, are all instantly recognizable because of their shapes, textures and colour. Their timeless nature has an element of nostalgia as the sweets are favorites amongst generations including the middle aged demographic that the brand is targeting.

The display takes an instantly recognisable theme and reproducess it in a giant form to catch the eye of passers by and create a visual impact.

Harvey Nichols are all tied up

2010-05-03T11:39:00.009+01:00

These images are of Harvey Nichols menswear window displays, photographed on Friday at their Knightsbridge store. The nautical theme that has appeared in various Visual Merchandising schemes in the last few summers, offers a range of motifs to play with including anchors, ropes, seagulls and stripes. What I like about Harvey Nichols interpretation of the theme is the way they have focused on one key prop and played with it in a number of ways.

An element to these displays that I particularly like is the way that accessories such as shoes and hats have been tied up and placed in the circular rope on the backdrop in the window. With only one mannequin in each window it allows the store to showcase more products in a playful way. Another feature that works really well is the use of rope for the mannquins hair, styled in a fairly realistic way it is a subtle addition to this playful display.

Trend Spot: Flamingos

2010-05-01T12:43:00.008+01:00

Over the last month or so I have spotted a number of flamingos within window displays of various retailers. The first example I have shown is of Harrods, this particular pink bird featured in their Alice in Wonderland display. This trend I have noticed undoubtedly is linked to the Alice in Wonderland theme popular in March, as in the story Alice plays croquet with some flamingos.

The River Island display shown in the last two images mimics the bright coral/pink of the flamingos in two dresses modeled on the mannequins. I like the way in this display the two birds are doing different poses adding interest to the props. The bright colour of the bird makes it an ideal prop for Spring/Summer and the Alice in Wonderland link strengthens its relevance this season.

Printemps discover Alice and her Wonderland

2010-04-22T16:43:00.009+01:00

Images Sourced at WGSN

Last month I did a post about the trend of Alice in Wonderland in Visual Merchandising, inspired by the Tim Burton and Disney collaborative film release. These images of Printemps windows in Paris show another brands interpretation of the trend.

In contrast to Selfridges and Harrods, Printemps display is very uncluttered and clean, dominated by the mostly monotone colour palette. The store have used three devices to communicate the trend. Firstly the backdrops are all black and white stills from the film. Secondly the outfits modelled by the white rabbit mannequins are inpspired by the costumes. And thirdly the oversized props of iconic Alice in Wonderland motifs including teacups, playing cards and a pocket watch.

This sophisticated yet playful display shows how brands can take a strong and identifiable theme and produce a range of different schemes from it. Maintaining true to the theme whilst portraying their own image and selling points.

Game, Set and Match to Ralph Lauren

2010-04-19T11:14:00.004+01:00

Images Sourced at WGSN

I love the collaboration of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and Polo Ralph Lauren so when I discovered this window display from their flagship store in the WGSN archives I had to share it. The collaboration is a perfect fit, with both parties evoking strong notions of lifestyle, class and high society.

The choice of props create an authentic representation of the all England club; the freshly pressed towels, competition silverware, picnic baskets and signposts to name a few. This display brings heritage and British tradition to a premium American lifestyle brand in a charming and sophisticated way.

Lord & Taylor declare Checkmate

2010-04-17T17:32:00.011+01:00

Images Sourced at WGSN

Up until now all of my posts have included photographs I have taken of schemes taking place now, but to broaden my understanding of Visual Merchandising I have delved into the archives of WGSN; an industry resource for trends, news and research.

The examples I will include from the archive are the schemes that I liked the most and stood out to me as they would if I had walked past the window itself!

This concept by American department store Lord and Taylor from February 2008 is titled 'It's Our Move', taking the traditional game of chess as inspiration. The design team have been very detailed in their representation of the game; using the monotone colours, the checker board and of course the games signature pieces of queens, kings, bishops, knights castles and pawns. I really like the way the mannequins have been placed to look as if they are part of the game placed on squares along with giant chess pieces.

Selfridges spell it out with Martin Margiela

2010-04-10T14:44:00.007+01:00

To celebrate the launch of the exclusive fragrance, 'Entitled' by Maison Martin Margiela , Selfridges have dedicated a whole window to promote the product. The fragrance named product of the week by the luxury department store can be seen in the second image, sourced from Selfridges website under Beauty.

I love the way the fragrance is displayed on shelving in this display to spell the letter M, (a key letter in the product's name.) Against the back drop of jumbled white props, including luggage, lamp shades and chairs, the carefully placed bottles in light green and white really stand out.

In March I posted about the use of oversized letter in Burberry's and Liberty's window displays. It seems a trend has emerged this Spring as Selfridges have used a similar concept by using the product to spell out a key letter in the brands name, on a large scale.

Cloudy skies above at Oasis

2010-04-08T17:18:00.002+01:00

I took these photographs earlier today of the Oasis store at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. What caught my attention were the patterned clouds hanging from the ceiling. I really like the way they have designed the props in patterns similar to those in the products displayed. This concept could be used by a range of brands, particularly by those who have a signature print, for example Paul Smith's stripes or Laura Ashley's vintage florals.

Other elements to the display such as the poodles on the window pane are not in my opinion as strong, but I do like the way the leads held by the mannequins link to the window stickers of poodles to look as if they are walking them.

Hackett race to the finish line

2010-04-04T20:06:00.000+01:00

Luxury menswear brand Hackett are proud sponsors to one of the most prestigious events in the British sporting calender; the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race. I visited their Regents Street store on Wednesday, where I took these photographs of the brands promotion of the sponsorship in their window display.

Along with placing rowing oars amongst the mannequins, the brand have promoted the event by showing the route of the race in a white map on the window pane. I really like this technique as it is a really simple yet strong illustration that allows you to see the product behind. The quote in the third image perfectly sums up the humour and wit of the brand's British nationality.

Alice steps out of Wonderland and into the windows!

2010-04-02T17:46:00.003+01:00

When I heard last year that Tim Burton was collaborating with Disney to produce a new version of Alice in Wonderland I kept my fingers crossed that it was going to be big. The publicity surrounding the film has been huge, and I am so pleased to see that it's been adopted by my two favorite department stores in London as a visual merchandising concept.

These photographs are of Harrods and Selfridges Alice in Wonderland window displays; two very different schemes that take inspiration from the same film. Alice in Wonderland is filled with motifs and characters that make it an ideal theme for a visual merchandising concept. From teacups, cream cakes and rabbits, to clocks, keyholes and playing cards.

The first four photographs are from Harrods, the displays use bold colours and patterns to reflect the bizarre characteristics of the story. Whilst props such as the giant teacup and playing card cake are manipulations of scale, featuring objects from the story that are famously associated with Alice.

Selfridges take on the theme, shown in the last three images, is a lot less theatrical and more traditional and old-fashioned in comparison. They have used the same objects such as playing cards and clocks but arranged them in a jumbled manner in scenes that mimic the Mad Hatters tea party.

Which do I prefer more? That is hard to say but I do think they have both done a very good job of paying tribute to one of the most famous children's stories of all!

Trend Spot: It's a Gardener's World

2010-03-22T21:18:00.000Z

There is no doubt about it, Spring has finally arrived! (Or atleast it has in the world of Visual Merchandising, we may have to wait a while longer everywhere else!) These images are just four examples of brands that have tapped into a very seasonal Spring trend of gardens and flowers.
What is apparent in these photographs is that each brand has created it's own personal spin on the trend. The first, Chanel at Selfridges, has produced a very rustic version of the trend using worn greys and browns, quite a contrast to the polished, monochrome identity you normally associate with Chanel. Tommy Hilfiger, shown second, use the props in a fun way with the brands signature polo shirts. Whilst Topshop pictured fourth, successfully integrate manneqeuins with crates and plant boxes to create a relaxed and quirky display.
The second image is of a chair in River Island, I love the way that unlike the other brands the prop displayed has no practical function, it is charming to look at and fits in perfectly with the whole stores theme of Spring and florals.

Selfridges: The Bright Lights and Sites of London

2010-03-11T18:32:00.001Z

Selfridge's window displays at their flagship London Oxford Street store are amongst the most iconic in the world. To celebrate London Fashion Week, (19th - 23rd February)the department store paid tribute to the capital with a splash of vibrant colours.
The fourth image I have shown was my favorite window, using cardboard cutouts to show some of the cities famous landmarks and architecture. The cardboard brown stands out well against all the acidic colours, and the way the props are built up in front of each other reflect the busy skyline of London.

Burberry is larger than life

2010-03-10T15:29:00.001Z

After admiring Liberty's giant letter display for Stella McCartney I came across Burberry's window campaign for their Regent Street store. It appears I have stumbled across a trend! I really like the way the brand have jumbled all the letters of Burberry up, using different extremes of scale for the letters to create variety.
Displaying accessories and mannequins styled in pieces from their Spring/Summer 2010 collection, amongst the letters, works really well. The display is a playful use of scale bringing an iconic brand name to life.

Liberty spell it out for you

2010-03-09T15:30:00.001Z

I really like this concept Liberty have used for six of their windows on Great Marlborough Street, promoting the Stella McCartney collection. Using models and props to spell out 'Stella' has created a display that is full of humour and promotes McCartney's signature relaxed and feminine style.
This simple idea could be adopted by a range of retailers and like Liberty, they could put their own stamp on it to promote key elements of their brand and collection.

A walk in the park for Banana Republic

2010-03-08T23:19:00.000Z

I love Banana Republic's Regent Street window campaign for Spring, the setting, colour palette and props all come together to create a playful, yet sophisticated display. The backdrops of green grass, fields and trees identify the setting, made stronger with the props of park benches and bicycles.
The womenswear collection titled 'Live in Chino' in neutral tones sits perfectly within the concept and is not washed out or overlooked by a busy scene or strong colours.
The initial aspect of the display that caught my eye was the dogs, I really like the way the brand have used breeds of all shapes and sizes and created them in similar fabrics to the garments. They are a perfect addition to the display and are simply adorable! (The dauschaund is my favourite!)

The Ship's Come in at Jigsaw

2010-03-01T16:52:00.002Z

Jigsaw's Spring campaign takes the ever popular nautical theme to create a classic and sophisticated window display. The Union Jack sails draped down from the ceiling create a frame to focus the eye on the mannequins. The use of rope piled up on the floor and held in the mannequins hands, create a look that is identifiable and authentic whilst subtle enough to not take away from the product. The mannequin modelling the striped top and mac is covered in navy and blue striped fabric which helps to communicate the trend further.

Blue Skies are Forecast at Fred Perry

2010-02-19T20:52:00.001Z

An overcast day shopping in Nottingham was brightened up by Fred Perry's Spring window campaign. I love the concept of using weather symbols, they are instantly recognisable and very appropriate for a brand who's nation has a pre-occupation with the weather.
I really like the small details like the wind pressure symbol 'S10' for Spring/Summer 2010. A very simple idea, that focuses your eye on the brands 'sunshine'; a black jacket!

New Delivery at River Island

2010-02-13T19:48:00.001Z

My last post in January seems to of identified a trend! This window display for River Island's spring menswear is all about post and packaging. I really like the way the brand has played with traditional features of postage like the labels This Way Up' and 'Fragile'.
The neutral shades of white and brown make the theme really adaptable and don't take away from the bright reds and blues in the clothing displayed. The shredded paper used to cover the floor is very in keeping with the theme and is a simple and easy way to cover the space.

You've Got Mail

2010-01-28T12:21:00.000Z

I absolutely loved this window display when I visited Westfield in London a couple of weeks ago. The store is a womenswear retailer called 'Macha', a name I admit I had never come across before. The giant bundles of letters and parcels looked really authentic with brown string and the various coloured envelopes. In addition there was a giant postcard outline that framed the store front, in the same blue and red diagonal stripes as the envelopes. An otherwise very simple window display with a few styled mannequins and backdrop that allowed you to see into the store, the postal props really added a sense of fun and style to the store front.

A spot of croquet for Jack Wills

2009-12-29T11:01:00.000Z

I visited the Jack Wills store on London's Kings Road a few weeks ago to aid my research on my third year university project on lifestyle retailing. What really stood out to me in store was the attention to detail and little extras the brand use in their displays. A number of these were vintage wooden sports equipment, these two examples show badminton rackets and croquet bats.
For a brand that prides itself on being traditionally British always playing with notions of heritage and taste, they are very in keeping with the brands strong identity. They add a traditional, vintage feel to the store and have a charm about them because of their authentic, somewhat rustic feel.

The Wizard of Oz at Harrods

2009-11-30T11:34:00.000Z

Department stores go all out at Christmas on their window displays and if there was a hierarchy of London stores Harrods would definitely be up there as royalty! This year the department store are celebrating 70 years of the Wizard of Oz. Each window takes a different element of the story and illustrates in a larger than life display. Examples above include the iconic ruby slippers, the scarecrow and Dorothy's dog Toto.
Rather than the windows just being a set of props, they cleverly integrated products from all of their departments giving each feature of the original story a modern and glamorous twist. My favorite example of this is Toto who is wearing a diamonte collar and lives in a Caesars Palace kennel showing that a little artistic license goes a long long way!

Christmas Trend Spot: Oversized Baubles

2009-11-26T15:45:00.002Z

Christmas is always an exciting time of year in the world of Visual Merchandising and this years displays do not disappoint!
On a research trip to London this week, I kept my eye out for concepts retailers have used for Christmas 2009.
A big trend I noticed was the use of giant baubles; the examples above show displays in Topshop, Harvey Nichols and Banana Republic. What I really like is how each brands display, is a unique take on the trend, reflecting the individual retailers image and taste. For example, Topshops display uses very soft and metallic colours, reflecting the tones and styles of their key trends this season. Whilst Harvery Nichols boldness and use of colour are very different in comparison, it is entirely appropriate for the department store.

Feel at home with Joules

2009-11-17T20:36:00.000Z

I visited the Joules store in Cheltenham last weekend as a part of my research into lifestyle brands for my final project. I really like the concept Joules have used of making the store like a home. Each area of the store has different props and fittings that reflect a room in a home, like in these examples above that use a bath tub and an ironing board. All of the props, like the stores interior are painted in very neutral tones. This enables the brands products to really stand out with their vibrant patterns and colours. The concept reflects one of Joules core values of being a brand for all the family and creates an enjoyable store environment for customers.

The Thomas Pink Library of Shirts

2009-11-10T11:57:00.000Z

This window display for womens shirts at Thomas Pink in Edinburgh uses a really interesting concept. Pink's tailored shirts in every style and colour imaginable are their signature garment. I really like the way they have used the idea of a library as an analogy for their shirt collections. Referring to it as a 'Shirt Library' and using a backdrop of assorted books communicate ideas of volume and collections that you associate with a library of books.
The composition of the backdrop, the mannequins with only shirts on and the text on the window, work really well together. The display promotes one of the brands signature garments in a fun, and easily recognisable way.

Trend Spot: Vintage Sewing Machines

2009-10-31T12:40:00.000Z

These photographs were taken in three different retailers. The first is from River Island in Nottingham, the second, Topshop in Edinburgh and the third was of a display in a store called Tattinger and Marsh in Marlborough, Wiltshire.
This trend of using old fashioned sewing machines really interests me because with each store they have used the prop (or image in River Islands case)in their own way. The sewing machines obviously make references to garment production but because of the style of them, they also communicate ideas of vintage and the old fashioned. They appear quite authentic (less maybe with the River Island image) and suggest quality; two attributes that the brands want to communicate.

Reel Appeal at Jigsaw

2009-10-21T16:26:00.002+01:00

I took these photographs at Jigsaw's Nottingham store earlier today. The window display really stood out to me because of the vibrant colours and sheer size of the cotton reels. They're really fun and the thickness of the thread really emanates the sense of Autumn and knitwear that is dominating the high street.
I like the way the mannequins are interacting with them, it helps to draw your eye onto the products displayed, especially as some of the colours of the thread mimic colours in the garments.
This display makes a strong impact and playing with scale was a big factor in creating this effect. As it is something often used in Visual Merchandising, I hope to find more examples of scale and proportion in the research I do.

Harvey Nichols Chalkboard

2009-09-30T22:26:00.000+01:00

I took these photographs at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh on the 14th of September. I thought the use of chalk to show the detailing on all the props was very unique and cleverly done. It really gave a sense of charm to a window display that besides that was very simple, displaying a range of products on props as though they were in a house.

The design works particularly well for a department store that has a wide range of products because they did a number of windows in this style. Each one was for a different room in a house with different products in, for example these images are of a females room showing beauty products, lingerie and accesories. Whereas the children's room was like a playroom with clothes and other products suited to that particular consumer range.

This concept really allows the products to stand out against the dominant black and has a playful character that is in keeping with the Harvey Nichols brand.

Topshop - You've Been Framed

2009-09-29T12:36:00.001+01:00

I took these photographs in Topshop in Edinburgh about two weeks ago. I really like the use of large ornate gold frames in the display to give an added feature but also to draw the eye in towards the products. Frames were used throughout the store in a variety of scales, including in the window displays to create a consistency and to strengthen the trend. A very simple technique, the frames help to give a sense of grandeur and occasion that are integral to the trend the products belong too.

Juicy Couture's Menagerie

2009-09-22T21:33:00.001+01:00

This display was a part of the Juicy Couture concession at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, photographed on the 14th of September. I really like the use of birdcages throughout the display to give the brand a feminine feel. The strong, modern tones maintained an edge of Juicys attitude, keeping up their strong image. Displaying one of the collections handbags in a bird cage was effective, giving the prop an added feature. Although using birdcages as a part of a display is not a new concept for fashion brands, Juicy Couture applied their own twist, making the props relevent for their brand.

Miss Selfridge's Faded Chic

2009-09-16T16:00:00.000+01:00

These images are of Miss Selfridge's window displays at their London Oxford Street store, taken last week. I really like the worn and faded style of the props and backdrop used, as they complement the products on display, particularly the faded denim and washed out floral print. Using predominantly white allows the imagery and products to stand out. The painted brick work effect prevented the white from looking too bland.

The use of different height plinths is very clever as it allows each look to be complete with various accessories. Providing the customer with an idea of how to put together an outfit from the product range. It also breaks up the space within the display making it easier on the eye.

A Picture Postcard Summer at French Connection

2009-08-31T13:24:00.000+01:00

I took these photographs of the window displays of French Connection's London Oxford Street store back in July. I thought the whole concept for the display was really strong, communicating the idea of summer in a youthful and fun way.

The postcard design helped to frame the mannequins and focus your eye on the bright colours of both the clothes and the beach balls. The display stood out really well as you walked down the street as it was completely different to the other retailers windows and filled the whole space with colour and props, creating maximum impact.

Londons Calling at Monsoons Childrenswear Department

2009-08-28T16:41:00.001+01:00

I photographed the childrenswear window display in Monsoon at their Cheltenham branch about two weeks ago. Amongst all the shops giant sale signs and blank windows this display really stood out to me. I think the graphics of the London skyline are very strong and create the right balance between being sophisticated and young looking for the childrenswear department. The coloured areas of the backdrop suggest a colouring book style which reflects the audience of the product range perfectly.

I like the play on words with the signage "Monsoon Street" taking another aspect of London iconography along with the London Eye and other architecture in the backdrop. It adds another playful element to the display and of course promotes the retailers name.

The display strongly represents the key theme of London for this Autumn collection that is used throughout the product range in graphic prints. The three outfits on the mannequins in the display are examples of this, I have included an image of one of the t-shirts as the detail is hard to make out in my photograph.

Urban Outfitters Quirky Changing Rooms

2009-08-06T12:48:00.000+01:00

I took these photos yesterday in the changing rooms of Urban Outfitters in Cabbots Circus, Bristol. The entire changing rooms were made of wood including the doors and entrance area. Black line drawings were used on all of the features of the changing rooms, including the door and the mirror to mimic elaborate framework and detailing.

The hooks shown above were my favourite, as they are quite amusing and add character to an otherwise quite neutral space. The concept is really simple which gave it added appeal as I often feel the simplest idea can make a strong impact in visual merchandising.

In addition, the design is very in keeping with the retailers quirky image and is appropriate for both their female and male consumers.

Topshops Round the World Travels

2009-07-31T11:17:00.001+01:00

These two photos were taken at the Topshop flagship store on London's Oxford Street in March of this year. Worn and torn old-fashioned luggage is used a lot in visual displays, I believe part of the reason being that they symbolize both travel and a sense of the past very successfully. The luggage helps to communicate trends that encompasses either of these concepts and can be used in a number of practical ways.

In these two displays the luggage is used as a way of building up height and as platforms for mannequins and stands. This allows the product styled on them to be seen more easily by the consumer in a busy store where product displayed lower down may be easily missed.

I really like the use of antique luggage, on my various trips to discover new and exciting visual merchandising I will look for more examples of it being used. Perhaps by a completely different brand, or used in a new, innovative way.

Agent Provocateur's Striking Structure

2009-07-23T19:22:00.000+01:00

These photographs taken at Agent Provocateur in Selfridges, London Oxford street, highlight the lingerie brands striking concession displays. I think the gloss and luxury of the black really complement the femininity and softness of the wire mannequins and the dusky pink, conveying the brands image well. Your eye is immediately drawn to the display situated next to the escalator because of the heavy use of black in a fairly neutral and pastel dominated lingerie department. However once it has caught your attention it is the product that gains your focus as the frame and heavy spotlighting draw your eye in.

Topshop's Summer Florals

2009-05-12T21:16:00.000+01:00

A Topshop floral skirt is brought to life in this display, proving that a simple mannequin provides you with endless possibilities. I love the way the wings reference the floral print in the skirt along with the smaller butterflies on the wall behind. The three elements together along with the fake grass communicate the British summer floral trend that dominates Topshop's product range this season. This photograph was taken at Topshop's London Oxford Street store in March 2009.

Bergdorf Goodman Pure Indulgence

2009-05-12T17:49:00.000+01:00

The window displays of luxury New York department store, Bergdorf Goodman, at Christmas 2007 were so incredible I didn't know where to look! Each window on Fifth Avenue represented a different element, this one I have chosen to show is Earth. The attention to detail was so thorough that an inch of the display had not be filled with something spectacular. The limited colour palette and stunning evening gowns helped to create a display that was luxurious whilst expressing the notion of Earth.

Urban Outfitters Homely Touch

2009-05-12T17:38:00.000+01:00

This photograph is of the lingerie and nightwear section in Urban Outfitters London Oxford Street Store taken in November 2008. I love the use of hatstands, wire mannequins, picture frames and lampshades to create a very soft and feminine look. The display has a very old fashioned, homely feel, that works very well with their floral print and lace underwear and nightwear.

Anthropologie's White Winter Windows

2009-05-12T17:23:00.000+01:00

These photographs are of two of the windows of the store Anthroplogie in New York City, for their Winter season 2007. I really like the use of the window decoration limiting the visibility of the homely scene in the first image. The repetition of the circular shape in some of the picure frames on the wall is also a strong concept. The second window is of an igloo made entirely of milk cartons. A really simple technique that is very effective in communicating a message of recycling and the idea of home.