Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Welcome to New York...!  After an agonising journey across the pond we have finally made it to the centre of it all and what better way to begin than to view that monolith in the Visual Merchandising world, Bergdorf Goodman.  Of course in true style these guys have entertained delighted and produced their usual magnificent scheme; this year based on the seasonal events, Valentines, Halloween and so on.  The detail as ever is so incredible that we have been back a few times as we keep finding new things to look at.  Naturally we made a video of it all for you to view (link below) and take part in the spectacle in case you miss them.  We're covering the windows in NYC for the next three weeks so do check back and see whats happening here in the Big Apple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuBvfS8eVxs

(yes, its meant to be upside down)

Topshop in conjunction with Neon, London

                   TOPSHOP BLOOM - copyright and courtesy Neon.

Before we share the delights of the Big Apple with you we wanted to quickly squeeze in this amazing installation at Topshop right now here in the centre of it all.  We were huge fans of the installation by Neon which we included here a while ago; you may remember the giant colour wheel structure which was produced as part of the Regent street project in conjunction with RIBA?  Well, these guys have done it again.  Thankfully Topshop have the creative vision which supports these kinds of projects and which invigorate the high street making what we do ever more worthwhile.

Dolce and Gabbana, Paris

We've seen this scheme in London recently although here in Paris it is absolutely huge (well they have taller windows at this store)  We cant quite make out what these Gold leafed (or Gold coloured) leaves are made from but it truly does look spectacular and blingy.  Here's the link to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwkIJ3NVVRQ

Loewe, Paris

We have seen a lot of polka dots, well dotted stuff really, around London recently and a lot of what appears to be a kind of confetti-like trend.  We don't know much about this brand but from time to time they do come up with some interesting schemes.  This one here in Paris is great fun and here's the obligatory video to get a better idea of how it appears to the passersby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKBmOat4uxA

Longchamp, Paris

We did stop in our tracks when we came across this scheme at Longchamp which is by far more interesting than the one back in London.  Fortunately we had our video camera with us so we were able to capture the movement of the horse and jockey lenticular in the window.  We're not so sure about how we feel regarding the rest of the scheme although the graphic is great fun.  Click on the link to watch our video via youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLHHNhSffSI

Printemps,Paris

We have to confess that we do like a bit of 'old school' when it comes to windows and here at Printemps the scheme really is quite spectacular.  It took us hours just to get the shots we have as the crowds around these windows were so thick (as in many not in their level of intelligence) so even late at night we were struggling to get near them.  Anyway, fantastic installation, so if you get the chance then do and have a look, but be ruthless and be prepared to push past the screaming French kiddies and their parents, and grand parents, and.....well the list goes on.

Nina Ricci, Paris

We have to admit that this is not the most exciting store window that we have seen in Paris but thankfully with the use of our handy technology, albeit a slightly gritty and urban approach to videoing, we have managed to capture the fact that these bust forms revolve.  Not so ordinary after all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rGsVz-csVk

Galeries, Lafayette, Paris

If there are windows in Paris which are attracting the crowds then these are the ones.  OK, well not necessarily the ones on this site as we had terrible difficulty getting any where near the others so our images are not so hot.  The crowds here are so enormous that it is almost impossible to even walk on the pavement outside, so here's a few which didn't particularly excite the crowds. The others are filled to capacity with teddy bears, fairies, and all sorts of animals bouncing around and being pulled in so many directions its difficult to know where to look.  Anyway, if you have a chance then do go and see them for yourself. 

Hermes, Paris

If you have seen the latest scheme at Hermes in London then you were probably quite gobsmacked at their latest installation which is absolutely stunning.  Here in Paris, we have a different scheme.  What is interesting about this brand is that they are not afraid to do something different in each city and this has to be applauded.  Localised creativity is good so lets throw out that dated corporate look, finally?  These guys have and wow, stunning results.

Fendi, Paris

If you ever felt that your bag was missing a certain accessory then pop by Fendi and get yourself a bag bug.  What we hear you ask?  Why?  We really don't know either, its not the first thing on our list of priorities but they are a bit of fun and well, no doubt certainly not made in some dubious factory somewhere and ready to ignite at the mere whiff of a naked flame.  Anyway, whether you fancy a furry thing on your arm beyond the usual night club pick up from somewhere over priced in Knightsbridge then do pop by and get yourself a little furry thing called Lucky Look, Furyyou, Lucifur or maybe Dragoo?  Only of course if you have nothing else to spend your hard earned cash on and then you can do that walk of shame home in style, of sorts.

Lanvin, Paris

We haven't seen a Lanvin scheme that we've liked and that has been produced so well in a long time.  Of  course this store along the Rue St. Honore (our favourite street in Paris) always does look exceptional.  It is also interesting to see a brand use these Rootstein Euro girls as part of their installation as so many brands appear to shy away from these gorgeous creatures.  Anyway, mannequins popping out of boxes or stood on crushed car parts does look really very cool.

Dior, Paris

Once we arrived in Paris to view the delights of the fashion stores here, we naturally made a bee line for the Champs Elysee to check out the stores nearby.  Here at Dior an enormous chandelier has been attached to the front of their site with the most incredible installation.  Of course, as we are always out so late at night we managed to capture this with our video camera, the results of which can view here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9NTMZr6NhA  We weren't sure if the music we've added is a little sinister sounding although it does add a rather less ordinary perspective on viewing some of the hottest windows in Paris right now.

Paris

This week before flying across the pond to the Big Apple to view their Christmas offering, we've decided to peruse the delights of the Parisian Retail schemes and have a look at what our friends across the channel are doing.  We have found some gorgeous bits here and made some videos too which, while a little naive at least hopefully will help the schemes come alive a little.  Anyway, just watch this space. 

Hermes, London

This scheme at Hermes really did stop us in our tracks.  How incredible?  We are absolutely stunned at this amazingly bold move and absolutely thank them for leading the way in producing such an exciting scheme which, we have to say, does make the surrounding luxe brands pale by comparison.  We have passed by this store along Bond street a few times during installation as there appeared to be a bit of a teaser going on but haven't had the time to stop until now.  This made us stop.  We are truly wowed.  Job superbly done.

Mappin and Webb, London

We are literally squeezing in all of the the amazing schemes happening in London right now as there is so much happening around town.  If you happen to be at the end of Bond Street where it meets Piccadilly then do swing by and check out these gorgeous little beauties at Mappin and Webb.   These guys have literally risen visually like Phoenix out of the retail ashes which followed after the global recession and it really is refreshing to see them looking so bold and confident.  We love these props here which really are exquisitely produced and of course so deftly handled.

Burberry, London

We have had so many entries to include recently that it has taken us forever to get around to include this brand.  Well, visually this brand have exploded this year back onto the visual scene and almost every scheme has been incredibly produced and extremely exciting to view.  This is an interesting scheme too which really could have gone so badly wrong but it seems these guys have pulled it off again.  There is the minor point of course that if we don't wear gloves while installing shiny stuff then finger prints do get everywhere and are very difficult to spot with tired eyes after an installation.  We were a little distracted by lots of them, but anyway, we're sure they will be around with the cleaner in the morning.

Ermenegildo Zegna, London

We are growing to like what this brand do with their presentation more and more right now.  We adored their installation in the Harrods windows around the corner from this store in Knightsbridge recently which absolutely oozed the best bits of their Italian background.  Anyway, here we have a series of sleighs stacked in what appears to be a Christmas tree-like format.  OK, well its not stopping the traffic on Sloane street but its is simple and does what it does very well.

Iris, Bangalore, India

Images Courtesy and Copyright Restore Solutions.

We do feel privileged that so many people from around the world send us images of their latest projects and we do try and include everyone when we can.  Far away from a very cold London the Indian brand Restore solutions have worked their magic on the Iris store, Bangalore, bringing the festival of light to life in this beautifully clean space.  Great to see some exciting bits happening all over the globe and not just here in the West.  Thank you guys for sharing your images.