American Apparel, London. Guest Post by Jodie Oram

For a window scheme that is in partnership with the Barbican one would expect a rather more creative display, dont you think? This installation it seems was meant to draw reference to Pop Art, a movement that was known for bright, bold colours but sadly this is completely the opposite. The tube lighting looks very cheap and brash, but what I was drawn to predominantly were the standards of the presentation, or rather lack of them; wire has been left hanging from balloons and one can view where they have been previously sellotaped to the floor; many of the balloons are also half deflated.  Sadly, this is exactly the feeling this window has left me with.

jodieoram@outlook.com

American Apparel, Tokyo

As most of you know, we're not big fans of heart motifs (or motifs in general) however we've been kindly sent these images of this scheme in Japan and wanted to share it with you as this is an interesting way of communicating the dreaded Valentines promotion without the mass of Red cut out heart motifs. The merchandise is hung behind these (we guess vinyl) eyes communicating the theme without being so horrendously obvious.  Great one Lena and thanks for sharing these with us.

American Apparel, London

We received quite a pleading e-mail message from this company quite a while ago requesting that we remove our comments on a previous installation as they found it so critical.  We duly did of course out of the kindness of our lil 'ole 'earts, although we didn't think it was that harsh.  However........ we were drawn into this store again because of the hilarity of its awfulness.  WTF is going on here?  We were rather compelled to unleash the Visual Merchandising beast;  while we know that the shop fit is dreadfully cheap anyway and that their standards are worse than any 'value' retailer surely for a global brand there would be some standards in place?  So come on guys, shape up, this undermines the integrity of our industry.

American Apparel, Tokyo



Images Courtesy and Copyright Lena Shockley



We just love the far east right now.  The weather is scorching that even at night time we dare not walk too fast around town as otherwise its a case of changing into a third set of fresh clothes: although part of the fun in being in these places is being able to get into the rhythm of life here - wonderful.  Anyway, we were kindly sent these images which we love.  The colours of the far eastern regions all look so incredible in this light.  The scheme here at American Apparel just about sums up what we need right now.  Very cold ice creams and lolly pops.  American Apparel has never looked so good.  

American Apparel, New York

This my last day here in the city that doesn't sleep - and it really doesn't. Anyway, I will soon be on my flight back to 'Blighty' and apparently snow and a freezing cold apartment. Having written blogs here for nearly a month it is time to reflect on my journey (much of it I will keep to myself you may be glad to hear?) While running to the airport - yes I am sending this out with only a few moments to leave for the long haul journey. Anyway, my cab to the airport screamed to a halt when I shouted to the driver to stop so that I could photograph the above for you all. I thought the colours and use of repetition in a spatial cell type presentation works incredibly well here at American Apparel on 181 8th Avenue. I must admit I am not a huge fan of this brand, in fact I buy nothing from them, however I must tell you that I do admire this initiative. According to their website this is what this scheme is all about......

In the fall of 2008, Proposition 8 passed in California, striking down the legalization of same-sex marriage. Since that time, several states across the country have voted to legalize same-sex marriage, or recognize those performed in other states. With many of our employees and customers identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, we are a company that is vocal about our support for the protection and advancement of gay rights, and we hope that the rest of our fifty states take the necessary steps toward equal rights for all, and legalize same-sex marriage.

I never cut and paste from websites or use anyone else's visuals / images but I do think the above statement was too important not to include and for me not to stand up and say yes I support this initiative by American Apparel. I think you will agree a worthy cause and I take my hat off to this brand for doing this. Check out http://legalizegay.com/

I will be launching the latest 'Sale' windows tomorrow from London so in the mean time, swing by American Apparel and show your support and get a great pair of colourful underwear too...! (I did, but you will just have to guess which colour..!)