Selfridges, London

We adore what the guys are Selfridges produce through their windows, particularly when there is a clear message being promoted. The influence of what they produce is of course quite immeasurable, although what we do know is that if they didn't do what they do visually, sales of merchandise would drop accordingly.  With their almost Fine Art-like approach to their schemes, which entertain us, interest us, draw us in and so on, its hardly any wonder that these guys are at the top of their game.  But, could it be higher still?

Fine Art, as a discipline which is perhaps produced with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions, has historically been often quite difficult to comprehend and of course was often the preserve of the wealthy or at least the very well informed.  Through its various forms, media and styles, as with store windows, it communicates,  can promote some kind of social inquiry, possibly some form of propaganda but ultimately, and certainly in this context, promotes commercialism.  While the activity of association with Fine Art generally, remains almost wholly with that of the wealthy or well informed (unless you visited a gallery recently?), the understanding, or at least appreciation can be experienced by all.  After all, looking is free.  Communication of these commercial concepts, such as presented here, remains at least for us, the key element which bridges the crevasse between the wealthy (although we are not suggesting wealth brings automatic understanding) or the well informed and the rest of us.  So why does no-one do it?   These kinds of schemes here, as perhaps with performance Art or perhaps conceptual Art where the idea itself can't be bought or sold, understanding what we see is ever more important.  We can wax lyrical about what we think we see, although  perhaps what we see can only be really viewed as fluff 'n' stuff if it doesn't actually mean anything at all, right?  So few brands / stores (if any at all) actually seem to record their own schemes and publish them on their websites with some form of explanation.  Why is this?  Do they know themselves?  Does it mean anything anyway or are we're simply attempting to intellectualise something which actually isn't there?

VM & Display Awards, 2011

Image Copyright Melvyn Vincent.

With the kind permission of Retail Focus Magazine we are able to include a recent mail shot which we thought would be of interest to you.  As the deadline for the awards has been extended until 19th August 2011, why not submit your scheme from this year for the awards?  The Awards take place on 7th October, 2011.

With the 7th annual VM and Display Awards fast approaching, Retail Focus catches up with event organiser Andrew Colclough in this promotional e-mail to find out how the judging process works and what retailers can expect on the big night.

RF: How is the event shaping up for 2011?

AC: Unbelievably well. All sponsorships have been taken and the event is going from strength to strength. We look set to match last years attendance of 480, which in fact is a total sell out.

RF: How does the sponsorship work?

AC: I'm glad you ask as I would like to take this opportunity to explain the involvement that the sponsors have. In fact, it was mentioned to us only the other day that it seemed the Awards were supplier led. This could not in fact be further from the truth. A sponsor has no influence whatsoever in the outcome of who is short listed and who indeed wins. Sponsors are not on the judging panel and judges are never informed as to who is sponsoring which Award and indeed who entered the project. The involvement of sponsors enables us to put on the best possible Awards for the industry. As you know, we have kept the sponsorship price and table price the same for about the last five years and it is due to the continued support of the sponsors that we have not increased the prices. A sponsor obviously does gain by having their name in front of the industry before, during and after the event. Sponsors can be associated with winners of the Awards but this would always only be achieved on merit and merit alone. The results are formed by an independent judging panel, giving everyone an equal chance and I would like to reiterate that the sponsors have no influence on the outcome of the Award winners.

RF: How is the judging panel made up?

AC: What we try to do is get an unbiased perspective from well respected people across the industry, covering design, consultancy, retail and the media. However, if any judge is involved in any submitted project they are unable to mark these projects and, in fact, lose possible marks by being part of the judging panel. This ensures that their involvement has no influence over the final outcome. We, in fact, keep the judging panel secret from entrants so as there can be no outside influence. This year's judging panel will be published on the night of the Awards. So, as you can see we try and keep this as fair as possible. We would like to thank all past and present judges that give up their free time and expertise to the industry Awards.

RF: Last years Awards took a different format...?

AC: Yes, in fact we opened the voting to the industry to try and see if this was a viable way of judging. We, as organisers, thought it worked very well but after talking to the industry we have decided to revert back to the judging panel as it was felt that this was the preferred method. We also introduced some light hearted entertainment but in hindsight feel it detracted from the seriousness and prestige of the Awards, and so will be refraining from doing this again. But the Awards will still be the event to remember for the visual merchandising and display industry.

RF: On the evening you normally show four projects from each category. How are these decided upon?

AC: These are the highest scoring four projects out of the many many projects received for each category. Unfortunately, if we were to show all projects submitted we would need to run the event over a few days!

RF: Are the fine Award statues specially made?

AC: The Awards are miniatures of mannequins and are kindly donated by Universal Display and previously Rootstein. The very prestigious and glamorous Award is won by the retailer and is an exceptional addition to any trophy cabinet.

RF: So, how do retailers go about winning one of this years Awards?

AC: Its very very easy to enter and believe it or not it's free of charge. Something else that we think is important, enabling every size of retailer/supplier/designer the opportunity to enter. I would like to point out that suppliers can enter projects on behalf of retailers but as already stated it is the retailer that wins. In fact anyone can enter projects providing they have permission from the retailer. There are two incredibly simple processes. Firstly, you can enter by email via www.vmanddisplay.com, which has all Award categories clearly listed. Alternatively, if you prefer, put your entries on disc and post to us at the address listed on the website. It could not be simpler. Everyone please remember you can only win if you enter so even if you have entered in previous years and not won this could be your year so come on everyone and submit your entries. The closing date for entries is the 12th August 2011 but this isn't set in stone.

RF: Have you introduced any new categories for 2011?

AC: Yes we have introduced a Christmas Interiors Category and Most Eco Friendly Scheme/Project

RF: Is it too late to book a table?

AC: We are selling out very fast so if you haven't already booked your table or tickets please contact us as soon as possible on Tel: 01406 359 882 or by email at enquiries@rvmww.com

Desigual, London

We came across this scheme at Desigual over the weekend and naturally were drawn in to take a closer look.  What is the connection between Christian Lacroix and the Spanish brand Desigual, we hear you ask?  Well, it transpires that Monsieur C. Lacroix (apparently he can no longer design under the name Christian Lacroix......long story, but various search engines bring up some interesting information)  But, anyway, this is a hugely exciting move forward for this brand.  Finally, we have an incredible couture designer working with a high street retailer rather than an-incredible-couture-designer-working-for-a-high-street-retailer-for-EBay-kinda-scenario.  The window scheme promoting this collaboration oozes excitement and sophistication.  We love a lot of the product here anyway and to have this iconic designer on board is quite incredible, if perhaps a little Parisian.  We're definitely going in to take a closer look at the merchandise when we get a moment.  The scheme itself with its semi-drawn back curtain, show-girl stylised mannequins add a certain depth to this brand that was otherwise ever so slightly missing, but only just.  The text on the 'chalk board' reads "I was awestruck by the first girl dressed by Desigual that I saw in Paris.  As I watched her, I could recognise in her a member of my own tribe.  It was an explosion of colors and patchwork under the elegant, discreet and always monotonous French sky:  It was fantastic, truly love at first sight" - Monsieur Lacroix.  Isnt this all so incredibly exciting?  Now...........if we can get BHS (British Home Stores) to sell some Galliano we're all on the up......if of course Topshop doesn't get there first.........ah yes.......same company anyway, so who knows?

Lalique, London

Like a breath of fresh air into this brand, the team here have finally installed some plinths to highlight individual pieces of product and dare we say it.....created little hero's with the product.  It took a few pokes to get there but these guys have cracked it.  This looks great Lalique.  Now is the opportunity to move to the next stage and experiment with this scenario.

Selfridges, London

We've been boating at the Truvia Voyage of Discovery with Bompas and Parr at Selfridges today.  Whats so interesting about that we hear you ask?  Well, the roof of Selfridges hasn't been accessed by the general public since World War II.  An enormous 65 years and we were there.  On entering the paper back covered lift near the Chanel concession on the ground floor we were elevated to the top of it all with the enviable views over London.  On leaving the lift (or elevator for our U.S. readers) we were presented with crystals (in order to exchange for cocktails) and information about the pending experience.  Small boats take one across this experience floating amongst the edible and incredibly tasting Stevia plants surrounding the pool.  Apparently Truvia sweetener is a calorie-free sweetener and from first hand experience, dipping Strawberries into it from the floating waiters, it really does taste quite incredible (and it really does...! honestly..!).  We were quite in awe of the experience and adored every moment.  These kind of experiences help maintain this store at the top of the list of places to be and experience that one can completely understand how visitors spend a whole day here.  If you weren't fortunate to receive or buy invitations/tickets to this event we've included extra images for you to enjoy and imagine.

Dunhill, London

We love what the guys at Dunhill are doing at the moment as their schemes are screaming quality at the 'other' end of London's West end shopping zone.  Here we have what appears to be the latest (or first copy?) of Vo Autumn / Winter 2011.  Unfortunately, the PR company looking after the interests of this brand didn't send us a copy so we really have no idea what this is about.  Even the website is lacking the connection between windows and on-line clarification.  Ah well, we're sure a copy will be in the snail mail shortly now that we have mentioned it.  Wont it? ( could we have two copies please?)

Market Day finds

We've been searching for all the latest trends in product, colour, pattern, textures, materials and so on around the markets in exotic places this week.  We've seen a plethora of metal buckets, gorgeous mirrors, furniture to die for and the most unusual bits, including the hideous Elephant leg umbrella stand (below) and the most beautiful pearl finished ceramics from Sorrento, glass Lemon tree fly catchers from Spain, barnacle covered terracotta lobster pots, and a heap of unusual bits and pieces to enhance the creative commercial environment.  Vintage fur coats, chamber pots, oil lamps, animal feeders, four poster beds, jewellery....oh the list goes on.  We left with a very heavy van load of beautiful things for our clients.  If you're looking for something special (not the fur however) let us know and we'll try and find it for you.

Smythson, Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry, London

It looks like the Tree trend is well underway along Bond St. right now.  Smythson, Hindmarch and Mulberry are branching out to bring us their latest schemes in all sort of variations on the same theme.  At Smythson, these Black painted branches protruding from a two dimensional graphic looked slightly odd originally, although eventually grew on us.  However, just after capturing these windows, several handbags were placed hanging from the branches.  Hmmmmmm......well, we guess, just like cash, that's where they grow?  One completely annihilated scheme.  Anyway, just opposite, Hindmarch in their tiny window scheme have installed a similar theme, albeit in White.  Virtually next door to Smythson, Mulberry's installation is a little more complex, fun and communicates an interesting narrative.  Sadly, with so many schemes in these types of stores, the very ugly security grilles have been put in place which do nothing to enhance these schemes whatsoever.  We've tried to photograph these windows with a minimal view of these grilles, although with the recent hit-and-run-smash-and-grabs at D&G and Jimmy Choo, its hardly surprising that they are in place. However, we do wish someone would come up with something a little more sympathetic which enhances the product and environment rather than slowly and surely suffocating it while the silent sellers fight to do their jobs.  All that hard work implementing these schemes seems to be crushed faster than the guys who are trying to steal it because someone in a head office boardroom, possibly in another country, thought it would be a good idea.  You couldn't make this stuff up.

Dior, London

Dior seems to be one of those brands that is a little hit-and-miss presentations wise.  Sometimes they seem to get it absolutely right and others (across the whole brand) just don't seem to hit 'it' at all.  But, anyway, that's simply our response to what they do and what do we know anyway, right?  However, in its pure simplicity, this scheme works so incredibly beautifully.  These large plush screens form the backdrop to the mannequins wearing the latest offering from this brand and the colours here are absolutely superb.  Our images just don't do this scheme justice.  Our only gripe is that as these back panels have been moved at some point and finger prints have been left in the velvet (?) panels.  The window cleaner has probably been in and this always happens unfortunately, however the marks are quite glaring as you can see in the image below left.  If the presentation is perfect, as one would expect from a luxury brand, then no-one would even notice, however, anything slightly out of sync. with these type of brands, absolutely screams lack of care, even when it was quite unintentional.

John Smedley, London

Wow, we love this new scheme at John Smedley right now.  We have a few of these lenses in our office which naturally have amused us for hours on end (we'll leave the rest to your creative imaginations).  Of course here, the guys have been very sensible and using them far more creatively, onto which text has been placed referencing the various qualities of the product and brand.  We probably would have placed images with a much stronger print finish behind the lenses as the ones here are quite hard to view, although this may possibly be deliberate, who knows?  But anyway, although this is such a tiny space, we're seeing some regular excellent quality creative input at this brand which is always a pleasure to view.  Great one guys..!

Hugo Boss, London

Hey guys, your graphics are falling off..................

Market Trends, UK

This week is market week and scouring them for the best in new finds to enhance that commercial environment.  These places are essential for maintaining currency of information, development of new concepts, identifying and developing trends and of course a great way to recycle items from times gone by.  We often find new shapes, forms, textures, materials and so on in these places as well as new uses for old items.  Of course its not all about creating a rustic or vintage feel to spaces or places as very often an item can be used for the development of quite an unrelated concept.  Anyway we'll show you more of what we found later this week.

Salvatore Ferragamo, London

We often look at this brand........and look....and then...ultimately..... just a cursory glance.  Quite a few years ago there was an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum here in London, possibly 1987?  The retrospective of Salvatore Ferragamo was so incredibly dynamic, the product was exciting and desirable, it doesnt have a manufactured heritage.....and yet, here we have the current windows.  Now, keep in mind that this seems to be as exciting as it gets here.  As you know, we like to 'tell it like it is' and...well.....the only word that comes to our minds is.......Dull......Dull......Dull....we're falling asleep even looking at this scheme.  What has happened to this brand, hey?  Where are the dynamics?  Where is the excitement?  Why would we want to shop here?.......oh the list goes on.....we're sure you get the giste.