Hobbs, London

OMG, WTF is going on with Hobbs?  Oh we do wish that these guys would raise their standards, in fact we are sending you guys creative vibes as we type.  This is just too awful to even comment, isn't it?  We've decided to include this brand in the hope that someone somewhere within the brand reads this and grabs this frumpy 'ole puppy by the throat.  We've all said sayonara to the likes of 'Woolies', the Pier, Barratts and so on.  Will this brand be one of those where we all say, 'Oh do remember Hobbs? maybe not, but in the meantime guys, do you really think anyone is going to steal merchandise from your windows? (remove the tag.....the jacket is not hand spun by nuns in Utopia, is it?)
 

Juicy Couture, London

Whats going on with Juicy these days?  They launched in London quite some time ago and looked so incredibly exciting, but now look like a suburban retailer that has no cash to spend and have moved into an old DIY retail space in a very dodgy part of town.  Of course this can be cool if you happen to stock luxury brands, but this market stall approach just undermines what they do well.  It seems obvious that no-one is looking after this brand in London; indicative by the lack of retail standards also.  How long does it really take to put the vacuum cleaner around such a tiny space?

Cos, London

Cos is looking so hot right now.  With each scheme we are drawn back again and again.  Clearly there is someone here very creative looking after this brand.  Look at the fabulous detail and the thinking behind the simplicity of this scheme.  That said of course, the backdrop is hanging like the old laundry at our local dry cleaners.  If these guys get the finish right (and dust occasionally) they would look brilliant.  Don't you think?  Creativity is in place, possibly staff development in understanding the importance of presentation is in dire need? 

Church's, London

Have you noticed how cool Church's shoes has become lately?  We're loving the product here and definitely going to pop by and take a closer look.  We always enjoy the Britishness of this brand and they do occasionally produce a great presentation.  However, would someone tell them that the Olympics are over?  Come on guys, you're looking great but lets get rid of the references to sports? 

Timberland, London

Wow, we love the direction that Timberland is taking right now.  We've been  looking at this brand for quite some time and they are clearly becoming stonger and stronger visually which is a great sign for such a large global multiple brand.  We dont underestimate how hard it is to keep on top of the 'visual' of such a massive company so this is paticularly great to see.

Biba Exhibition, Brighton, UK

 

Wow, have you been to see the Biba Exhibition yet at Brighton's Museum and Art Gallery?  This incredible retrospective of one of the UK's movers and shakers of yesteryear and current Miami, (USA) interior design guru has to be seen.  We savoured every moment and talked to some incredible people who were actually there and who shared their fantastic memories of the coolest place to shop, possibly ever?  Anyway, the dark cavernous shop which apparently smelled of a mixture of bodies and marijuana was one of the first places where communal changing rooms became cool and boyfriends actually shared the experience.  The stores blasted out the sounds of the times and celebrities endorsed their products during this 'Peacock revolution'.  It is always romantic reflecting on these times, but.........we want to go back again and again.  A huge thank you to those who shared their amazing memories of this period.

 

Stella McCartney, London

We really do crave to love this brand, but as always, it remains as dull as ever.  No personality and no 'apparent' effort.  Sadly a reflection of contemporary 'celebrity' name society where 'crap' (allegedly of course) really does always float to the top.  Whats that?.......Does no one ever sweep the floor anymore and earn their stripes?  Clearly no.

Re:So, Southampton, UK

Have you been to see Re:So yet?  This incredible temporary space is the brain child of Southampton Solent University's Fashion Management Programme.  This bespoke boutique is where punk collides with elegance in a unique collection of art, fashion and music.  The enterprising retail outlet has enabled students to explore the commercial side of their creativity and sell their original work at realistic, commercially viable prices.  The Re:So boutique is stocked with an eclectic mix of fashion, accessories, publications, furniture, photography and art created by students and recent graduates from the University.   There is also a space with an Art gallery and an area for educational projects, seminars and guest lectures to take place, and where creative industry professionals can meet and share ideas.  Who says its all happening in London, eh?  Go and check them out if you can or have a look at their fantastic site; Southampton is clearly rocking right now.  http://so-blog.tumblr.com/

Bernard Boutique, UK

Bernard Boutique opened its doors over thirty years ago.  This award winning store is one of Surrey's most important fashion destinations and has grown into three unique and contemporary connecting spaces. Owner- Buyer, Helene Rapaport curates the collection of pieces from some of fashion's most illustrious names such as Maison Martin Margiela, Acne, Givenchy, Carven, Vanessa Bruno, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney bringing stylish urban cool to Surrey. She is both brave and adventurous in her style and has created a sanctuary for directional women’s wear mixing international designer brands with exciting new young talent for a fresh and provocative point of view.  If you dont know them, then do check them out at www.bernardboutique.com  

Mulberry, London

Mulberry have been really rocking the out sized props recently at their  store along Bond Street here in London's Luxe Zone.  This scheme is in support of Tim Walker's new book Story Teller.  We haven't seen it yet, but we're sure if this brand is supporting it, it must be a corker.  Oh, just do a 'google' if you're not sure.

Armani, London

We really want to love these windows at Armani although we only really just quite like them.  We love the colours used here however which aren't really captured particularly well in our images, but they do actually look very good.  The rest of it of course is as dull as dish water but then that's mass globalisation for you.  We're just telling it like it is...........

Zara, London

Wow, have you seen the latest installation at Zara right now?  We love the use of these artists palettes at their Bond Street / Oxford street site. Another great scheme from this incredible brand.

H&M, London

We wouldn't like to say we told you so.........but there ya go......Polaroids are clearly on trend right now.  Here at H&M along Regent street, these guys have amazingly huge windows spaces with wonderfully dressed mannequins surrounded by hundreds (or thousands?) or Polaroids - and therefore in a repetition format.  We do like what H&M are doing at the moment, particularly at the flagships so we're  always swinging by to find out what they are up to.  Anyway, another little winner of a scheme we think.