Lancel, Paris

WTF is going on here at Lancel?  We don't recognise this brand as a global player so well done in a way for making an effort we guess?  But, jeez, VM gawd 'elp us.  What are they doing?  We had to do a double take when we came across this as we couldn't quite work out what they were doing but it appears to be several ceiling roses with roses in between and handbags on shelves, on a ceiling.     Truly bizarre stuff really.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Clearly demonstrating the qualities of Lycra was a determining factor for the team here at Galeries Lafayette with this installation, although it does appear to have a rather sinister and skin-like feel to this scheme don't you think?  If that was the intention then job well done although we have been having nightmares after viewing this little corker which simply reminds us of a scene from Hellraiser.  Maybe its  just our vivid imaginations?

D-Squared, Paris

Thankfully the Rue St. Honore provides us with a sanctuary whenever we come across a bad scheme as most of the retailers here really do make an effort; well most are luxury brands so one would expect to see interesting schemes here we suppose?  Anyway, we have just realised that we have never included D-squared in our entries previously and this scheme with its possibly unintentional references to Gaga actually is more interesting in the flesh (so to speak). 

Printemps, Paris

Some of the best windows we have seen here in Paris have to be the ones at Printemps right now.  The colours used have been carefully thought through and these head pieces are really quite stunning. Someone here understands colour very well and this department store is definitely shining very brightly.

Mango, Paris

If you have seen the Stanley Kubrick film 'Eyes Wide Shut' then you will know immediately what we are alluding to here.  Just plain old creepy stuff going on here at Mango.  All the dynamics are in place of course and they do what they do very well.  Its just creepy though.

Space NK Apothecary, London

Wow, Space NK have really gone to town on their Chelsea Flower show installation haven't they?  These incredible flower covered three dimensional props look quite sensational and so well produced too.  Even on the outside of the store the brand have produced these free standing structures filled with and covered in flowers.  Its still a bit cloudy and dull here in London but this really lifted our spirits and hopefully our one day of Summer sunshine may actually happen some day soon.

L.K.Bennett, London

It must be Chelsea Flower Show this week then.  All along the Kings Road here in London so many of the brands have embraced this famous event and installed schemes in celebration.  We love it when brands make an effort as so many events have been lost over the years due to ever tighter purse strings.  Need shoes to match your flowers then pop down to L.K.Bennett.

Festival Des Metiers, London

If you haven't been to see the Festival Des Metiers which has just opened then you must go.  This Rendez-Vous with the Hermes craftspeople is an absolute must.  For just one week at the Saatchi Gallery along the Kings Road, the amazing crafts people from this incredible luxury brand are demonstrating how each of their products are made.  If you happen to own a piece of their jewellery, a scarf, a dish and so on then the likelihood is that you will meet the person here who made it by hand for you.  We were quite mesmerised by how they work from following the hand painting process on the ceramics to inserting diamonds into their jewellery with a microscope it is absolutely fascinating, and they are so helpful too.

L'Eclaireur, Paris

Possibly one of the coolest places in Paris has to be L'eclaireur.  This amazing boutique housing some of the best luxury brands that the world as to offer and is oozing so much coolness that it hurts.  The staff are hugely snooty of course, but then that never deterred us even for a split second. Looking is not illegal even here in Paris so they could do with getting over it.  But anyway, that aside, if you want to view 10,000 Euro crocodile skin jackets, tonnes of mini television screens and an odd shaped interior of painted stuff then do head to this store.  If you prefer a more friendly visit then go to the menswear store around the corner.  The staff are helpful and the atmosphere just makes you want to come back for a second look - we did.

Moncler, Paris

With our final few entries of current Parisian schemes we decided to include Moncler.  Bust forms hanging in a gravitational format with large fish heads works so well, doesn't it?  Images of water on the walls and fixtures completes this fun installation,

Sephora, Paris

We do love the Sephora stores as it is one of the few cosmetic brands who do interesting stuff.  This scheme is a little reminiscent of Rue Paul's collaboration with Mac Cosmetics around 1995? with a hint of Ziggy Stardust although the fantasy of the image here and her Wonder Maman's we're sure will appeal to a certain market type.

Cotelac, Paris

We don't recognise or know this brand which is always so refreshing.  There is nothing worse than travelling somewhere only to be confronted by the same old brands, don't you think?  Along the Rue St. Honore, Cotelac have these really quite interesting screen printed graphics.  One has to view them in the 'flesh' so to speak to really appreciate them.  The bust forms without arms do the product no favours however.

Prada, Paris

This is an interesting scheme at Prada here along the Rue St. Honore.  The guys have kept what looks like the background from their previous scheme in their enclosed window spaces and dropped in their tree-slash-drift-wood 'bits'.  These big ole logs are a little 'fako' looking so we're not very overwhelmed however the style is that typical of a luxe brand, although does it work well for this one?