Pure, Rome

I don't normally include these types of stores here as I do find child mannequins quite creepy. However, this scheme at the Pure store on Via Frattina here in Rome compelled me to record it and share it with you. This is clearly a children's brand, and although I did search around their web site, the English translation didn't work so I cant find out much for you. Here, however we have a small scenario of the usual creepy figures dressed as if adults (which is why I probably find them so sinister). The mannequins have been placed quite randomly on a Black and White chequered vinyl floor and surrounded with these drawn cut outs of the Eiffel Tower, various products and Black vinyl designs applied to the walls. Further within the Interior Space the surfaces are in a vibrant Lime Green tone. I guess children like this kind of stuff? Anyway, this isn't one of my favourite stores in the city but I guess people like it.

Dior, Rome

I really do like this brands schemes. The Dior store along Via Condotti (opposite the Spanish steps) was quite treat to see, well at least initially. I felt that the ideas here worked well with the use of the printed backdrop illustrating a perspective view of, potentially where these items were conceived, although on closer inspection the attention to any detail was quite lacking. Lights illuminating the product were broken and it appears that the left hand of this mannequin is actually the wrong one? Out of the four window schemes the one below is undoubtedly the most considered and so carefully produced which is indicative of this brand. However, for such a high profile brand and incredible location is was a little disappointing to see such apparent lack of care.

Alberta Ferretti, Rome

In the home of the designer Alberta Ferretti here in Italy, it would seem particularly appropriate to include one of her stores. I don't know that much about this brand although I did do a quick search around the Internet to have a look at their site. I was a little confused by the site as I was looking for their philosophy and their 'philosophy' is actually part of their brand collection and therefore it is difficult to unravel exactly what they are saying. Anyway, the stores, wherever I see them are, although not the most lavish presentation are done well and the store here in Rome is no exception. Housed within this beautiful site along Via Condotti, Ferretti uses these high Gloss Black figures dotted around the store. Very simply done and so wonderfully effortlessly presented that oozes luxury.

Freddy, Rome

The Freddy store here in Rome is interestingly placed along the Via Frattina. I say 'interestingly' as it is surrounded by a lot of luxury brand stores and therefore looked a little out of place. However, I initially photographed here as they had such an interesting store and scheme presenting their product. The brand itself was begun by Carlo Freddi in 1976, providing gym and dance wear (the 'i' was changed to a 'y' in the early 1990's) and anyone into dance wear will probably be far more familiar with the name than myself. Apparently they also have a store in my home city in London in Convent Garden, although I must admit I don't think I have ever noticed them. Well, can you honest see me looking for dance wear and dance shoes? (please don't try to imagine it). The whole scheme makes a little more sense when one realises what they sell, with slogans such as Wake up your Body in a laser cut cog design and applied to the front of the store. If you are interested in this kind of stuff, do have a look at their site, they have very impressive logos there from very high profile clients.

Energie, Rome

Further along the Via del Corso, here in Rome, is the Energie store. This is another brand that I dont see very often so it was very exciting to see what they are doing here. This brand looks at blogs and sites all over the globe to keep up to date with the latest trends on the street. I did have to smile to myself, however, as their website seems to have lost some things in translation and they actually say that they 'decline' rather than 'define' trends on the street into various categories. I would look at your site, guys at Energie, as there is quite a crucial difference here in meaning. But anyway, they are clearly hip and trendy and I do like these 3-D words in the window scheme. I'm not wholly convinced that the merchandise hung from the letters works particularly well, but it is that kind of casual brand and therefore perhaps this is perfectly right? Anyway, do go and have a look at what they are doing, they're young and fun and clearly know their market.

Liu Jo, Rome

Apparently this brand are taking Europe by storm. Liu Jo, the Italian women's wear brand is new to me, but after a cursory look around the Internet it seems they are quite a well known brand everywhere else in Europe. (I must step off the island of UK more often). It was exciting to see this store along the Via Del Corso here in Rome the other evening, although it was incredibly busy late into the evening. These are not particularly large windows spaces and the presentation does work very well close up. It is only when stand back a little from the space that we see, that perhaps a little more attention to detail would have made these simple windows, superb. I do, however like the use of the vinyl applied to the fenestration and the the backdrop in between which the figures in a Matt White finish are placed.

Levis, Rome

While flaneuring along the Via Del Corso here in Rome, I happened up this Levis store. I'm not normally a fan of this brand particularly as they do seem to present their schemes out of a catalogue, although I must say I was quite impressed with this store. Levis have used these enormous wooden cable drums where normally a large industrial cable would have been wrapped, they have replaced it with checked ribbon - interesting contradiction here. The drums are also used as as fixtures from which to hang their merchandise and plinths on which to place their mannequins. The figures themselves have been sprayed in a Matt Black finish. Their strap line 'Check me Out' has also been stenciled on the drums and applied to the main windows in vinyl. I think this store is worth 'checking' out (no pun intended) as it is refreshing to see such a large brand be this innovative.

Versace, Rome

After a long show week and publishing what is happening in the London Retail VM and Display show this week, I know a lot of you, from my messages, are chomping at the bit to find out what is happening in Rome and beyond right now. Where do I look for inspiration Jonathan, I hear you ask? OK, give me a chance here readers. This is first installment of the current Rome window schemes and commercial interiors. I have flaneured the streets of Italy for you and have included these images of Versace as the starting point. Of course, one would expect the home of Versace to house the epitome of this brand and here, just off Via Condotti, Rome, is this lavish site. Beautiful mosaic floors and incredible merchandise fill this store - it is simply such a luxurious experience even to be inside. Of course, one would expect the latest colours and fabrics from this brand although I am more interested in the presentation of the product itself and the environment in which it is housed. Black high gloss figures communicate Versace's intentions in conjunction with glass and chrome fixtures. This really is such a beautiful site and one that I would certainly recommend you see, even if you just peak around the fabulous doors.

London Retail VM and Display Show 2010

SFD

If you have missed the show this week, I have managed to capture some highlights here for you and some of my favourite bits. I have a particular passion for mannequins and only realised looking through my photographs that most of my images were of them. Anyway, you still have time to drop by today to look for yourself at the Business Design Centre here in London to see the latest wide variety of Retail VM and Display stuff. I particularly like Planet and SFD high gloss finishes and Universal Displays muted tones and elegant figures. Display one have an incredible portfolio of projects available to view and of course Blacks Visual Merchandising always produce a great stand and VM shopfitting. So do go along and place your orders for the latest VM from Chris, Jonathan, Jason, Julie and Sally-Ann at the companies featured here.


Planet
Cofrad

Display One

Universal Display

Blacks Visual Merchandising

Proportion>London

Were you at the Proportion>London party yesterday evening? No? Then where were you? You would have rubbed shoulders with the likes of WGSN, Fortnum & Mason, M&S, Selfridges....the list goes on. Name after name attended yesterday evening. The launch event at Proportion>London was absolutely incredible. I have been so excited about this event for months and was fortunately given a preview of the launch a few weeks ago as my regular readers know and a taster of what was being presented. Tanya Reynolds the Creative Director (seen below left) looked, as ever, effortlessly elegant (Now, I will let you in on a secret here - but you mustn't tell anyone that you read it here. The whole UK industry loves Tanya's effortlessly elegant style. In fact if you ever mention her name, the first thing anyone says is...........yessssss..............style. Between you and me, I know this woman has worked relentlessly to achieve this perfection and there are huge lessons here for anyone who wishes to enter this industry, in as much as this is what it takes - hard work). Anyway, if you missed the evening, do contact one of Tanya's wonderful team to view their new collection. I have never met such a sophisticated and cordial bunch of people who are not only talented but so incredibly beautiful too - what more do you want hey?

London Retail VM and Display show 2010 Exhibitors Replica

Image Courtesy and Copyright Replica

One company you must visit if you attend the Retail VM and Display show this week has to be Replica. I've watched this company from a distance for many years and I always find what the do so interesting. Led by the multi talented Designer, Loraine Krell, Replica (you may be more familiar with them from the incredible food that they produce) work in a way which is quite unique within this industry. This understated computer savvy company not only work with the big brand names globally, but also, additionally with an incredibly diverse client base. Replica get to the core of the Commercial industry and work with very big name Architects and Designers that would make any Design company green with envy. Their work can be seen from Westfield to West Broadway (and indeed further). What I find so interesting about Replica (and why they must be on your list of contacts) is their willingness to explore new ways of working with their clients - testing and experimentation with materials form part of their personal philosophy. How often are integral pieces of Commercial Design explored and tested through prototyping, testing, developing and testing again? Very little, I think. Material performance, incredible lighting, developing and creating an Uber cool concept but making it workable within a commercial environment is what this company are about. So, do drop by their stand see what they can do for you - I can guarantee you won't want to leave.

Image Courtesy and Copyright Replica

London Retail VM and Display Show 2010 Exhibitor Caroline Humphries

Have you ever really thought about your career? Ok, lets face it, we all have those nagging moments of doubt and questioning (if we are honest) and maybe we wonder if we are on the 'right' path? Perhaps we are on the path that we think we should be on, but maybe secretly not really quite so convinced? My most formative advise regarding my career or at least my experience of the world of work was that I would have to work for 40 years (at least) of my life so I might as well do something I enjoyed. I have always kept this at the front of my mind and do evaluate this, albeit on an ah hoc basis whenever I have moments of doubt (and lets face it, we all do). Although is it really necessary to think in this way? If you happen to be at the Retail VM and Display show at the Business Design Centre this week, do go and have a chat to Business and Career Coach, Caroline Humphries. Caroline is one of the most informed and experienced advisors in this industry and one of the very few (and I mean very few) who have worked in this industry from every perspective - International Retailer, Supplier to Educator. I certainly don't know of anyone who has done all three. We have probably all read 'Feel the Fear and do it anyway....' Women are from Venus.....and so on, but are we simply, perhaps, contextualising what we already know? If you find that you are a creative person working in a Commercial environment - and we all know how stifling and frustrating this can be - simply talking and working with Caroline can help you navigate through the complexities of understanding yourself, support you in developing the confidence in not just making decisions but actually doing 'it' - and doing even more - and letting go of those anxieties that plague the creative process. So, go on, grab your career by the horns and book yourself an appointment.
Caroline can also be found at http://www.carolinehumphries.com/

Images Curtesy of Caroline Humphries, by Francis Ware, http://www.fware.co.uk/

London Retail VM and Display Show 2010 Exhibitor Janey Rodger

Image Courtesy and Copyright Janey Rodger

If you happen to be at the Retail VM and Display show this week, you must go and meet Janey Rodger from http://www.janeyrodgerdesigns.com/ . Janey spent years perfecting her skills initially at Harrods before working with the incredible Simon Millington. Janey takes her retail clients on a journey from concept to completion or can step in to manufacture your own concept too. This is the kind of flexibility we often need from consultants and Janey is one of the few people I know who not only has a client list that reads like a who's who in London, but also on the global stage too. Retailers such as Lotte and Shilla may not mean a lot to us here but in Korea they are big news. Drawing on her years of knowledge Janey works within set budgets, delivering one-off commissions to multi store projects. Her work is always focused on a clients needs and expectations while being more than able to strike a balance between creating concepts which are creative and yet commercial. What more could we possibly ask for? Janey Rodger is must have for your list of contacts, so do check her out at http://www.janeyrodgersdesigns.com/

Image Courtesy and Copyright Janey Rodger