Liberty, London

As we write the scheme at Liberty is changing from their National Treasures theme to Christmas.  However, we managed to capture this little treasure before it changed and its references to the Nostalgic theme that we are beginning to see around town right now.  There are a lot of schemes referencing Liberty fabrics so its far from ironic that the store where it all came from is doing the same.  Anyway, here's part of the scheme in case you missed it.

Juicy Couture, London

Is it us or have 'Juicy' run out of juice?  These guys seemed to really take London by storm a short while ago and goodness knows their NYC store looks incredible.  However, the brand here seems to have become a bit of a long forgotten memory, don't you think?  Whats going on guys?  You've done some great stuff in the past but it seems you've faded into the background.  With such a tiny store in 'Couture-land' being in between 'Stella' and 'DVF' and just a stones throw from Margiela maybe this is the wrong place for you?  Have a look at the queues outside Topshop and this will give you an indication of where you need to be? 

Gant, London

We really quite like what the guys are doing at Gant right now.  OK, well the merchandise isn't the best in the world, although we 'Guess' they have a market for it.  However their concepts are always so interesting and do hit a certain mark.  With their references to the Nostalgia trend we've been viewing creeping through the window schemes around London right now - and these guys clearly have their fingers on the pulse in that respect - its always so interesting to view how each brand interprets this stuff.  We love the Tennis (?) racket wall in a repetition format and the old school lockers although mannequins would have really brought this scheme together rather than the dreaded armless bust forms which do no brand any favours.  But, that's just how we feel,  how about you?

Etro, London

Even after hours of standing in the window, Linda could still manage a quick levitation demonstration  for the cameras.

Anthropologie, London

We absolutely love this store.  The windows always look superb and we want to live in here (please?).  What these guys do is extremely difficult to make look so good and the level of skill here is quite superb.  The merchandise is a little pricey but then we guess you get what you pay for.  Anyway, with so much to look at here and the people who work here are always so nice too we keep coming back to have a look and see what they do next.

VM and Display show 2012

Selfridges, London, Christmas 2011

If you happen to be in London's West End then you must, must, must go and view Selfridges Christmas scheme 2011.  With references and nod to Martin Margiela we cant help but absolutely love this scheme.  This all White scheme screams quality, humour,  and shows London Visual Merchandising at its very best.  You simply must go and experience it for yourself. 

Please note that as ISSUU is an outside provider you need to check in to http://www.retailstorewindows.com/ to view these images.

Banana Republic, London

Tracy had always been the life and soul of the secret night time window parties, although it was quite clear to the others that her drinking was becoming a problem.

B Store, London

We love Seana Gavin's installation here at B Store right now.  The installation for Frieze is in place until 5th November.  If you happen to be along Saville Row soon, do go and check it out.  If you cant get there just Google Seana Gavin (the hand cut collage Artist) and a whole load of wonderful things pop up.

Max Mara, London

Just like a sunset, the windows here are very hard to capture. The sophistication oozing from this store really cant be appreciated and we have to admit that our photographs do make this scheme look rather dull.  However, if you happen to walk past at night time they really do glow and sparkle.  As ever, the sophistication of this unshakable brand is here on view and although we only ever really press our noses up against the glass (sorry for that..!) we do admire the quality of their finish.

Ralph Lauren, London

The latest scheme at Ralph Lauren along Bond st. really is quite stunning.  Unfortunately we had to use a flash to eliminate the reflection from the stores across the street so our images really don't do this scheme justice.  The quality of the finish here is always superb and we've been keeping a distant eye on this brand over the months although we don't always include them here.  The atmosphere and sophistication of this scheme even in its apparent simplicity really is worth experiencing if you happen to be walking along here during the evening.

Gieves and Hawkes, London

We're not going to wax lyrical about these old soldiers, although with a brand dating back to the 1800's they must being getting something right.  With a massive and absolutely real heritage behind them Gieves and Hawkes, it seems, have kept up with the 21st century and embraced the latest trends too - in this case nostalgia.  With this store just a hop, skip and a jump from the screaming girlie's queuing outside A & F warming up to embrace the apparently 'hunky' males at the front door (we cant even bear to say the name of the dreadful but clearly wealthy bland brand), here is the real quality,  genuine heritage and consistency - we like this. 

Lanvin, London

We decided to swing by Saville Row this week and check out some of the stores, just in case something exciting was happening - we were hoping.  Of course we're big fans of Lanvin, although not necessarily of their window schemes.  We are always dubious about hybridised mannequins and we're not quite sure whats going on with this scheme right now.  Mannequins, placed as if they either look as if they have had a very good Saturday night or suspended with 'invisible' thread (apparently by their eyebrows - see below)  just doesn't work in such a sophisticated brand that is attempting to look interesting.  Just make it look boring guys and be done or come up with an intelligent design?  We're bored trying to find the positive in these schemes, so now, we need to tell it like it is.  Great brand, but dull, untalented, uneducated, uninformed schemes - scary stuff really.