Mathew Williamson, London

We never really know what to say looking at the brand.  Sometimes they get their schemes looking really amazing and other times, we just shrug and think 'so what'.  This scheme of course is absolutely on trend with its taxidermy and a 'typical' Christmas scheme.  However, as the mannequins are same ones used for every single scheme (and we mean every single scheme) there's no real surprise left here apart from where are they going to position them next.  Its a bit like watching an episode of Big Brother.  The people are the same only just in ever so slightly different positions each time we view them.  Anyway, the product is beautiful and of course we know the quality is here, but come on guys, tease us a little with some kind of variation, will ya?

Alexander McQueen, London

We cant help but be in awe of this brand - much like everyone else it seems.  The quality and sensitivity of their schemes is just superb.  We have seen the New York scheme already courtesy of the head of creative and we are itching to take a closer look ourselves - we will include it shortly.  In the meantime, if you happen to be in London get right up close to the merchandise in the window - just stunning.  Each piece or these ceramics has been hand sewn into place.  The overall scheme appears as a beautiful gift that has just been opened.  Who wouldn't want a gift like this?

Diane Von Furstenberg

Go..!..Glisten...!...Give...! is the message at Diane Von Furstenbug right now.  If ever you wanted to do something creative with paper cups but didn't know what, then look no further than DVF.  With their fun structures filling this tiny space, it kind of brought a wry smile to our faces.  We sort of like it, but want to love it.  We don't love it, but does that matter anyway?  We're sure the NYC store which we will include shortly will look even better and have a completely different scheme to delight us - well we hope.

Miu Miu, London

We saw this scheme a few weeks ago along Bond St. and even our camera was blinded by the bling at this store.  The scheme has 'historical' references, sort of reminiscent of some country home somewhere in the world although perhaps not so accurately 'copied'.  This is a shame in a way as we are sure that this brand has the cash to do far more.  We wanted to see oil paintings of people who really were no oil painting themselves and an enormously lavish interior space to take us on a journey to somewhere that we may never go or may never existed.  However, we seem to have some decorative 'bits' sprayed Gold from a local DIY store and applied, albeit to a fabulous colour Blue background..  Gorgeous floor though.  (oh and we keep our handbags high up on the wall too, dont you?)

Michael Kors, London

We often pass this store along Bond street......and usually keep walking.  Michael Kors, is one of those brands that is a little hit and miss on the visual front so we don't include them here very often.  However, their Christmas offering is quite delicious with their concave and convexed background in a shiny Gold finish, or essentially radiating forms in a repetition format.  Far more interesting than the chain background we saw here for eons.

Ted Baker, London

We haven't, strangely, ever included this brand on this site.............bonkers, eh?  This Christmas Ted Baker (no relation) have produced their usual 'shaky' installation.  It is great fun, does what it says on the tin and here it is.  Or, one would think so...............check out the convex mirror on the left hand side of the image below.

Hermes, London

We really quite like this scheme at Hermes right now for the Christmas season.  They haven't always produced great stuff at this store throughout 2011, well,  at least we think so, but does that matter?  Anyway, props produced in the brands signature colour fill these windows along Bond street.  Planes, trains and balloons create these small narratives within which the product has been placed.  What do you think?

London College of Fashion: Absence of Complexity

Were you at the digital catwalk show last night at The London College of Fashion?  Incredible night..!  Of  course, the London College of Fashion is one of the leading fashion education establishments in the world and the designs showcased were from a group of the latest and greatest talent who were showcasing their current innovative designs to a wider audience. The show, titled 'Absence of Complexity' showcased clean, minimal and unconventional pieces which illustrates the immense richness and wide range of students emerging from this hot house of the enormously talented.

Burberry, London

We really love what Burberry are doing right now and it seems they can do no wrong with their massive profit increase.  Gone (at least for now) are those dreadful motifs and here we have this incredible crystal-like scheme twinkling its was through until Christmas.  We were really drawn in to take a closer look at this store on the corner of Conduit and Bond Street as it does look really beautiful from across the street.  Even the fabulously photographed graphics seem to have been given second place which is quite a relief and here we have amazing product strategically placed amongst the crystal props.  These windows ooze the luxury and quality that this brand is about so it really is no wonder that they are doing so incredibly well when they get it so right.

Lane Crawford, Hong Kong

Images Courtesy and Copyright Angel Ko

In a hurry?  Then why not splash out on a new pair of gorgeous shoes with a rocket attached?  Simple solution but clearly rather effective, don't you think?  Here at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, courtesy once again of the lovely Angel Ko, this brand, who we don't really know much about (but think Harvey Nichols for a comparison) are delighting us with their brilliantly fun scheme.  Shoes are notoriously difficult to show well and in an interesting way so this is a great leap forward in providing a creative solution.  In a scheme created with a large Black and White graphic and White painted models of space ships and aeroplanes, this must be a teenage boys fantasy - maybe without the shoes of course?  In a monochromatic scheme where the only colour is provided by the merchandise itself we are immediately drawn in to focus on it.  Great fun and job well done.   

Loewe, Madrid



Images Courtesy and Copyright Anhara Alvarez



Its not often that we have the chance to see whats happening around Europe (even if we are part of it) so thankfully our wonderful contact Anhara Alvarez captured the latest scheme at Loewe along Serrano Street in Madrid, Spain's incredible capital city to share with us all.  While we are familiar with this brand, we don't really see very much of it, however, we have seen some great schemes from them in the past.  Here, for this years Christmas scheme they have created this giant wooden toy train carrying the merchandise.  We would love to see more of what these guys do, so many thanks Anhara for sharing these.

Harvey Nichols, Hong Kong

Images Courtesy and Copyright Angel Ko

Wow, have you seen the latest Harvey Nichols scheme in Hong Kong?  Our ever fabulous contact Angel Ko has sent us the latest offering from this very cool brand which is clearly rocking Asia right now...!  A dress created from Red coloured pegs, giant shoes comprised of CD's, a giant key and enormous teddy bear covered in dummy's (pacifiers to those of you reading this state side).  Its no wonder this brand remains top of its game and a massive thank you to Angel for sending us these to share.

Matches Fashion, London

Images Courtesy and Copyright Nathan Hicks

Have you seen the scheme at Matches yet?  This incredible luxury retailer has been working in collaboration with Jotta production and have commissioned emerging artists to create unique installations in each of their London stores for Christmas 2011. Each window features a festive three dimensional illuminated artwork by artists Chloe Bonfield, Puck Collective, and POS Textiles, surrounded by a display of gifts decorated with bespoke wrapping paper designed especially for Matches.  This is an incredible move forward for retailers tapping into the resources of London/UK's finest and creative Artists which we support 100%.  After all, both Warhol and Dali began their careers in this industry and so much potential is lost if we're not behind the new, fresh and talented.  We love Matches philosophy, don't you?