Lanvin, Paris

OMFVM gawd help us.  We're not sure where Lanvin are going with their schemes for a long while now.  London is no better.  The price point of the product is of course as one would expect from a Luxe brand, but is this communicated through their windows?  OK, well, one ingredient we are missing enormously from store windows 'out there' is a massive dose of humour, the likes of which we could only view pre-corporate global VM schemes when everything was about window display.  Thankfully we have the likes of Harvey Niks, Selfridges, Barneys and Bergdorfs to keep us amused and clever humour at that.  However, we just don't 'get this'?

 

Tods, Paris

Just look at the quality of the props in this scheme simply oozing from  these windows.  We've just seen the London version of this too but so much nicer to view it in Paris (at least for us)  Anyway, with their leather film strips and shiny metallic 'cans' and gorgeous leather everything else, we fell in love in Paris - but only with the quality of the scheme unfortunately.

Prada, Paris

We love the new scheme at Prada in Paris right now.  Actually, we prefer the London version as it also includes a petrol pump and a few other bits.  Nonetheless, this does look cool and of references the Nostalgia theme that we're seeing around town right now.  Mannequins perched on the boot (or trunk, depending on where you're reading this) of these gorgeous nail polish coloured Pink Cadillacs just look so good.  What do you think?

Lancome, Paris

We don't often include Lancome on this site so it was a huge pleasure to come across their 'Rouge in Love' scheme here in Paris right now.  Their 'Lips' installation created from a multitude of the lipsticks just works so well, don't you think?  Its so wonderful to see a cosmetics brand produce something other than the usual large format graphic in their windows and we think you'll agree that this one is quite a winner?

Hermes, Paris

We love the concept here at Hermes in Paris.  These large circular background  semi filled discs contain what looks like a coloured powder.  As the discs revolve the powder falls within the discs themselves creating a wonderful movement.  Such a simple scheme and brilliantly produced.

Marc Jacobs / Louis Vuitton Exhibition, Paris

Wow, if you happen to be in Paris soon, then you must go and see the LVMJ exhibition here.  The exhibition, a combination of Marc Jacobs and in part a history of Louis Vuitton, the most incredible creativity oozes from these display cabinets.  What is particularly interesting is that not only do we see the finished product but also the development of some of it.  This fascinates us.  Don't forget to book in advance though, the crowds are still flocking so be advised to book your time slot before you go.

Smythson, London

Oh VM gawd help us.  Oddly this scheme photographs rather well.  The reality is something else.  Value retailer with Luxe brand prices.

Butler and Wilson, London

We're not glitzy loving kind of guys, but we do love the merchandise at Butler and Wilson right now.  With their mannequin wearing what actually appears like an old Gaultier number but complete with feathered headdress (or warbonnet) we cant help but be drawn in.  It would be better (at least we think) if the merchandise was elevated a little higher (placed on the window floor, which is something these guys always do doesn't make this stuff particularly desirable - actually more like a wholesaler)  But anyway, we want one of these gorgeous diamante skulls.

Ermenegildo Zegna, London

This is a little more risque for Zegna than we normally see, don't you think?  We're usually presented with a large format bust form with a few additional props....ish   plus a few suits and ties, tied, and manicured within an inch of their little lives.  Currently it appears that the stockroom cardboard hanger box has been cleared and 'voila' new window scheme.......and we know what you are thinking.......cheap scheme at that.   Cu'mon Zegna, spend some money and entertain us?  You guys have some incredibly great quality schemes but creativity-wise we feel the big ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz.

One Night with........Joan

What did we get up to this weekend?.........well, we spent One night with Joan of course.  After a mega tour, the star of 'Cinzano', 'The Stud',  'Die-Nasty' and latterly 'Snickers' (but we still prefer Marathon) was peddling her life story (oddly courtesy of an auto-cue.....wouldn't one know ones own life story?) But anyway, a good titter of an evening courtesy of the husband Percy - yeah we couldn't believe she married someone called Percy either - but still. we love old Joanie and the little 'ole Joanie wigs too.

On the streets, London

Prophetic?

DnA Factory, Berlin

Images Courtesy and Copyright DnA Factory

Those lovely boys at DnA Factory are doing it again.  Their latest contribution to the Art world opened on Friday in Berlin at Herzensbrecher in the Strychnin Gallery.  How cool?  The event is a 'charity group exhibition with the proceeds going to the international childrens' charity, Ein Herz Fur Kinder where 50 or so international artists have modified and decorated a porcelain heart supplied by The New English.  Below is an image The Safe Keep and the show opens until 8th April.

 

........and if that's not enough, if you are unable to see this amazing duo in Berlin then you can also catch them at the Westbank Gallery here in London from 29th March also.

Gallery:  London West Bank, 133-137 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS

www.londonwestbank.com

Juicy Couture, London

We're not entirely sure what we think about the latest scheme at 'Juicy'.  For us at least there is no statement here and everything looks so confused.  No footwear is never a good sign or a quality retailer (for us at least).  We really, really want to love what these guys do but find ourselves just saying 'OK', maybe the NYC store is doing something exciting?