Student Work

Following on from yesterday's blog. These are additional examples of our students thoughts as they continue their journey through University.

Student: AM

There are a lot of upside downs and going's on, good and bad, in my life at the moment that's why I chose the images with the tangled wire. I believe these unbalances are ones that cant be subtracted from one's life either now or later because it will make things too perfect. I consider myself rather organized and set, I have no permanent home as I am spread across and between two very different country's. I want things calm in both my 'now' and my 'later' with a tranquil home, easy life style and preferably in a job that handles mannequins and hours behind a window creating something new for people to admire and remember. Generally I just want to be 'head over heals' with the 'later' me.

Student: AN

Where I am at the present time: I am currently working on a zero hour contract as a Visual Merchandiser at Debenhams department store. I am studying Display Design at the London College of Communcation and I am currently feeling very stressed with home and an emotional personal life. I have no money as student which adds to this stress.

Where I want to be: I am hoping to eventually find a senior position in Visual Merchandising for a big department store like Selfridges here in London. I want to be happy whatever I do and I want to afford the things I want, be comfortable, have money and want to be happily married with a family of my own.

Student work

As my students begin the final year of their course I tasked them one afternoon to reflect on how far they had come, what they had achieved and where their aspirations lay. I was quite surprised with their genuine thoughtfulness and candid reflection. As the group are very visual it was clearly appropriate to request that they communicate their thoughts and emotions through a mood board. In addition to this they were asked to articulate these thoughts in order to communicate to a much wider audience. Here are just two examples from the group which they have allowed me to share with you (although I have deliberately only published their initials). These thoughts, I feel are representative of the life of a contemporary student, which is often so difficult and challenging here in the UK in the noughties.

Student: KK

Right now, I live in London studying Display Design at the London College of Communication. Whilst studying I am able to gain a lot of experience within the industry, by taking up various work placements. In the past I have worked at Selfridges, Habitat and Marks and Spencer’s. Recently I have helped in implementing the Harrods Christmas display, which celebrates 70 years of the making of the film, The Wizard of Oz. This has helped enormously in giving me an insight into this world of work and also to help set my goals. In the future I aim to get a job in the Display Design industry, perhaps working for Selfridges or Harvey Nichols and then work as a freelance designer.

Student: ST

Where I am:

This is about what I am doing now and where my mind is. I am a student living with my parents and earn money from home doing babysitting, celebration cakes and styling friends and family member's hair, whether it be braids or just a trim. I am in conflict with myself as I have depression which is depicted in the centre image and so I lack motivation, feel tired and at times am unsure of myself. I have dyslexia which does not bother me as I am in the same group of those who are successful, creative and have some of the greatest minds in world history such as Einstein and Bill Gates. I chose a black background as I am in a dark place because of my depression.

Where I want to be:

This one was a challenge for me as I am unsure of myself at this present time. I can only say I would like my own house to be married with a family and a job I enjoy doing. I will, of course remain dyslexic, but most of all I want to be happy, full of life, self confidence and energetic.

Dover Street Market, London

Those of you are familiar with the work of Shigeru Ban will be aware of how phenomenal this Architect is. Probably one of the most famous pieces of work from this Japanese Architect are the paper tube structures he used for Takatori Catholic Church in Kobe, Japan. Ban is probably the most radical and influential experimentalist in industry - I am certainly a fan. It is therefore no surprise to see Ban's work incorporated into the visual scheme at Dover street market here in London amongst the many other contemporary Uber movers and shakers who's product sells here. Here we have one of Ban's latest pieces of product, the 10 units system which has been created in recycled plastic and paper - Ban's signature. The chairs in monochromatic shades have been placed in a pyramidal effect within the store's window.

Zara, London

While flaneur-ing along Oxford St. here in London this week I happened upon the latest windows from Zara. References (possibly) to Lady Gaga and Cheryl Cole (am not sure they will thank me for saying that) can be seen here although this is quite an extraordinary scheme which warranted some attention. While this could have been quite a dull scheme with the use of repetition of a radiating form, the team have incorporated tumbling black Barbie dolls worn as a headdress, stuffed black rubber gloves, enormous wigs and tonnes of personality. It is such a pleasure to see some of Zara's team being 'allowed' to do such creative installations and it certainly is dramatic on the eye. So, grab your lallies and troll ajax Bond St. and have a varda at this wonderfully bona installation.

Fortnum and Mason, London

Have you been to Fortnum's recently? I just so happened to drop by this week. You know the scenario, what do you buy someone who has everything and you don't want to clutter their homes or impose your personal preferences on friends who have a particular...well preference. If you go along to Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly you can pick up the most wonderful consumables that you know at least your friends can enjoy either with or without you. Anyway, during my visit this week I came across this amazing installation. Now, to me it has the fingerprints of DZD based on Tottenham Court road. I have seen the in house team implementing the scheme with a few Swans in the windows, so I am guessing that there is a connection with Swan Lake - possibly Mathew Bourne thrown in - if I am reading between the lines correctly. If you havent seen Mathew Bourne's Swan Lake this must be on your list of 100 things to do before you die - incredible. Anyway, in the mean time do go along and have a look if only to see the tourists mesmerised by this enormous cascading installation and insisting on having their photographs taken within it. I think from a VM perspective it has done its job and doing it very well indeed. As for my shopping, well I did manage to buy a few consumables while simultanously consuming as many crackers with sample bits of cheese when the assistant turned around, but I know you wont tell anyone.

Habitat, London

Those of you around the world who are not familiar with this brand, it was founded in 1964 by Sir Terrance Conran in order for him to market his Summa range of furniture. Having been controlled by a variety of people since Conran left the company during the 1980's, I believe it is now owned by Ikea, although this doesn't seem to be common knowledge or at least, it seems that they are reluctant to shout about it (I may be wrong so please do let me know if you have more informed information) Anyway, the initial 1960's concept consisted of white washed walls, tiled floors and spot lighting. This created a sense of space within the retail environment and allowed the customer to concentrate on the product. The stores are now rather more sophisticated than the initial concept and as we can see here from their Regent St. store, it is exceptionally well presented. The team have used pieces of circular vinyl placed on the glass, reminiscent of one of those colour blindness tests. Anyway, the circular symbol has been used throughout the space creating an interesting rhythm. My own interest in coloured fluorescent lighting in schemes is waning a little as they have been flogged to death for so long in so many other places, however I think they do elevate the scheme and they do highlight particular areas which draws the eye toward them - so this cant be a bad thing. The dark grey back wall gives this enormous promotional space a sense of drama and context.

B Cosmetics

B cosmetics along Oxford St. here in London is a brand I know very little about. I believe this store opened only earlier this year (although I cant quite be sure as this is somewhere I have no reason to shop and therefore haven't thought to track its development). This is perhaps a little out of place on Oxford st. and perhaps a Mall in Dubai is probably where its personality would sit better? Anyway, according to its website the company began six years ago in Carnaby st., but sadly while they have this quite pristine flagship store they are in fact closing at the end of the year as they are unable to make a profit. I am not a great fan of the design of this store, I must admit, but the ethics of the company seem actually very thoughtful to the environment. I did have a quick scan at some of the products, particularly of course for myself as a male customer and I must admit that while the contents of the product sound wonderful I am not sure that the packaging would persuade me to buy anything. But then maybe I am not their target market? Who knows. On reflection I cant really see myself wafting around my studio with a Breath of God Fragrance Fan or a Lady Boy Lemon Melt, so clearly not. Anyway, as their site says, these items are limited addition, so go on, help them out and go and buy some products before they're gone forever.

Halloween, London

Its that time of year again. No, not Christmas just yet, although I have noticed schemes being installed recently in the centre of London. Unlike our cousins across the pond we simply just don't seem to do anything for Halloween here in London. I really struggled to find anyone who was doing anything to promote this commercial nonsense, some skipping it completely and jumping to a Christmas scheme. This is going to make it hard for me to write about anything in the next few weeks if the schemes that are being implemented are going to last until the 25th December, when its still October. Anyway, David and Goliath, a brand that I am completely unfamiliar with have installed the scheme you see here. Scary, eh? I did manage to find a couple of other Halloween bits and pieces around town. Tezenis displayed some pumpkins in their window surrounded with posters from scary films and Stella McCartney installed an inflatable mortuary. Oh well, bring on the Christmas schemes I guess and lets hope the credit crunch ends soon.

Profile Display, London

How many places can one go and be in the company of so many famous people? Well visit Profile Display in West London and you can be in the company of Twiggy Lawson, Sandie Shaw and Marie Helvin (Above pic). This is only the tip of the iceberg. Crammed to the rafters in this Aladdin's cave of mannequins of yesteryear are figures with names that read like a who's who. Yes, they look 'nackered, chipped, scratched, worn and unloved, but to anyone truly creative who can see their potential and knows how to handle this product well, this is a gem of a find. Afterall they can all be renovated as the client desires. Kim Fraser is the Director here, doing what it says on the tin with an amazing sense of humour. What Kim doesn't have in his stock isn't worth having. Show him a mannequin and he can name the collection, the person and even the production code. He probably even has the original catalogue - truly incredible. I first came across Profile Display through a contact of mine many years ago. They don't advertise, they don't have a website and if you're lucky you may get a reply from an e-mail - very Unter stuff. And yet you would be amazed at how often you will see their work, quietly working away and serving this industry. This is a must have contact for any free-lancer or designer out there.

Kim Fraser can be contacted at kim@profile-display.co.uk

Hackett, London

I rarely look at Hackett along Regent St. here in London, although I was drawn in by this scheme. Although I'm not an ardent fan of bust forms because of the lack of legs which always appears to me as if the figures are floating in space. Anyway, the attention to detail here is quite superb. While this is not the most cutting edge brand they do do what they do extremely well. The dressing is exquisite in monochromatic tones with the odd hint of Blue, and the articulated arms on the bust forms gives the sense of movement so desperately needed when using these forms. The backdrop uses the repetition of bowler hats in frames, reinforcing that this is a 'gentleman's' brand and appealing possibly to the professional / city type of target market.

Calvin Klein, London

This is an interesting scheme from Calvin Klein along Regent st. here in London. Gold sprayed headless male mannequins supported with slick monochromatic images of males as the backdrop in a steamy shower scenario wearing jeans. There is one cubicle with a male and female mannequin however I could not find a scene with two males or indeed two females sharing the scenario - I guess its only single males or heterosexual couples that actually have or share showers. I cant help feeling that Calvin Klein have risked alienating a huge segment of their adopted or perhaps rather unexpected target audience - I feel a trip to clubland or the street (by the CK crew) would have clarified or supported my thinking here. However, looking in store I do really like the way the fixture at the centre of the image directs people through the space creating the initial focal point and and reinforcing the sexual, oily and erotic image that they [CK] seem to be striving for.

Anthropologie, London

I have been waiting for the opening of Anthropologie for quite some time and therefore was quite excited to finally view the finished store. Having initially viewed the store from across the street, to enable me to get wider perspective of the site I was intrigued to find out what this scheme was about. On closer inspection the 'things' suspended on these strings are in fact teabags...! Whether they are dipped in colour or just a collection of herbal teabags is not quite clear, however on this scale it creates an incredibly dramatic effect.

Usually, I am not allowed to photograph inside stores and am often ushered out by the in house security if I attempt to do so. Therefore, during my late evening flaneur-ing of the city I sometimes manage to photograph these places through the glass - thankfully this worked quite well and we are able to view the customers journey (at least in part) through the space. I know a lot of you have asked me to include more interiors so hopefully this will suffice. Anyway, to the right of the space we have the usual promotional merchandise behind which is the first focal point. Although the display above the shelves doesn't actually relate to the product below, its more of an installation, it is brilliantly produced. (If you click on the visual below to enlarge it you will see what I mean) Looking directly through the store we have the dreaded pillars that plague in so many ways the flow through the space. I think I would have done something with this in this instance as it is one of the first things a customer sees. The bust form does attempt to disguise it however I feel that it needs something much bigger. My only real criticism however is the use of the bust forms which seem rather lost both in the windows and in store. The bust forms seem to give the illusion that they are merely hovering in the space rather than making a statement that says 'we are here'. Still, it is a pleasure find new places to shop and this store is a welcome addition helping to refresh this lower end of Regent st. here in London.

Tatler 300th Year Anniversary

Following on from my recent images that are promoting the 300Th Anniversary of Tatler magazine, I felt compelled to include this superbly produced window at Nicole Farhi. The style of this Union Jack piece is of course produced in the style we have seen from Dolce & Gabbana recently on the catwalks. I am so pleased that we are claiming back the Union Jack symbol after years of it being used as propaganda for an unsavoury political party. I also managed to capture the latest installation from Moschino (below). Parts of this I actually think work very well, particularly the figure/magazine pieces, although I am not quite sure about the magazines in skirts / dresses?