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

London Retail VM and Display Show 2010 Exhibitors Panache Display

If you are looking for Mannequins this week while at the Retail VM and Display show, don't forget to check out Panache Display. Panache have their own range of figures at the show this week: Curvateous and Pure & Simple. Of course, they offer all sorts of styles and makes including figures from the House of Bonami. Collections have wonderful names such as Hombres, Fashion Queens, Glamaga and Affinity so be sure to check them out and get in contact with Joanne McRae at Panache. Joanne has spent many years in this business and is well placed to advise you on any collections you may want or need. Formerly at Harrods, Rootstein Mannequins and freelancing for huge names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and the V&A, you know you are in safe hands to guide you through the process. Joanne can be contacted by e-mail either jo@panachedisplay.co.uk or say hello to her at the show itself.

Images Courtesy and Copyright of Panache Display.

London Retail VM and Display Show Exhibitors 2010, DZD Bespoke Sales Director: Colin Hudson

Have you ever felt drained of inspiration? All too often I find working with large companies creatively draining. From my own experience of large companies, they drain and drain one of ideas and concepts and give us little, if any time to replenish and update our knowledge and enable the development of ideas which are informed and interesting too. Well, did you know that DZD (situated adjacent to Warren st. tube station here in London) now have a bespoke service which can help you overcome that creative fatigue? Big players within the industry need big results and there is nothing worse that having to work in isolation not really knowing if your high profile concept in that enormous flagship is going to work. The process of experimentation, play, testing and trying is a crucial part of concept development and there are few places available for us to go where we are able to work with a team to bounce ideas around, tap into the expertise of a team who are able to produce props in house (which is particularly cool) and enable you to realise your vision - and lets be honest we're only as good as our last job, so we had better make sure that the next one is spectacular too. With a guaranteed one to one guidance through your project DZD will come with you on your journey from initial concept development, realising your concept and make you look good. What more could you ask for? Do drop by the DZD stand next week and have a chat to Colin Hudson and the team. Colin and Sonya work very much in collaboration in supporting their clients and with years of experience between them you can be sure that what you want is delivered, and it will be spectacular too. So what are you waiting for?

London Retail VM and Display Show Exhibitors 2010, Proportion>London Creative Director Tanya Reynolds

Images courtesy of Proportion>London

Tanya Reynolds is the Creative Director at Proportion>London and has been part of the Retail VM and Display Industry for a whopping 30 years. If there is one person who has a vast knowledge and a passion for this industry it certainly is Tanya who also clearly has her finger on the pulse of whats 'in' right now and definately whatever is 'next'. Tanya's collections are absolutely Fashion led and I certainly am excited about the new collection being launched next week. Part of the Proportion>London portfolio are bust forms as well as the delicious Mannequins pictured below. Bust forms are what this company have been well known for for decades. One only has to wander along the high street to see that just about every retailer has something from their collections in all sorts of diverse finishes - the only limitation is our own imagination with regard to what this company can do. Naturally curious and willing to never close down opportunities to try new things Tanya and Proportion>London are the company to have on speed dial and at the top of your address book and must be your first stop at the Retail VM and Display show.

London Retail VM and Display Show Exhibitors 2010 DZD Creative Director: Sonya Storm

Looking through my archives recently I found hundreds of advertisements for VM and Display showrooms throughout London's West End (particularly Newman st). Sadly over time one by one they have all relocated or disappeared from the map. Only one showroom is left for us to visit and what a feast it is. DZD, located along Tottenham Court road adjacent to Warren st. tube station is a fantasy land of VM and Display ephemera. Sonya Storm, the Creative Director here has worked with the company for 12 years and oversees the product buying and development within the showroom. As we have, no doubt all experienced those last minute Display emergencies it is always a comfort to know DZD provide that essential backup service that we all so often need. The clients to the company read like a who's who with all the major players calling on the expertise of the team. From Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, to countless multiples, freelancers to tiny retailers in Ghana and Australia, the company cater for the world. However, did you know that they also provide props for photo shoots, film, TV and a bespoke service too? Their stunning portfolio of film credits and magazine coverage was little known to me too until I scratched beyond the Christmas 'stuff' that those of us who know the company are famous for. So, swing by their stand at the show next week to check them out and have a chat with Sonya and the team. I always do, and I always leave with tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks. Besides incredible product and service, they are incredibly fun to be with too - you wont want to leave.