Tivoli, Villa D'este, (Gardens) Italy

The gardens at the Villa D'este are probably the most spectacular I think I have ever seen and besides cleansing the creative spirit they do bring a kind of inner peace. The gardens contain 500 jets in fountains, pools and troughs of water. Guiding one throughout the space are a series of inclines and steps, Cris-crossing around a central axis. At every turn there is something else to see which draws to viewer toward it. If this were a commercial space it would probably be enormously successful and therefore there are particular lessons to be learned in relation to creating focal points, pause points and so on. Throughout the gardens there are sudden surprises at every turn and perfect for those of you seeking inspiration from viewing Classical Architecture and renaissance spaces. The Cardinals also certainly had a sense of humour. Well, they were Borgia's, and known for their rape, bribery, incest and murder, although the below image is very tame by today's standards.

Tivoli, Ville D'este, Italy

About an hours bus ride from Rome is the Villa D'este. Built in a remarkable 1572, this Renaissance palace built by Ippolito II D'este and Lucrezia Borgia (of the Borgia's infamy of ruthless Machiavellian politics and sexual corruption characteristic of the Renaissance Papacy). The Palace is now a UNESCO world heritage site and has the most incredible gardens (which I will show tomorrow). I love to look at these places for inspiration in my own work and as besides being so uplifting emotionally they are layered and loaded with so much History that they cannot do anything other than inspire so many ideas. While these ideas are not always used immediately one can store them and leave them to germinate over time and pull upon these resources when needed in the future. A little like a battery. Capturing the image of the place also reminds me of the whole experience and how I felt at the time. How this can be encapsulated into a Commercial Design environment, I don't know yet, but the answer always comes. In the meantime, if you just so happen to be in the area I'm sure it will be on your list of things to do.

Monster Park, Bomarzo, Northern Lazio, Italy

After a few days flaneuring the streets of Rome with its manic police/ambulance sirens and busy streets, I was in much need of a break out of the city in order to seek some inspiration for future schemes. I had heard of Monster Park which is situated in the middle no where (as I discovered) in the countryside and an hour on the train from Rome. This is a stunning 16th Century garden created by Vincini Orsini in Bomarzo. Unfortunately, what I hadn't realised was that the nearest train station was nearly 10km away from the park, and uphill too. Anyway, after arriving at Bomarzo I began to hike my way towards the site, while asking for directions from the locals (using international sign language - you know the one, where we use our fingers to intimate walking etc). They did look rather bemused why I would want to go there. Anyway, after about an hour walking, a friendly local decided to stop his car and offer me a ride to the park. I cannot tell you how grateful I was when I realised how far I would have had to walk to get there. It was worth the effort and the place itself was deserted (I cant think why) so I had the whole experience to myself (well nearly, the garden security guard insisted on stalking me around the park to ensure I didn't take photographs.) He was quite old, so, as you can see, I did manage to out run him over the slippery landscape and take these ones for you - actually many more - he really was old bless him. Treading in the footsteps of Artists such as Salvador Dali etc., who were inspired by this park was an incredible experience and quite cleansing too. So, if you dare to be brave and navigate beyond the usual city stuff, do go there, it really is wonderful, although hire a car..! It took me a further 3 hours walking back to the station through the countryside. I slept well that night though.

Zara, Rome

I know a lot of you ask me to include Zara here on the blog which I do quite regularly. So, here we go. This site is along the Via Del Corso here in Rome (actually there are two along this street quite close to each other) What is interesting is this didn't have the usual schemes we can see currently around the world and this called out to me to record it. I was drawn in as the product presentation was such fun with the use of the multiple head scarves stacked up on the mannequins head with her hat perched precariously and almost daring to fall off. Anyway, they are fun and it is a pleasure to see that this brand has confidence in allowing the odd store to be creative with their schemes .

Louis Vuitton, Rome

Walking along the Via Condotti here in Rome, I couldn't help myself but look in to see what LV were doing. I do like their presentations and this store is probably one of the nicest that I have seen. OK, well I'm not over enthusiastic about the suspended cages although they have this incredible staircase leading up to the first floor of this store. I have made a short video of it which you can see on my YouTube site: Jhvefun which had the Romans mesmerised. The stairs are an LED screen with moving images and graphics. I cant imagine this would work particularly well during the daytime but at night time it really does come alive. If there is one store to take a look at there in Rome it certainly is this one. I've noticed that quite a few people have made videos of this too, so clearly it draws in the customers - job well done.

Pure, Rome

I don't normally include these types of stores here as I do find child mannequins quite creepy. However, this scheme at the Pure store on Via Frattina here in Rome compelled me to record it and share it with you. This is clearly a children's brand, and although I did search around their web site, the English translation didn't work so I cant find out much for you. Here, however we have a small scenario of the usual creepy figures dressed as if adults (which is why I probably find them so sinister). The mannequins have been placed quite randomly on a Black and White chequered vinyl floor and surrounded with these drawn cut outs of the Eiffel Tower, various products and Black vinyl designs applied to the walls. Further within the Interior Space the surfaces are in a vibrant Lime Green tone. I guess children like this kind of stuff? Anyway, this isn't one of my favourite stores in the city but I guess people like it.

Dior, Rome

I really do like this brands schemes. The Dior store along Via Condotti (opposite the Spanish steps) was quite treat to see, well at least initially. I felt that the ideas here worked well with the use of the printed backdrop illustrating a perspective view of, potentially where these items were conceived, although on closer inspection the attention to any detail was quite lacking. Lights illuminating the product were broken and it appears that the left hand of this mannequin is actually the wrong one? Out of the four window schemes the one below is undoubtedly the most considered and so carefully produced which is indicative of this brand. However, for such a high profile brand and incredible location is was a little disappointing to see such apparent lack of care.

Alberta Ferretti, Rome

In the home of the designer Alberta Ferretti here in Italy, it would seem particularly appropriate to include one of her stores. I don't know that much about this brand although I did do a quick search around the Internet to have a look at their site. I was a little confused by the site as I was looking for their philosophy and their 'philosophy' is actually part of their brand collection and therefore it is difficult to unravel exactly what they are saying. Anyway, the stores, wherever I see them are, although not the most lavish presentation are done well and the store here in Rome is no exception. Housed within this beautiful site along Via Condotti, Ferretti uses these high Gloss Black figures dotted around the store. Very simply done and so wonderfully effortlessly presented that oozes luxury.

Freddy, Rome

The Freddy store here in Rome is interestingly placed along the Via Frattina. I say 'interestingly' as it is surrounded by a lot of luxury brand stores and therefore looked a little out of place. However, I initially photographed here as they had such an interesting store and scheme presenting their product. The brand itself was begun by Carlo Freddi in 1976, providing gym and dance wear (the 'i' was changed to a 'y' in the early 1990's) and anyone into dance wear will probably be far more familiar with the name than myself. Apparently they also have a store in my home city in London in Convent Garden, although I must admit I don't think I have ever noticed them. Well, can you honest see me looking for dance wear and dance shoes? (please don't try to imagine it). The whole scheme makes a little more sense when one realises what they sell, with slogans such as Wake up your Body in a laser cut cog design and applied to the front of the store. If you are interested in this kind of stuff, do have a look at their site, they have very impressive logos there from very high profile clients.

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.