Showrooms, New York 2010

Having had just a few ours sleep and and stepping out into the freezing cold New York weather - which makes me feel right at home - but nonetheless, the wind chill factor here plus the jet lag adds to this feeling of desolation, but still, hey its New York so I'll get over it.  First stops are via the 25th Avenue showrooms to view the latest collections from the suppliers to the Visual Merchandising industry.  Here Bernstein and Roostein have created the most magical and glamorous environments.  Martini's and the Champagne was flowing, so, as you can imagine its difficult to write this stuff.  However, later on I'm off to venture out in the cold to view the latest offerings from Bergdorfs, Barney's, LV, Tiffany and so on.  This week we will show you the best from New York and from the snippets that I have seen, it looks like its going to be a corker of a Christmas here in the Big Apple.

New York, 2010

The www.retailstorewindows.com crew are currently stateside and will bring you the latest and greatest this week from New York city.......watch this space. 

Bally, London

At Bally on Bond St. the creative team here have utilised a really great way of focusing the customers attention on smaller product by using vinyl on the glass.  I always recommend this to clients myself, particularly if one has large window spaces and small product.  Here, just a shoe has been highlighted, and yet one is still able to view inside the space without it being completely blocked.  Personally I would have implemented this on both sides of the main entrance (they only have two windows) to give a sense of balance rather than using the cross shaped boxes that they have used although they always seem to do slightly different windows in what is actually quite a small space for the size of this store.

Victorinox, London

To my amazement I've only just realised that I have never included this brand on this site although this is probably because they don't always do anything very interesting?  Anyway, this is possibly the best scheme I've seen from this brand, but then it is the Christmas season so one would expect to see brands make at least a little effort.  With their large format graphic backdrop with what look like baubles, this scheme is at least a little more interesting.  However, while Xmas is the shortened version of Christmas, i.e X = Christ,  I don't ever remember it being hyphenated? i.e. X-mas.  Does this mean I will now have to call Christina  Aguilera, X-tina Aguilera? Or at least make it a Merry Victorinox-mas, guys?  Spelling error aside, I do like the coloured vinyl  on the glass in Orange (even if this seasons colour is actually Purple (Advent) and from a fashion trend point of view Copper....d'uh)  Come on guys at least get one thing right.  And there I was wondering why I haven't included this brand before hey?  Oh, now I remember.

Alexander McQueen, London

It is very difficult to fault the work of these guys at Alexander McQueen.  The presentation is so incredibly simple yet perfect, the merchandise of course is exquisite and the concept doesn't fight with the merchandise and try to steal the show.  These guys just get it so right.  Here, the team have used headless figures in a White finish to which they have adhered a fine wire mesh head.  How simple is that?  The perspex printed backdrop gives a sense of depth to this relatively small space.  If you needed to find a way of creating something so simple yet stunning then look to these innovators.  Wonderful stuff.

Mulberry, London

As a lot of you e-mailed me about this image that I posted last week to share your concerns,  rest assured we now have full inflation once again.  The inflatable handbag is all well and fully erect (possibly stuffed with a Birken?) - enjoy.  I have also included the fabulous handbag balloons in this post too.  Looking good guys down at Mulberry.

Miu Miu, London

Have you seen the newly opened Miu Miu store along Bond St. yet?  Until recently only Louis Vuitton shone and sparkled out amongst the luxury brands on this street until this store opened.  With their semi transparent fibre glass figures perched on these Rose Magda coloured curly sheep skins and mirrored and metallic surround, this store simply oozes luxury.  I do find the merchandise at these kinds of brands quite vulgar, but the presentation is second to none.  No expense has been spared at this flagship site and I'm dying to have a little scout around inside soon.

R.M.Williams, London

I do despair when I see this kind of thing happening out there (wherever there is of course).  With its bust forms dressed a la Orson Welles in A Touch of Evil, 1958, I just don't understand why these companies simply don't understand how important the visual experience is and which enables them to entice potential customers into their space?  The  product presentation here just looks so odd, and particularly when a hat is placed on a headless mannequin / bust form, as here, it simply paints a very chilling image.  come on R.M.Williams (who I know nothing about) sort out your Orson's.  Spine chilling stuff is going on here.

Chanel, London

I don't think I have ever written anything positive about this brands schemes since I began this site.  In fact, if anything I think I have possibly been a little critical with my previous entries of them, although this is born simply out of frustration that such a high profile brand would ever produce such bizarre and yet pedestrian presentation.  This also possibly contributes to the reason why I now rarely include them other than to share my gasps of horror.  No matter how much I poke and prod this brand, they seem completely oblivious to my comments and yet we are still presented with car crash Visual Merchandising of motorway, autobahn, freeway pile up proportions possibly involving several high sided articulated vehicles on a very windy, rainy and icy day.  Still, if anything, like the weather here in London right now, it gives us something to talk about. 

Just how I felt after last weekend

Mulberry, London

I had a quick scan at the new Mulberry store along Bond St. recently and I must say it was looking very exciting.  With its Golden balloons and Gold inflatable giant handbag in its windows I knew I had to grab my camera and swing by again.  Sadly, this evening, everything was looking just as I felt......deflated.  Ah well, bring on the next scheme I guess.

Hermes, London

I have found myself waiting until the last moment to publish this scheme here even though I photographed it a few weeks ago.  I am so undecided about what I think of it.  I want to love it, but I only really vaguely like it.  Although liking it has nothing to do with whether this scheme has any value of course and who actually cares whether I like it anyway.  Naturally the product is perfectly placed and we already know what incredible quality this product is.  However, I do feel that the use of the giant plastic bird doesn't quite communicate the quality of this brand?  Am I right?  Does this scream, shout or even whisper luxury to you? 

Hennes, London

I'm really enjoying what Hennes is doing right now.  Each store seems to have its own personality and this store in Knightsbridge is particularly great fun.  The suspended structures they have placed in this store (not shown here) are very much like the kind of thing one would could view at the Science museum just down the road.  OK, well maybe the feathered eyelashes are not quite right? Although for their target market it is probably just right, and the beehives a la Patsy (as in Edina and Patsy) are superb.  This brand clearly know their target audience and this line up of figures is particularly X-factor-esque rather than the usual perfectly polished groupings one can view at more expensive stores.  I have no doubt this will draw in the young females, and entertain their bored boyfriends with a flash of (albeit fibreglass) mannequin boob.  Job well done guys.

Mannakin, United Kingdom

Image Courtesy and Copyright Mannakin.com 

 As so many of you ask me for this kind of information here's a little heads up for you all.  If you have an event? maybe planning a pop up store?  just need some mannequins temporarily or cant make a huge investment?  You can do no worse than take a look at http://www.mannakin.com/  "At Mannakin you can hire or buy new or used mannequins in any kind of quantity. You can be assured of a huge selection of quality mannequins and fantastic customer service. With the biggest mannequin stock cupboard in the United Kingdom you will be able to find just what you are looking for." 

So, what are you waiting for?  Now there's no excuse for lack of Visual Merchandising in your store.  My favourites from this company definitely have to be in their incredible vintage section.

Image Courtesy and Copyright Mannakin.com