Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Before I couldn't even post the next lot of images for you they were snapped up by a client so these are the ones left to show you although I have taken more inside the store for you to have a look too and which I will post soon.  I'm seeing a lot of references to the signs of the Zodiac within product as well as in the windows here at Bergdorfs.  With their usual stacked to the rafters schemes, it really is difficult to know where to look.  Across New York right now however,  it looks like tropical plants, pale woods and oddly enough taxidermy or at least heads of natural 'beasts' are going to be big and bigger in 2011 too.  Bergdorfs of course are leading the way in Visual Merchandising and I am quite mesmerised.  The incredible schemes with their faux perspectives and references to nostalgia are just superb.  I really am in awe.  

Barneys, New York

Once one steps beyond the incredible window scheme here at Barneys,  visually  the space is strangely rather toned down.  There are of course the wonderfully witty elements installed here such as above at the main entrance with the really fun Copper Brillo pad Christmas wreath suspended within a Copper leafed frame and each floor does initially have a slight personality which greets the shopper at the top of each escalator.  However, while I'm not disappointed as such, although just maybe slightly wrong footed, as the environment does feel a little bit Beckham-esque.  Ya' know, blank with little substance and depth but quite happy to take your cash?  I really wanted to be taken on a visual journey of discovery in this (what I thought was a fabulous store) and be excited at every turn and while I relished the open lofty spaces there was very little to excite me beyond the windows.  Menswear of course is the usual Zebrano fixtures and nearly all merchandise is Black, Brown and well Black....sighhh.  The creative visual in-store fix expectation was like opening one of those gifts that you know will be straight back on the re-gift list (although I never do that of course - ebay is my preferred option).  Ah well, at least the windows look amazing and that drew me in.  This  in store environment not living up to my expectations is the least of my worries, so, I'll get over it.....by next year.        

Barneys, New York

I always make a beeline for Barneys after being overwhelmed by Bergdorf Goodman as I do love the expectation of being entertained.  This is after all what its all about, at least in part.  This year, Barneys theme is celebrity chefs.  After the homage to Saturday Night Live in 2009 and previously to Cher, Peace, Warhol and Rudolph Guilliani this year Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Martha Stewart etc. etc. get the Doonan treatment. (some of the chefs I'm not actually familiar with)  Anyway, the usual papier mache giant sized heads (the Doonan trademark) look great fun listing the Innovators and trailblazing chefs in the world of television.  The brilliant Illy dress (not shown here) too is beautifully executed hugely fun and just shows how creative these guys really are. 

Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Every single person I have had a conversation with so far here in New York absolutely agrees that the windows at Bergdorf Goodman are quite superb.  These are just a few images from the front windows to show to you, although I will post more later for you however as per usual the team here have absolutely excelled.  This is aspirational stuff - you should hear the wows from the onlookers.  I am quite stunned and I will post more of this scheme later on today.  The interior of the ground floor is also simply stunning.  In the meantime, I would love a copy of their limited edition book if anyone wishes to part with $500?.  Guess that's a no then.  Still, I had a look at it today, just to have a drool and it really is magnificent if any of you have the cash for it. 

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