OO, Artist, New York

There's something quite uplifting about having random conversations with random people that one happens across.  Just by chance I struck up a conversation with the Artist named O.  While I don't know the origins of his name, he is actually called OO - pronounced Owe Owe as opposed to Zero Zero, bizarre hey.  O himself clutching his passport showed it to me to prove it too.  Originally from Montana, "O Began 20 years ago as a photo-realistic inked ocean wave of people after a dream of being in an ocean of everyone who had ever been alive or would be, and evolved into 2000 faces... and now over 3000 faces of famous and infamous twentieth century people from around the world. It is a continuous work in progress". Visitors to O's pitch can also freely suggest anyone whom he may have omitted.  I am a fan of collage anyway, although this really is such stunning work by this artist, based on the streets of New York, selling his work on Prince St. and West Broadway.  If anything, do go and have a look and have a chat to him.  He's energetic, entertaining and clearly passionate about what he does.  Alternatively, check him out at www.freelancepainter.com

Andrianna Shamaris, New York

If you happen to be walking along Greene St at Prince this week in New York, do go and have a look at the incredible Andrianna Shamaris Store.  Andrianna Shamaris "is a direct import furniture design company with an expertise in organic wood, specifically serving the architecture, design and hospitality communities, as well as the public."  I found myself drooling at the "outstanding natural forms of aged and reclaimed teak, tamarin, sono and iron wood are sourced from around the world" and I'm sure that you will too.  "Andrianna Shamaris Inc. has the largest collection of petrified wood available in New York. With a collection spanning over two decades, [they] are able to provide our clients with the most extensive and high quality selection of petrified wood."  If you cant check them out in person have a look at their amazing collection on their website www.andriannashamaris.com   If you are an Interior Designer, Architect, Retail Designer or just want beautiful things then this place is essential to know about and have in your address book.

Skunkfunk, Bilbao, Spain



Image Courtesy and Copyright Ibai Leon

Sicis, New York

I came across the Sicis store recently in New York (a few doors away from Dash, the new..ish Kardashian sister's store).  I have seen this store many times and I am always rather amused at their installations which have ranged from garish panels and suspended mannequins a la Cirque de Soleil style.  However, while I'm not a huge fan of their work, they do produce some interesting uses for their mosaics that I couldn't help but stop and capture this for you.  While I could forgive the Gold covered mannequin, I did find myself gasping a little at the shoe shaped bath covered in mosaics too.  It wasn't so much that the bath was covered in mosaics, but the fact that there was a shoe shaped bath...!  I'm left wondering who would actually buy something like this?  Of course what Sicis are doing is creating theatre and interest around their product, but a Shoe shaped bath?  Is this real do we think? 

On the streets, New York

Am quite sure that you feel like this too after all of the festivities.  If you don't then lock up your fabulous super luxury apartment at the Vatican, throw away the keys and cassock (like you never did anyway) and get yourself out......here.  Oh come on, its not just us here at http://www.retailstorewindows.com/

Alexis Bittar, New York

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of jewellery and own or wear nothing jewel-like on my person, not even a watch and never really have done.  I always find wearing additional and what I feel unnecessary accessories irritating.  I think that's why I hadn't heard of Alexis Bittar before now.  However, what incredible windows he has at his store in Manhatten and what incredibly beautiful jewellery.  I also discovered that Joan Collins was the face of Bittars 2010 campaign which was is great fun.  Anyway, it looks like taxidermy is going to be big in 2011 as we are seeing it just about everywhere - recycled or road kill preferably.  What drew me to this installation is the mythical  creatures that has been produced here from two original sources.  What great humour this guy must have.  I'm not a convert yet to jewellery for me personally but I do  appreciate how it has been shown here very much.

Seasons Greetings

If you're reading this.......get off your computer and enjoy your friends, family or  far too many Vodkas.  Happy Holidays from http://www.retailstorewindows.com/

Printemps, Paris



Image Courtesy and Copyright Fiona Ffoulkes

As Christmas Day approaches us quicker than a speeding bullet, here are some more images of the incredible scheme at Printemps, Paris.

Image Courtesy and Copyright Fiona Ffoulkes



Daffys, New York

Strangely I have never included Daffys on this site, although occasionally I have seen a few interesting schemes appear here.  What we have here of course is home product styled as if the mannequin was wearing it.  As far as I'm aware there is no actually name for this type of presentation and therefore it is quite difficult to categorise.  However, when explaining this to my students I usually use the term "Abstract product" to describe what we see here.  I have created this term to describe what we are looking at and therefore you wont find it in any text book.  Having said this of course, the majority of text books referencing Visual Merchandising will always remain firmly on the coffee table.  On the one hand the product of course is saleable, however it has been taken out of its original context and therefore styled with wit and humour as if it could actually be worn.  The backdrop is formed from these cartoon-like printed cut outs and while this brand screams value retailer to me, the scheme itself is rather sophisticated.   

Florence, Italy

Courtesy and Copyright Morgan Lin



I don't often see images of store windows from Florence.  Thanks to one of our contacts at http://www.retailstorewindows.com/ they have sent on some examples of some of the things that are happening right now.  How exciting.  Although I don't know where these images we taken, I have to admit the scheme here is rather stunning.

Courtesy and Copyright Morgan Lin



Vince, New York

I'm not wholly familiar with this brand as they have no European presence as far as I'm aware.  However, with the level of globalisation that we can experience on the high street, I fear that it wont be long before I see a store from this brand along Regent st. back in London.  Part of the pleasure of visiting the high street of cities such as New York is being able to experience different brands and their offer and while I haven't shopped here yet myself they do form part of the high streets identity and create the excitement that that entails.  Although I have only seen their schemes once before they always seem witty and fun.

Printemps Department store, Paris



Image Courtesy and Copyright Fiona Floulkes

  In Paris right now.  Printemps Department store, Paris


Image Courtesy and Copyright Fiona Floulkes



Dior, New York

One cant help but notice the new...ish fascias of the Dior stores right now.  We've seen it in Dubai in the Mall of Dubai and also recently, albeit a 'mini me' version at the newly opened Bond st. site in London.  I must say that I adore the new Dior illuminated fascias but I'm not so sure about their window schemes.  This one, however is great fun with mannequins perched on these silver 'pillows' moving vertically from floor to ceiling all day.  That said, the mannequins here, while of course are the best quality, always look a little either stunned or rather stilted rather than possessing the fluidity and grace that one might expect to represent this historically loaded brand?  A warmer skin tone, make up and bigger hair would have helped here as the females here look just as I feel - frozen.