Belstaff, London

We've only just realised that we've never mentioned this brand on this site before.  We often pass this store along Conduit st. but strangely it always seems to elude us.  Having said that, we've had a closer look at the merchandise and while it is rather pricey it is quite wonderful.  In fact we were drooling over the collections on-line.  Unfortunately, if you wish to buy on-line (and we're not sure this is a brand that one would want to do this with) the site is rather out of date.  Strangely its rich history only leads up until 2006 - bizarre, eh?  Also, the merchandise available on-line is also quite limited.  Looks like a visit to the store is in order.  Anyway, within the window schemes the brand have used old crates in which to present the merchandise.  This is something we've seen a lot of around town since January.  The brand have also used these full bodied generic mannequins in a high gloss  Black finish.   The colours of course of the merchandise are absolutely on trend and we're going to swing by soon and take a closer look.  

DnA Factory, London

theDnAfactory : Love The Disease : Dulwich Open House Preview.  This, the third and final year of participation for theDnAfactory in the Dulwich Open House sees a preview of several pieces from the new collection : Love The Disease, plus a chance to see an overview of their work for the last five years with selections from the collections : This Human Condition and The China In Your Hand.

Viewing times : 11am - 6pm (daily)
Viewing dates : Saturday 7th May and Sunday 8th May 2011
Venue : 17 Harwarden Grove. London SE24 9DQ
You MUST see this work: Check out the guys at http://www.thednafactory.com/

Burberry, London

We didn't think we would see it, say it (or write it) but we are mightily impressed with the new scheme at Burberry.  We love the way these guys have really changed the existing space in this scheme to bring us these show windows focusing our eyes on the product.  After what seems a lifetime, we finally have a scheme from this brand which is not a re-hash of the traditional Brand design in just about every format possible.  We applaud you Burberry and thank you for finally moving these schemes forward.  We love the product, but the previous schemes were so deathly dull and finally someone has injected a bit of oomph..! into their schemes.  Job well done we think...!...Relief..!

Clarks, London

Who would have thought that Clarks shoes would actually look so trendy, eh?  You turn your back for just one second and even this brand has changed direction faster than a speeding bullet.  We're sure, just like us, you remember (or maybe haunted by) that foot measuring machine from the 70's into which one placed ones feet in order to be measured by those fast moving metallic plates that ever-so-quickly enclosed those pre-teen hooves leaving us to come out in a cold sweat in fear of them being crushed ((((shudder))).  Of course, they only ever gently kissed the sides of the hand-me-down-heel-darned-Wolsey's but sometimes these things never leave us.  Anyway, this store on the corner of Regent st and Conduit st. is one we've been keeping an eye on for a while.  OK, well its still not cool to admit that you shop here (and we don't) but 10/10 for these guys who are clearly moving this brand on and shaking off that smell of a not-so-cheap shoe repairers (and key cutters) and purveyors of stout Brown walking shoes that still haunts us to this day.  That said we are truly thankful that we had to wear and had the benefit of those jolly sensible little numbers, now, with fast approaching middle age but perfectly formed and trouble free feet.   We think this brand have leaped on enormously and hands up, not a bad job too.  Lets hope there's not a celebrity endorsement around the corner, hey?  Gaga over Clarks? - well stranger things have happened.

Anthropologie, London

If you happened to be at the Rootstein party last Friday I think we jointly could have made quite a few of these from all the Champagne corks that were flying around that evening.  Although we not sure the outcome would have been quite that same as these incredible structures we found at Anthropologie along Regent st.  Either these guys have fabulous parties (and if so why aren't we invited?) or someone has bought a bulk load from somewhere.  Sadly I think the latter applies.  Anyway, as with their New York store this London store has additionally followed along the multiple cork effect to create these installations.  What is particularly interesting about them is the fact they have also been planted with the most gorgeous and delicate plants too.  Just superb.  Although, the bust forms that these guys use are just not right for this merchandise and we're not sure why they just don't use ones with articulated arms at least? 

Matches Fashion, London

Images Copyright and Courtesy of Matches Fashion

Wow, it really must be British Summer time now that Matches Fashion have launched their recently scheme. The latest offering from this brand is called  "Print, Colour, Clash [and] based on this season's Print trend taking inspiration from the work of Irina Graewe [and] featuring collections such as Suno, Missoni and Carven".  "The use of African textiles as head-dresses also accent the Tribal feeling [of these collections] which are used in conjunction with the vintage bust-forms from (our dear friends) at Proportion>London".  It really is great to see these boutiques make such an effort to grab our attention on the high street, particularly when so many multiple brands appear to have simply given up.  To us, Matches Fashion is screaming that they do care about what they do and that they do care about their presentation and about how we as the customer are nurtured from the high street into their stores.  See you there at 9.00am then? 

Mathew Williamson, London

We're always just that little bit disappointed with this store's visuals.  We don't know who does them and no-one ever contacts about what we say about them, and while we do love the thinking behind them, they just don't quite ever work?  We would have thought they would be a little more adventurous than they are considering the brand it is, although they just don't seem to get it right?  We love the hot air balloon concept, but when one sees how the ropes are attached and can be seen in full view, it really seems to kill the idea.  The lighting is rather ferocious too, whitewashing over the whole scheme.  A little bit of atmosphere would have helped at least.

Tory Burch, London

We've seen some incredible schemes from this brand, particularly in New York, however here in London everything seems to rather less adventurous.  Not that this is an awful scheme of course (although we hate Heart motifs), however, with just a little more effort it could have had the wow factor we are craving on the high street, perhaps by making this backdrop a whole lot bigger.  So, come on guys, lets see a little bit more excitement?

Salvatore Ferragamo, London

It was quite a welcome change to see this brand finally develop a new scheme after what seems years and years in the same format.  Its clear that Butterflies are still big in schemes as they seem to be everywhere right now.  We're not sure about the way this brand have handled their shoe presentation, however this could be to highlight how may you can squeeze and squeeze into a small space?  OK, we know that's not the case, its obviously highlighting an inherent quality in the product. Anyway, this scheme is a welcome change from the previous one.

Proportion>London, London



Images Courtesy and Copyright Proportion>London

Have you been to see the new delicious collection from Proportion>London yet?

Have you ever visited somewhere and heard a piece of music that reminded you of a certain time? 

Have you smelled a perfume recently that reminded you of someone you enjoyed being with?

Have you been to an exhibition recently that made you feel absolutely in awe? 

We all know the experience of being somewhere completely unrelated and feeling that connection, right?  Having seen the new collection from Proportion>London we are absolutely in awe.  What these guys are thinking, where they are going and more importantly what they are doing is mind blowing to say the least.  Under the creative direction of the ever super creative Tanya Reynolds, their latest direction really is awe inspiring.  We were absolutely salivating over this collection and didn't want to leave the space today.  The combination of Tanya Reynolds (and the passion we would like to bottle please?) plus the collection she and her team are presenting is both avant garde and yet perfectly placed on the high street.  As ever, the only limitation is your imagination and if we were you, we would ask if we could move into this space and live there permanently.   So........ hitch up the ponies and head to Farringdon.  We guarantee you wont want to leave either.

SFD, UK

If you haven't seen the newest range from SFD, then here's a sneak preview for you.  Their "new range of mannequins designed exclusively by SFD introduces a contemporary and stylish vision with a mixture of abstract and realistic features". "The collection named PULSE brings movement and drama back to the mannequin world, enabling the client to be as extravagant or as commercial as their needs require".

"Aged between 12 and 24, the PULSE range incorporates slim male, elegant female and teenage figures". "The versatility of this range creates an attractive proposition for high-fashion brands, using the dramatic poses which will work well in-store and in the windows, and also for high-street retailers who may be looking to use a family of innovative mannequins".

"PULSE differs from other mannequins on the market at the moment with their exaggerated poses and represents a shift change back towards realistic figures". "The semi-realistic figures provide an innovative balance between the minimal maintenance of abstraction and the impactful nature of realistic mannequins".

"Designed by [the ever talented] Christopher Willey in conjunction with the creative team at SFD the new range also showcases [their] bespoke mannequin production capabilities". "From initial concept, 3D visualisation and sculpting, through to eye catching wigs, make-up and clothing". 

If you can make it to the VM and Display show at the business design centre this week, do go and check these guys out.  There are a tonne of brands out there that are biting their hands off for this collection.

Nicole Farhi, London

We always enjoy seeing what the guys at Nicole Farhi are up to and as usual their innovation always shines through.  What is particularly interesting about the schemes here are their wonderful collaborations and benevolent attitude to other companies.  Here, the creative team under the sharp eye of Jamie Shouli, have collaborated with the Future Mapping Company to bring this great scheme.  Incidentally, if you check out the Future Mapping website, there are some really interesting surprises in store for you.  We may just have to go out and purchase one ourselves as they really do look superb.  Anyway, in the meantime, do swing by Bond st. as even the trunks and cases in this scheme are painted in these gorgeous colours - we are still sending out the vibes and willing them into our office once this scheme comes out.

Rootstein, London

If you havent yet seen the delicious new Rootstein collection, then, as promised here is a snippet for you.  This season Rootstein have launched their incredible new studio space too that must be the envy of everyone in the visual industry.  Their latest collections "Young & Restless" and "Temptation" are showcased against an incredible floor to ceiling projection, animated to the latest pumping music.  All of the senses are superbly and simultanously pleasured.  

"Young & Restless" are a "collection of super slender, achingly sexy male figures echo[ing] an exciting reflection of 21^st century urban youth".  "Created to resonate with a generation quite happily in flux, the Young & Restless collection embraces the masculine and the feminine, the spirit of rock and the power of youth, above all else".

"Temptation, - introduces [us to] a mixed group of eight of fashions most exciting faces; an international tribe of dynamic young models who are already taking the fashion industry by storm". "Created to work either as stand-alone figures or in mixed groupings the versatile Temptation collection is underpinned by a tactile sensibility and an understated sexual frisson". "Every pose has a natural, easy connection to the others – an arm draped over a shoulder, a hand gently touching an elbow, a torso gently twisting toward another – that delivers a casual yet sophisticated message". "The subtle, realistic gestures and interconnected postures also allow large number of figures to be comfortably clustered together - making them perfectly suited to multi-figure, product heavy displays".

Nellie Fink once said, "You must create a fantasy that makes the viewer become part of it....And after all, isnt fantasy what we're all looking for?"  If ever there was a space, place and product that one would wish to become a part of, it certainly is here at Rootstein.