Pop Boutique, London

We've purchased quite a few things at POP Boutique over the 15...ish years these guys have been here after launching their vintage collection of stuff at Topshop in Oxford Circus (yep.......we remember you guys).  But anyway, while perusing the wares of Covent Garden it suddenly struck us that this Boutique doesn't really offer more than we could have found in Carnaby street during the 80's.  This is a shame really as we really, really want this Boutique to be as cool a it was 15 years ago.  Mannequins appear as bored drones that hate each other, the usual vintage stuff we are also bored of crams this window, staff are not particularly friendly or helpful and yet we so want to love it, but only just about can bring ourselves to support it.  Anyway, that said, we would really like to see some more of the unusual 'buys' here rather than the usual retro garb we see just about everywhere else.  Sadly, this Boutique has lost its edge, but we guess the tourists love it?  Chuck out the lava lamps and crap crockery and lets see some life and edge back in this store?

Bolongaro Trevor, London

We've passed this store on the edges of Covent Garden on a number of occasions.  We still haven't been inside yet however, although we were rather struck by the window scheme that they have.  It hasn't changed in a while, but then that's the nature of these kind of stores, although we do love what they have so beautifully placed.  With their animal skeletons and vintage display cases containing contemporary jewellery, this just works so well, don't you think?  We'll swing by soon and have a proper look inside and let you know what we find.

Hermes, London

With their references towards fine Art and the 'wired' trend, Hermes are rocking right now.  We loved the previous scheme and the simplicity of this one just oozes thoughtfulness and a level of understanding that we cant quite work out right now.  But that's OK.  We're seeing whole lots of references to various Art movements around town within schemes right now which may possibly have come from the product being sold.  Anyway, we may make a short film of this scheme to keep as a record, quite soon, so just what this space.

T M Lewin, London

What an interesting direction T.M.Lewin are taking right now, don't you think?  Its so interesting to see so much of menswear taking on the heritage of their brands and really pushing the details of their products to the front of the line.  At T.M.Lewin, we have references to some of the details of their products and a narrative that communicates how much work they put into producing their product.  This scheme, at least, is breathing life back into this brand that we see so much of on the high street (at least in central London) but so often just simply find bust forms wearing a shirt.  There is a VM God after all.

Diane Von Furstenberg, London

Dear VM God, please help this window scheme at DVF, London.  We're not massive fans of the merchandise although there clearly is a market for this stuff, but the scheme?  We are shuddering as we type....at least clean the finger prints on the face mirrors guys?   The scheme is confused, manic and while this is a very difficult space to work in, something simple would work particularly well.  Save the creative schemes for your store in the Meatpacking district in NYC where you have more space to be wonderfully creative?   This isn't working.........we're just telling it like it is.

Bally, London

We do like the simplicity of the schemes at Bally, and so often they do some really clever stuff.  We're not sure about the Goat with a bag on its back, however of course Louis Vuitton does have a bag on a horses back which we loved so what more can we say?  Tonally the scheme works beautifully however.

Hackett, London

Hackett seem to be one of the few multiples on the high street to have some kind of sense of humour at the moment.  What is happening to everyone?  No irony, nothing risque, nothing very interesting.  However, as we've been following these guys for quite some time we are pleased that their latest scheme captured our interest and naturally we had to share this with you.  Unfortunately what you are unable to appreciate from a still image is the mannequin in the image above to the right hand side raising up and down from behind the long grass complete with binoculars - hilarious fun.  Anyway, great narrative, beautifully produced and ahead of the game as usual.  (We wont mention the use of vintage trunks and suitcases however........sigh, although at least, thankfully, they haven't used clocks in a repetition format) 

Tiffany, London

With their usual style of producing a narrative in miniature so superbly well, Tiffany once again, within their London windows make reference to the 1930's, 40's, 50's and 60's.  The level of detail that these guys go to really is superb (even though they sometimes look like little dolls houses).  However, they do what they do with maximum quality and level of detail that most would envy and that of course should always be applauded.  The wit and humour seemingly lacking from Visual Merchandising is nearly always here and we do like to raise a smile rather than the usual but perfectly manicured eye brow every now and again from looking at the mid range multiples, and therefore always grateful when that happens.

BVLGARI, London

We quite like this Gold and historical referenced scheme at Bulgari right now.  We've seen the use of Gold cropping up in a multitude of schemes around the world and therefore it is no surprise to see it at this lux-brand.  We can also see of course the use of historical imagery and a nod towards nostalgia - another key trend that we will see happening very soon here in London with the Queens Jubilee.  But goodness knows what the rest of you around the world will be doing then.  Anyway, these incredible Golden 'fixtures' which give the illusion that they are spherical (but aren't) really make this window really zing, don't you think?

Marina Rinaldi, London

Apparently, 'Colour Blocking will be the major trend for SS12'.  According to Marina Rinaldi's site, 'a rainbow of colours, chromatic contrasts and unique combinations of shades will overwhelm us making this season even funnier and brighter'.  Yep, we're laughing as we type.  Anyway, that said, we do actually like the dynamic strength of this scheme as the monochromatic tones do create a powerful image.  We could do without the marketing malarkey however although we are following her instructions and working on becoming 'the woman who adores playing with contrasts which become distinguishing traits of her personality'.   Heheheheheh, you really couldn't make this stuff up, eh?

Alexander McQueen, London

We had to start the week with this incredible scheme at McQueen (apologies for the dreadful and unintentional rhyming).  Anyway, how wonderful is the merchandise here?  Just delicious.  We would possibly have had a scheme with a lot more detail and possibly some kind of narrative if Laurent was still here (please come back to London?) but still, the merchandise is amazing at least and we will just have to accept the large format graphic images that support it.

Banana Republic, London

One week later............clocks still there then.........

Miu Miu, London

We are really trying to love what this brand do, but, unfortunately big bling just doesnt float our boat and therefore we only just quite like it.  However, does that matter?  Well, no, it doesnt.  Anyway, with their big bling attitude these guys are bringing and blinging their way from the high street.  Go and take a look and see what you think?