Mexx, Amsterdam

This brand seems to have died a death back in the UK, although it clearly is making at least some cash here in the Netherlands.  We were never offended by what 'they' do here but, really, how many of these mid-range brands can we expect to see on an already saturated high street?  Anyway, with their fun scheme, Mexx are at least 'special' here in Amsterdam.

De Bijenkorf, Amsterdam

Probably one of the largest stores and by far spending the most on their Visual Merchandising in Amsterdam is De Bijenkorf.  This department store is of course just like any other with the usual luxury and high street brands that one can view anywhere else in the world.  OK, and, well the scheme is a little bit 'budget' for what we expect from a flagship store, so think Debenhams rather than Harvey Niks although they are trying and they do actually look rather good nonetheless.

On the Streets, Amsterdam



All of this week we will be looking at including some of the delights of Amsterdam for you.  In this gorgeous city of canals we've been searching and scouring to find some of the hidden gems to share with you...soooo....just watch this space.

Alexander McQueen, London

With the delicious schemes at McQueen, how would this not make anyone want to go in and drool over the merchandise?  Of course the merchandise itself is, as we all know is just stunning and we can only aspire to own a piece of it.  We always comment that this is such a difficult space to work in particularly with its illuminated glass flooring although it is a great sized space.  With their free standing lace-like background dripping with quality yet another scheme is screaming wonderfully from the high street.

Proportion>London, London

With retail trends constantly evolving and the prevailing fashion taste ever changing, it can be a daunting task for today’s Visual Designer to keep abreast of the latest looks and respond with the most appropriate mannequin styles.  Proportion>london make this challenge a thing of the past, with their newly launched collection SERIES: envisaged to be the VM mannequin solution of the future.

SERIES is a benchmark concept, a “workhorse” collection created in a collaborative process between proportion’s sales and design team. Working in unison, they identified a checklist of fundamental VM requirements: a core range of must-have poses, choice of a number of definitive head styles, consummate body shape that carries clothing well and the ability to customise options easily for today’s progressive fashion brands. Sculpted in a carefully honed style, the aesthetic continues seamlessly through both male and female collections.

The female SERIES collection will be on show at the proportion>london three open days starting 17th April.  Give these guys a call or check them out online at www.proportionlondon.com

Lanvin, Paris

OMFVM gawd help us.  We're not sure where Lanvin are going with their schemes for a long while now.  London is no better.  The price point of the product is of course as one would expect from a Luxe brand, but is this communicated through their windows?  OK, well, one ingredient we are missing enormously from store windows 'out there' is a massive dose of humour, the likes of which we could only view pre-corporate global VM schemes when everything was about window display.  Thankfully we have the likes of Harvey Niks, Selfridges, Barneys and Bergdorfs to keep us amused and clever humour at that.  However, we just don't 'get this'?

 

Tods, Paris

Just look at the quality of the props in this scheme simply oozing from  these windows.  We've just seen the London version of this too but so much nicer to view it in Paris (at least for us)  Anyway, with their leather film strips and shiny metallic 'cans' and gorgeous leather everything else, we fell in love in Paris - but only with the quality of the scheme unfortunately.

Prada, Paris

We love the new scheme at Prada in Paris right now.  Actually, we prefer the London version as it also includes a petrol pump and a few other bits.  Nonetheless, this does look cool and of references the Nostalgia theme that we're seeing around town right now.  Mannequins perched on the boot (or trunk, depending on where you're reading this) of these gorgeous nail polish coloured Pink Cadillacs just look so good.  What do you think?

Lancome, Paris

We don't often include Lancome on this site so it was a huge pleasure to come across their 'Rouge in Love' scheme here in Paris right now.  Their 'Lips' installation created from a multitude of the lipsticks just works so well, don't you think?  Its so wonderful to see a cosmetics brand produce something other than the usual large format graphic in their windows and we think you'll agree that this one is quite a winner?

Hermes, Paris

We love the concept here at Hermes in Paris.  These large circular background  semi filled discs contain what looks like a coloured powder.  As the discs revolve the powder falls within the discs themselves creating a wonderful movement.  Such a simple scheme and brilliantly produced.

Marc Jacobs / Louis Vuitton Exhibition, Paris

Wow, if you happen to be in Paris soon, then you must go and see the LVMJ exhibition here.  The exhibition, a combination of Marc Jacobs and in part a history of Louis Vuitton, the most incredible creativity oozes from these display cabinets.  What is particularly interesting is that not only do we see the finished product but also the development of some of it.  This fascinates us.  Don't forget to book in advance though, the crowds are still flocking so be advised to book your time slot before you go.

Smythson, London

Oh VM gawd help us.  Oddly this scheme photographs rather well.  The reality is something else.  Value retailer with Luxe brand prices.

Butler and Wilson, London

We're not glitzy loving kind of guys, but we do love the merchandise at Butler and Wilson right now.  With their mannequin wearing what actually appears like an old Gaultier number but complete with feathered headdress (or warbonnet) we cant help but be drawn in.  It would be better (at least we think) if the merchandise was elevated a little higher (placed on the window floor, which is something these guys always do doesn't make this stuff particularly desirable - actually more like a wholesaler)  But anyway, we want one of these gorgeous diamante skulls.