TWG Tea, Dubai

Even in its franchise faux-ness, we thought TWG Tea looked rather impressive.  How clean and crisp is this presentation?  OK, well its not the most exciting thing in the world right now, although these guys clearly know how to merchandise product and this is so shoppable and so teasingly fully replenished that we were very tempted - but resisted at least for now.  We may go back and take a longer look at this small but perfectly delivered space.

Hermes, Dubai

Wow, we are loving the 'street' approach by Hermes in Dubai right now.  How cool are these guys?  These massive window schemes and their urban approach with their use of graffiti in conjunction with their gorgeous luxe product, how could anyone not love this?  How this is translated in store we're not quite sure as we only had a fleeting visit but this is a refreshing change from the global corporate schemes that we see on our travels from luxury brands, mid-range and dare we say 'value' (OK, cheap stuff) that we see everywhere else.  These guys are so fricking cool, it hurts and we love it.

Harvey Nichols, Dubai

What an enormously fun window scheme at Harvey Nichols, Dubai.  We made a bee line for this store just to see what the guys here were doing and we weren't disappointed.  As usual, with their brilliant wit and humour the team here have presented a kind of underwater theme.  If you happen to be at this fabulous anchor store at the Dubai Mall then do have a look at this incredible scheme.  They have a big push with Illimasqua too which breaks up these huge windows and fabulous wig and make-up on their Rootstein's Erin O'conner mannequin.

Valentino, Dubai

We're not entirely sure why, but Valentino never seem to do anything very interesting in their windows.  We've seen these stores the world over and every single store simply has the product displayed quite simply.  Of course Valentino is master absolute of the fashion biz, so we guess its a case of why try and gild the lily?

Laboutin, Dubai

How incredibly fun is Laboutin's store?  We were drawn in immediately, particularly as they also have an exhibition area just outside in the main walk way. The interior of the store is a little disappointing, although this may be because the outside is just so amazing and exciting.  A variety of materials have been placed on the outside of the fenestration in a whole variety of colours and his signature shoes placed so beautifully that why would anyone not want to own a piece of his work?  Just delicious.

Fendi, Dubai

Although we never buy anything here, this brand just gets better and better.  Within the Mall of Dubai in the area known locally as the 'Drum', Fendi shines like a beacon of hope for creativity.  This oozes the super cool luxe-meets-street which they seem to be getter better and better at doing and we just love it.

Bloomingdales, Dubai

How cool is this promotion?  Right at the front of the store we have Blommingdales' giant Neon Bag promotion.  This leads into a space for the 'little Neon Bags' for us to buy and in addition to this a little shop dedicated to this product.  In store, this space is so incredibly exciting, perfectly lit and at every turn there is another exciting presentation that, in fact we've just realised that we've spent hours here - job wonderfully done.

Bloomingdales, Dubai

While its freezing cold back in Europe right now, we're sizzling hot here in Dubai.  How cool, eh?  Post jet-lag we've already been out and about to see whats happening in the Malls around town and we've already spotted some key schemes to share with you.  Here at Bloomingdales, and absolutely on trend they're presenting us with their Neon Nights scheme.  We adore the elongated mannequins they've used here and their sweet wrapper head dresses.  The wiring of the mannequins is a little hit and miss but that aside, we love what we see.

On the Streets, Amsterdam

There is nothing better than scouring the cities for their Antiques, Boutiques and markets for those delicious finds.  We were looking for something special for one of our clients through the alley ways and over the canals in search of beautiful things.  Gorgeous original early 20th century lighting stores, vintage furniture and all sorts of interesting bits can be found all over Amsterdam so naturally we were drawn into the light here to take a closer look.  We're sadly leaving this beautiful city, but by complete contrast we will be warming up like lizards on a rock and showing you some of the latest schemes from the Emirates and the Dubai malls in our next entries.  Bring on the desert sunshine...!

DeBrillemaeker, Amsterdam

We have no idea how to pronounce the name of this store here?  But anyway, while we weren't on the hunt for a new pair of spectacular spectacles we were quite amused by their scheme here.  Pairs of reading glasses placed in large jars of coloured liquid - bizarre, eh?  Oh those mad Dutch people.  We do however really quite like this idea as these kinds of stores, with the exception of a few 'out there' always look so dull,  so this was quite a refreshing find.  The liquid was beginning, however, to look a little like your fish tank would if you didn't clean it for a few weeks, so we would suggest maybe changing the liquid every so often before they find little Goldie, Bubbles or Skipper doing the side crawl at the top? 

Options, Amsterdam

We love home ware stuff, so it was a particular pleasure to come across this store just off the Dam.  Options sells all those things that you never knew you needed until you saw them here, plus a few extra bits.  There are slight references to Anthropologie here with the multiple legged table created from recycled/upcycled furniture bits, however they have made it their own here by adding what looks like a Lemon Curd topping.  Incidentally, they have a cool Cafe attached to this store but they only take cards not cash.  The reason?  'They don't know why, they just do'.  Guess they don't want to handle your grubby little Euro notes in their posh shop? 

Pepe, Amsterdam

Andy knew Pepe?.....hmmm.....we're not quite sure he did actually Pepe.  But anyway, we were drawn in to have a look at the windows here as, while they don't photograph very well and appear quite chaotic, they do in fact work rather well.  Yes, we have the usual references to POP ART that crop up tirelessly, although fine Art references are very much on trend right now - although not necessarily this particular movement.  Anyway, its a bit of fun and they are trying, so 10/10 for having a go, we guess?

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.