MCM, London

We're never quite sure what to make of the presentations here at MCM and we know little about them as a brand too.  But anyway, Blue and White stripes and circular chromed tubing not very revolutionary but simple and clean nonetheless.

Dior, London

This is a slightly interesting lil' old scheme from Dior, don't you think?  We've been wracking our brains trying think of the Artist that this scheme is referencing , and we believe it is Magritte?  Dior have often looked rather like  Chanel for quite some time, ya know, producing sticky plasters on the wound of bad Visual Merchandising design, but we rather like this one if we're honest. Thankfully at least its not yet another Warhol even if the Magritte 'pony' has already been flogged to within an inch of its life.  'Ce n'est pas  fantastique mais Merchandising visuel', however, if ya know wha' we mean.  

Versace, London

What is going on with Versace these days?  We haven't been to see this store in ages but the brand really seems to have lost its edge and interest in doing something less ordinary.  The fire and passion appears to have died and it looks like its lost its way?  What do you think?

Fendi, London

We haven't been to see what Fendi have been up to for quite some time and have never been inside this 'new' store's site yet along Sloane st.  The brand did move across the street from their other site some time ago and we often wonder why they don't have a site along Bond st?  Maybe being in Knightsbridge attracts the middle eastern clientele who buy this stuff.....who knows?  But anyway, a simple scheme produced to perfection and does what it does, we suppose.

Gucci, London

Wow, Gucci is doing some interesting schemes, aren't they?  OK, well, this scheme does whiff a little of the Blue Man group, or rather Blue, Red, Pink and White group; so slightly creepy.  Maybe they've missed a trick in having a real person in there (or do they?) ready to jump out at the passing footfall, but somehow we're not sure they have that kind of sense of humour (or any?) which would make headlines, top videos on YouTube...........oh the social media list goes on.  Still, simple repetition of mannequins in their Zentai suits looks effective, even if these Spandex suits are a popular sexual fetish (apparently.........but then that's the fun bit).  Bet they didn't see that one coming over at Gucci towers.

Fenwicks, London

Which kind of medication are the team at Fenwicks taking?  Can you believe how much these guys have been rocking over the past few months?  Finally the team here have been able to bring this brand screaming and kicking into the 21st century with this fantastic scheme.  Simple, clever, interesting and each time we pass, stops us in our tracks to take a closer look.  Guys, you look amazing here along Bond street.....please keep these schemes coming, we love them.

Dolce and Gabbana, London

We often walk past this store along Bond Street here in London as they have been producing some really interesting schemes although we don't always have the opportunity to include them.  We love with theatrical set with one piece of merchandise presented either as a puppet of an illusory figure.  With their open backed space this little installation looks great, don't you think?

Tods, London

Spring really is around the corner isn't it?  The weather here in London (apologies for being so stereo typically British and mentioning the weather) is absolutely freezing cold. This scheme, just as with Tiffany is a welcome view and evidence at least in a minor way that warmer weather is around the corner or at least hope.  Tods mirrored walls create a perpetual mass of foliage in amongst which their product is placed.  Bring on Summer.   

Canali, London

We don't often see much creativity in menswear brands (with the exception of a few) and rarely here at Canali.  We love these out sized props in their masculine steel finish.  A big, big, big shiny tape measure in a menswear window; oh, what could it all possibly refer too...ah yes, that these guys probably offer bespoke suits, we're wryly guessing?  Of course, it is great to see this brand, who we know very little about, produce a creative scheme and be a little less ordinary on the high street and this is most welcome.

Issey Miyake, London

Is there any way of not loving what Issey Miyake does?  We are huge fans or this brands work although unfortunately some female call centre person from our bank here in London isn't it seems.  We're forever receiving phone calls about our expensive tastes and pay for the privileged of our bank writing to us telling us so.  We already know thanks.....bank who shall not be named.  We simply cant resist walking past here without a little peruse and that's OK, right?  With their fabulous light installation we are drawn in ever more, like little moths to a flame.  Damn you Visual Merchandising you got us again.  In the meantime, Julie at 'Natwest', please stop calling - you freaky stalker with your crimpline uniform and no appreciation of fantastic design.  We promise not to hide behind the sofa each time you call and pretend that we aren't in - honest.

Diane Von Furstenberg. London

There is a little high pitched squeaky buttock clenching going on when we walk past this brand, although this scheme does actually photograph rather well don't you think?  You're probably wondering why we would even say anything vaguely derogatory in that case?  Well,  all of the 'components' are there, and besides the mannequins appearing as if they are in a police line up it does actually look quite fun.  We do love the cartoon-like back wall in this semi-enclosed space although the dynamics are not quite there and everything is placed as if someone is attempting to fill out the space rather than use it strategically.  That said, whether deliberate or not, we do think that putting the products on the pedestals is good fun; even if they (whoever 'they' are) haven't realised the connotation and denotation of what they have produced.  

Mathew Williamson, London

We've been huge fans of Kyle Bean's work since we spotted it ages ago in Selfridges windows.  On this occasion an interesting collaboration is now in place at Mathew Williamson's store in Mayfair here in London.  Anyway, with this year long collaboration which will evolve throughout the seasons and change every two months we cant wait to see what they do next.  This store is not always known for its innovative Visual Merchandising (the product of course is superb), however the mannequins always look as if they have argued with each other and haven't changed in three years (at least) and the installations always appear as they are an after thought or a sticky plaster on the wound of bad visual merchandising.  Come on guys, closer groupings and bigger statements.  We love Kyle Bean's work so lets do it justice?

Tiffany, London

Can it really be Spring time already?  Its freezing cold, plants are still dormant (or dead here in Europe) but as usual the luxe brands are way ahead of everything and not only predicting the future but telling us how its going to be.  Clever stuff this.  We just wish that we could take a peak into their crystal balls; Oh you know what we mean, cheeky.  Anyway, here at Tiffany we have a fantastic view into their usual fantasy micro world of doll house proportions.  These amazing perspectives wouldn't look out of place in a microscopic version of Downton Abbey, minus the mini-me Angela Lansbury trying to flog the blu rays to you in the U.S. on a perpetual loop of course.