Fred Perry, London

Images Courtesy and Copyright StudioXag

To launch the new collaboration between that rock of a brand Fred Perry in conjunction with Raf Simons AW13 collection those devilishly creative guys at StudioXag have created these giant letters inspired by the varsity jackets into the windows and around several of their stores.  Of course, out sized letter form and collaborations are absolutely on trend right now; we've seen them across the luxe brands and as if by magic they trickle down to some of the mid rangers.  Great fun and great quality props.

Dior, London

These reflective globes at Dior right now look quite amazing.  What our images don't really capture well is that some are fully globe-like, some convex and one is concave,  There is also a cloud pattern on the flooring here which is captured in the reflection of the globes distorting them and creating an additional layer of interest.

Louis Vuitton, London

We always look forward to the new schemes at good old LV as they really do splash the cash and produce such fantastic quality schemes.  This time around, no animals and no skeletons of animals, but a good old fashioned catwalk with what actually look like doors made from Chocolate; they're not of course, but just look that way.

Belstaff, London

We see the brand spanking new Belstaff store has now opened along Bond street and looking super cool?  If you happen to pass by this store do have a look at these super thin video panels placed on the fenestration, absolutely remarkable. Technology, eh?  Anyway, Fendi is also opening a new store also a few doors away so watch this space and we will include their first scheme shortly.

Coach, London

We've been watching this brand for a while now and waiting for some innovative stuff to ooze from these windows, but we're not sure its there yet?  There probably isn't a deep and meaningful narrative behind this scheme, unless they happen to be suicidal handbags or for people living life on the edge.  Either way, its just handbags on a ledge, odd?

J Crew, London

If you've been wondering whats happening in this site along Regent street here in the heart of London's West End then you may be pleased to know that the new J. Crew store is on its way very soon.  We're really not sure how may more bland brands this street can take and together with Superdry, Hollister and all of the other mega global bland brands but it really is such a shame to see this area becoming a mini Times Square where everyone looks the same with the same old generic stores with their ordinary schemes and generic merchandise.  The only saving grace is that all of the interesting stores migrate elsewhere and streets such as this become places to avoid and theme parks for tourists who could have bought this stuff elsewhere anyway.

Oasis, London

We included this brand recently with their magnificent wardrobes and as 'things' change and move on we're now onto references to India while maintaining the floral theme.  We love these parasols.  If any of you have travelled to India you will be familiar with these lil pups; of course in India these kind of parasols are absolutely enormous and quite magical in the sunshine.

Daks, London

We don't often say great things about this brand and their schemes but this one is really quite cool, don't you think?  OK, well they wont be tweeting this one to all of their followers or following us on twitter either, however, as their schemes go, apart from their 'live' model promotion during one of the Fashions night out events this one is definitely one of their better ones. However, Orient express vs. London underground is not quite cutting it for us, what do you think?

Whistles, London

Images Courtesy and Copyright Whistles

It seems that our post on Topshop raised a few comments yesterday which is fantastic, although we are open to more of course if you wish to have your say?  We don't shy away from being 'wrong' or sharing what we think ourselves so any contributions from readers are always welcome even if you disagree with what we say.  After all, we are usually quite vocal in telling it like it is ourselves so please keep those comments coming and help build the visual merchandising community and keep talking about what we all do?  

In the meantime, we have to confess that we do often forget about this brand on our travels and yet they are growing and growing brilliantly; but then if you have the best people behind a brand of course this is going to be the case, right?  With their fantastic installation produced in conjunction with Dan Ainsworth at Bad Marriage Design, each piece of this installation has been systematically perfectly spaced and flows beautifully through this store.  Fantastic guys. 

Topshop, London

We've just thought that we should include the latest scheme at Topshop before they change it again.  How fast do these guys turn things around, eh?  We have of course seen the last few schemes but before ya know it they are onto the next one.  Superb of course and does what it says on the tin (or is it Tim?...;o)  Anyway, as always, fast fashion at its very best and this is what keeps this brand rocking the teenies of London and beyond. 

Calvin Klein, London

We're not huge fans of graphics in any form usually as it just seems to reinforce the dreaded 'corporate look' and highlights globalisation at its worst.  That said of course, the trade off is cheaper goods; well usually.  Anyway, that said this one is actually rather interesting even if it is a severe case of out sized lettering again but what does it actually say?   

Bally, London

This is a very clean scheme at Bally right now, don't you think?  OK, well out sized lettering is not the most innovative of concepts and we've seen it countless times over the years, but that's not to say that it doesn't look good of course (although motifs of objects tend to make us rather nauseous).  As schemes go at this brand, it has been very hit and miss over the years (lets not forget the old Goat and Handbag scheme from while ago) so this one is certainly a winner for these relatively tiny spaces.  

Puma, London

We haven't included this brand in ages and yet they do actually, occasionally at least do some really interesting schemes, well at this store along Carnaby street anyway.  A very worthy inclusion we felt, here advertising their Puma slipstream.