Footwear & a strong visual impact!

Footwear can often be tricky to present in a window with a strong visual impact. However, Offspring have managed it well with this bold display, taking inspiration from the classic 'Metal Pin Art' toy. The metal prop catches your eye and focuses your attention on the products.

Good Luck World! from Tommy Hilfiger

Such a simple concept but the rotating globes are so striking and really stand out from the usual Olympic themed windows in London. A clever way to include every competing country as well as the host GB!

Gilly Hicks - Digital Window Screens

Whilst I am usually more of a fan of classic 3D windows with actual fixtures and props, I LOVE the digital window screens at Gilly Hicks. The above photo is of their Westfield, Stratford store. However, the large screens are also used in smaller stores such as Kingston..visually fantastic and a great way to show the strong brand identity.

Statement Lighting in H&M

High ceilings can often cause problems in retail stores, causing the area to look and feel too big and uninviting. H&M have cleverly used statement lighting to fill the large empty space in their Westfield Stratford store. The bold display and extra soft lighting solves the space issue whilst complimenting their subtle boutique/wardrobe store aesthetic (cupboard style wall displays also follow this theme showing concept consistency).

All in the detail

Every Oasis window display holds a story..a story that continues throughout the store with subtle details complimenting new themes. Even their Summer Sale windows are carefully planned with ice lolly themed visuals, including small 'sale' letters on the mannequins hands..makes a nice change from the usual bold and loud SALE backdrops and decals. Their clever use of branding on props within stores is a perfect example of their consistent attention to detail, ultimately showcasing a much cared for and valued brand identity.

Topshop's very exciting display props..!

These see-through plinths are pure genius..so eye-catching! Topshop have cleverly used them for their mannequin displays that are slightly more hidden by the heavy amount of merchandise on the shop floor. The bright colours of the objects inside the boxes not only catch your eye by injecting bursts of colour into the displays but they also compliment the neon trend for SS12..bravo Topshop bravo!!

Neon + Pastel = lovelovelove!

Love how Topshop have used neon props to show off their pastel pieces. Two colour schemes that have worked surprisingly well together!

SS12...Beachy!

Lots of beach themes for SS12 at the moment!!

Window Paper..

Two very different paper concepts from Diane von Furstenberg and Topshop. I have to admit, even though I like the branded cups, I am not a fan of DVF's window..too cluttered and crowded for the small window space!

Topshop have hit a great nostalgic nerve with their instore displays..the clever use and positioning of the small paper games throws you and your pig-tailed hair straight back into junior school!

Moschino

Moschino have shown how easy it can be to fill a large space with just a few accessories. The over-sized bold props stand out without taking attention away from the actual products on sale..a little bit of genius!

Matthew Williamson's Winter Wonderland!

Matthew Williamson's display in Mayfair practically takes over the store its so big! The extra depth makes it eye-catching and almost theatre-like!

Topshop Seeing double..

Brilliant concept from Topshop for AW 11 windows..the use of one very large slanted mirror.

Very slightly blurred images of mannequins in the Topshop window on Oxford Street catch the attention of passers by. Taking an impulsive second look and they soon realise that they are in fact looking at a reflection of the mannequins, all of which are lying beneath the mirror. Such a simple idea..yet so very effective!

Accidental work of art from IKEA!

Had to add this photo..ok, so its not the most thought over vm display but I love it! Its clearly just a couple of boxes full to the ceiling with hangers but its eye-catching and fun..top marks for IKEA’s accidental work of art!

Selfridges - bursting with colour!

Absolutely love Selfridges windows at the moment! Oxford street is bursting with colour with these eye-catching displays. Its never easy to include accessories in windows, especially on their own..which is why im a particular fan of the accessories windows that Selfridges have created. The simple use of bold colour and surreal dream-like themes must have been any visual merchandiser’s dream! The furry monster on wave flooring is definitely a favourite!

Clare McCarthy (BA Hons International Fashion Business)

Thought I would throw in a copy of my promotional cards and information page from my degree show exhibition booklet! 3 years of hard work..time to celebrate First Class Honours!!

Rewind a few months..

Haven’t been on here for a while due to serious amounts of stress during my final year of University! All nighters + copious amounts of redbull = one very crazy final year student. I made it though and am now on the hunt for my dream job. My dissertation was focused on Britishness and even though it was a couple of months ago, I HAVE to mention something about the Royal Wedding. The window displays in and around London were incredible, a real celebration of Britishness..the windows have never been so patriotic!! Here are a few of my favourites..

Vauxhall Fashion Scout (lfw) = a little Bodyamr obsessed

It's been 6 months since working as a Front of House Intern at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week and im still obsessing over Bodyamr! Amr Ali's sleek modern classics were a huge hit at LFW back in February with the likes of Rachel Stevens and Nicola Roberts attending. All eyes were on the catwalk however with the A/W 2010 collection making its way down the runway carrying with it a beautiful message of female power. His designs have recently been seen on such celebrities as Lady GaGa and Kylie Minogue. When asked to name three things that are inspiring to this collection, Ali answered "Femininity, simplicity and beautiful women." The second being a very precious element which is a personal favourite of mine..simplicity can create such an interesting and mysterious beauty,something that is hard to achieve..in many cases less really is more!

Other favourites at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, LFW Feb 2010 include Jasper Garvida, Iris Van Herpen and David Koma. The award for craziest exhibition definitely goes to House of Blue Eyes who had the whole of Freemasons Hall wandering what on earth all the noise was about!!!