Wednesday, October 28, 2009

More Spooky Windows


more Halloween ideas seen in the West Village; illuminated pumpkin bags with cobwebs and costumes for animals in one, birds and crates - signs of fall - in another and mannequin parts in the third (a fun take on a spooky idea).
They all play off the season and the holiday in their own way and cause one to stop and take a second look.
Which is the job of good windows.







Sunday, October 25, 2009

Skeletons lounging


2 themes are present in this Halloween window; the first is spooky props, in this case skeletons and cobwebs to highlight the season's ghoulish theme. The second is the Adirondack, rustic theme present in the styling and items like snowshoes, trunk and lantern.
Fun, seasonal and dramatic!



Saturday, October 24, 2009

Skulls are Us


or so it seems!
Skulls have already been a design motif for a number of years now but with Halloween upon us, they have been out in full force as a decorative object.
At Marc Jacobs they filled a window as if the crypt had been emptied and at Black Fleece they appeared with masks (a little Mardi Gras meets Halloween but...) painted silver to add a little sparkle. Where else have you seen them?






Pumpkin Head!

The Halloween decorations are out in full swing and the pumpkin is one of this season's stars. Seen literally as a pumpkin head and more decoratively elsewhere, its bold burst of color is a welcome addition to the quickly darkening days.
Full steam ahead ti's the season to decorate - stay tuned for more!







Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Mystery Window #1

Have you seen this Godzilla?
He was spotted October 10th on the Upper East Side, NYC - tell me what store and where and win a prize! (prize* - your choice of whimsical prop to make your own display design moment)
*Post comment with correct answer and contact info to claim prize

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

THE ultimate merchandising job...


...begins around the world seeking great merchandise of course and Keith Johnson does just that in Man Shops Globe - a new 8 episode documentary for Sundance.
We watch as Keith visits France, Turkey, South Africa and Holland among other places in search of unique and one of a kind items to give Anthropologie their special merchandising mix. We see how he has to make split second decisions whether a discovery will work into their unusual retail concept. Constantly seeking out the next thing, he meanders the untraveled paths looking for that item that we have yet to see and hoping to bring back things to excite their customers.
Worth a watch for ideas, inspiration and a little armchair travelling.

http://www.sundancechannel.com/man-shops-globe/

Thursday, October 8, 2009

ReSTORE and REdesign

In case you haven't heard Restoration Hardware is taking a gamble on the economy and has launched a new higher end, artisan designed concept of furniture and home design items that are sure to make any arbiter of taste take note. The Flatiron Gallery in NYC's Flat Iron district has been redone with this new line and it is stunning.

Apparently the company's CEO, Gary Friedman is taking his cue from mentor Mikey Drexler of J. Crew by focusing on quality rather than reduced pricing. He wants to aim higher, with "spectacular, large-scale, inspirational products that are handmade by an international roster of of artisans."

Of note are the exceptional well edited props that help enhance the store environment and give customers cues for living with these elegant pieces.

for more go to -
http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/index.jsp

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Shine On!


Walking along 57th Street in NY, these windows really caught my attention. Silver squares, the Burberry symbol (a variation on their plaid), filled the windows and the reflective nature was incredibly eye catching.

Remember last Spring when they did a variation on this in red and white and black and white?

Which do you prefer?