Trendspotting - Fabric panels

Here's something we noticed recently....fabric panels are back! Whether they are used to just add a dash of color (or in this case be a backdrop FOR color), or to reference shapes like a sail or a tent, simple fabric backdrops can do "a lot with a little".

and if you can add a lot of impact, with a little effort and relatively small budget....it's a very good thing!

Note the various hanging options too - with rope, or invisible wire or hung from a pole, there are a HUGE range of possibilities available. go to it!!

Party at Kate Spade

Apparently they're in the mood for a party at Kate Spade as the recent window install has a festive, carnival, pre holiday, Halloween vibe and all that glitters and shines is being used to promote their new jeans line.

I'm not 100% sure of the connection but it looks fun and spirited and if they want to kick off the season with a dash of whimsy - who are we to say no?

So pass the dip and let's get this party started!

Guess who's name is in lights....

Guess has been putting a lot of emphasis on it's visual merchandising and we are taking note!

Seen here in Seattle and Dallas, these stores are highlighting the new fits on denim as well as the brands glitzy ad campaign.

The "laundry" with it's printed hanger covers, laundry bags and bright red ironing board covers is a cute theme and cleaver way to promote Fall's great new denim line.

Plus all the dramatic lighting and signage makes for a real eye catcher.

Banners and Ribbons at Gap and Express

We always enjoy seeing similar ideas at different places and here's a new example.

At Gap, they have made a ribbon "curtain" using 2" thick gros grain and lucite stripes to keep it taut, while adding additional ribbon to mannequins perhaps in reference to the upcoming holiday season.

While at Express, they are using a combination of shiny and matte papers in 12" strips to create a little splash for their new perfume.

Both are simple ideas but cleanly executed and add a welcome burst of color to help catch one's eye.

Note the Pink Ribbon entry below from last week which uses a similar idea and I'll add another version in paper soon.

Simple but effective solutions at Club Monaco

Here's one of those "ah ha!" moments in window design. This month, Club Monaco landed on a striking yet appropriate back drop to this season pale pallet.

The Kraft paper 'curls' work to add texture and warmth to the cool, neutral styles of their fall collection and causes one to stop and take notice. Which is, as we say, exactly the point!

And this effective solution is all the more appealing when you think of the cost. Balancing budget and design is tricky but can be done with much success!

Guess goes Pink for October

In an ongoing effort to raise awareness of and money for research for the cure, October has been named Breast Cancer Awareness Month and sponsors continue to call attention to this important campaign.

Here 'Guess by Marciano' put a new twist on the classic pink ribbon, which draws attention to the cause - using a curtain of pink ribbons as back drop to it's window. The window features products that Guess will donate a portion of sales to help fund research.

Pretty in pink! (and purposeful too.)

CDW Merchants Turns 5!

It was our 5th year anniversary today at CDW Merchants and there is a lot to celebrate!

We were recently recognized in the Inc. 5000 list for 2010, were accepted into the Women's Business National Enterprise council as a certified women owned business and we are continuing to grow and expand.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you our fans, customers, supporters, clients and friends. We love what we do and we have fun doing it and we are so grateful to work with and for all of you helping to make retail environments more visual!

We'll be in San Francisco on October 7th at A.R.E.'s Shop Talk as City Sponsors and on October 21st in Dallas. For more information call 847-733-1469.

(the photo above is a little party at HQ where the team enjoyed some cake and laughs - those of us in the outside offices; Seattle, San Francisco, NYC and Dallas - will be eating cake separately!)