Dial M for Madewell

While the Brits may have decided their bulky phone booths were obselete and removed them from most streets, their design continues to inspire.

Recently Madewell included them in their windows, perhaps as a nod to the Alexa Chung collection (the Bristish TV personality, editor and stylist).

Last month, they were used at Bloomingdales with the Rachel Zoe window.

Using a large iconic prop in an otherwise simple window presentation works well and adds a burst of color and dimension. And where else can super heros change into their costumes?

Body By Burberry Fragrance Launch

Burberry's new fragrance, Body launched last month with new campaign in print and windows.

Despite being executed simply with graphics, mirrors and perfume bottles of the new fragrance, the windows were quite dramatic. The glass bottles against the mirrors created a beautiful reflection and stopped us in our tracks.

Using a product as a prop, if done right, can both promote and be an effective visual element. In this case Burberry got both right!

For the love of Kraft at JCrew

How can such a basic paper be so elegant? See how in JCrew's most current store window. Kraft paper is woven with a bit of gold foil to create a grid-like backdrop. We've seen different versions of this concept in the past at Burberry with their lattice squares and at Club Monaco using kraft paper.

But this presentation just seems right to help highlight their fall collection - a simple idea executed so well!

Levi's shines during Fashion Night Out

Fashion Night Out was Thursday September 8th and many in NYC (and around the country) were out to celebrate and support retailers. Levi's put on a good show in it's Meat Packing location.

We love these wooden skyscraper/ skyline buildings - because the scale is so great and the lighting was terrific.
Love the simple drama of this one - a good example of a the extra effort many of the retailers took.

The Periodic Table Meets Style @JCrew

JCrew is putting a fashion spin on the periodic table. Their window campaign features mannequins placed in front of a periodic table where a few elements are swapped for featured items of the season. What a clever spin on the periodic table! While we can't quite remember chemistry class and the accuracy of the table, the interpretation is a creative idea and just in time for the all too familiar Back to School season. Who knew shopping and science could work together so well?

Color blocking at Ann Taylor

We've seen it on the runway and all over fashion magazines, so it was only a matter of time till color blocking manifested itself to a window campaign.

Ann Taylor got the trend right by injecting neutrals with brights and staying minimal. This campaign was translated from their website and incorporated solid color banners, mannequin bases and risers blocked with bright colored clings.

They were able to take a trend right idea and present a simple minimalistic presentation that made a bold statement.

Now I'm ready to start color blocking, how about you?

Unlocking the door at Bergdorf's

Always inspiring, another compelling window from Bergdorf's. This one on the "simpler 57th St side of the store", showed doors and keys in a most interesting way.

The impact of the "domino" door display is terrific and the choice of clothing against the white backdrop is powerful.

We like the way this window takes a simple idea and with careful thought and execution makes an amazing and fun visual statement.

Knock, knock.

FIT students "kick it"with Keds at Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor brought the backyard indoors in their current summer windows. The windows featured Keds shoes designed by FIT students and used topiaries to merchandise the four winners of the design contest whose shoes are currently being sold at Lord & Taylor.

Elements of grass, garden hoses, and faucets also adorned adjacent windows while traditional white Keds hung from faucets screwed into the

walls.

We like the simplicity of these outdoor themed windows. In this heat, we just wish the garden hoses were active.

Brown paper packages tied up with string....at Nordstroms

....these are a few of my favorite things!
I am not sure what the Kraft boxes in this window have to do with the product (which seems to be a promotional shirt designed by Robert Rodriquez) but in this case...it still catches our eye. Perhaps its the various shapes and sizes and the twine tied as ribbon - so simple but still says "look at me".

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!!

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!

Restoration Hardware uses 'better basics' to promote sale

Here's an idea that could not be easier but is a good way to draw attention to something as simple as a bath sale promotion while remaining brand appropriate. Restoration Hardware uses jute rope in stores as a prop. Here they string it up in the window as a clothesline and then hang a row of towels spelling out 'bath sale'. They hang the towels with metal clips again in keeping with brand.

Proving once again - Simple ideas done right work every time!

Ideas that travel....

This one is worth revisiting. It is a window that Moschino did back in the fall of 2009 and it's meant to give the viewer the sense that clothing and fashion are fleeting and on the move.

The gypsy wagon, an iconic symbol of 'the wanderer' has many references but done here in a spare, modern way, it is the perfect wardrobe on wheels for the woman on the go.

The bright colors, the cohesion with the marketing image and the layout of the window make this one a winner worth noting.