Antique Props tell story at RRL & Co.

We couldn't help but be inspired by the Bleecker Street RRL & Co window. The whole RRL & Co concept is based on pieces that are vintage or vintage inspired, a rugged departure from the preppy chic of traditional Ralph Lauren. Several vintage props such as motorcycles, clocks, hat boxes and ladders set the tone of the windows and drew one into the store.

We love how they use props to tell their story. Usually crowded together in their small windows they make one want to venture in to see more.

Plus they often reuse them - so we'll keep an eye out for their next iteration. Stop by Bleecker street and have a look for yourself.

Roping us in at Levi's, Polo and J. Crew

Rope is turning up all over - seen here at 3 different retailers recently in NYC.

Levi's on 59th St used rope to make curtains with hooks dangling in asymmetrical patterns. They were also shown in literal form hung like traditional 'rock climbing' rope complete with wood carvings which resembled small mountains.

At Bloomingdales Ralph Lauren Men's Store loose rope was displayed on the floor with nautical props.

The placement was relaxed yet deliberate and the other elements in the window helped add dimension.

J.Crew had a similar nautical theme but kept it clean with no additional props. Rope was used as backdrop in various widths connecting from floor to ceiling to create a rope wall of sorts.

Collectively, rope works well in these windows and is used effectively to tell three distinct visual stories.

RL Kids SALES off to summer!

Summertime...and the living is easy (or at least that's the sales pitch in this whimsical window from Ralph Lauren)

With fabric flag pennants a flutter, simple geometric cabanas, and lofty red balloons, this window has the promise of long, carefree days and cool nights.

Good windows can take you away and as is RL's specialty, this one takes you back with a nostalgic reference to summer of days gone by.

Rugby's "Under the boardwalk" never looked so good

or at least I don't remember one this clean. And I haven't been to a beach with cacti but I like it. The 70's vignette of a phone booth, bike and surfboard is good.

mmm this is making me want to play hooky.

5 themes we noticed this holiday

Holiday 2009 was an exciting season at retail and kudos to the hard working teams of visual merchandisers who helped bring some fun back into store display! We noticed a few themes emerging during the season:

1. winter white - seen here at Polo RL but noted in many locations, the snowy frosty look was a hit.

2. natural influences - the inclusion of real and fake trees, garlands and other natural elements like pine cones lent an old fashioned air to store display.

3. wrapped boxes - most likely what retailers hoped all our homes looked like but the inclusion of wrapped packages in many retail windows gave an air of positive thinking and colorful imagery. Noted here at Ann Taylor Loft but noted in earlier blogs as well.
4. glitter - things that sparkle and shine catch our eye and many went in this shiny direction. Looking ahead to brighter times?

5. effort!! - the biggest thing we noticed this season was retailers big and small put a lot of effort into giving a festive appearance at retail that made shopping fun and entertaining. When was the last time you said that?

What did you see around this holiday season that is worth noting?

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.

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!

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!

Bridging the online, offline...

Rugby has introduced a "Make your Own" program and found an exciting way to present it in their stores. The idea is you can go online (even to your iphone) and order personalized additions to their existing styles - like rugby shirts and letterman sweaters - in the form of initials and add on patches.

The store's windows call out this promotion in big bright letters and they have added an abundance of props to lend an air of authenticity to the Varsity theme. Go Team!!

Brand Consistency is Key!

We have already said that Ralph Lauren is consistent in his brand message, carrying his vision throughout all his stores but it is great to see! While in Milan, we saw this store which looks like it could be Bleeker Street in NY. The plantings, the awnings, the window dressings are all so brand specific and let you know exactly where you are no matter which country you are in.

Look around - where do you see brand inconsistencies and what helps keep a brand 'on message'?

Ah, the Magic of Spring

New season, new holidays, new flowers, new clothes. Spring is all in the details as is this window. From the bunnies hiding in the grass to the bounty of the spring blooms, the magic of the season is clear in this childish but whimsical window.

A good window can ROPE you in!

Corny, I know but, it's true. It's traditional to see a lot of rope in January and we love it as a prop - it's a great highlighter for resort. But this presentation was an elegant interpretation. These are rope wall backdrops, framed in wood with wood anchors and ships' wheels mounted on top. Really cute and impactful. Anchors away!