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.

Anchors Away!

How's this for a little whimsy? These anchors seen in Saks Fifth Avenue's main windows on 5th, are large scale 'pillows'. Grouped in with the mannequins wearing the latest spring dresses, these personified props made me want to head for the shore.

In the 50th Street windows were these nautically painted pilings with cleats. Simple, creative additions to bring a maritime feel to this urban window.

Good props buoy sales!

Anchors away - it's holiday!

This is an excellent use of vertical space - These chunky garland ropes artfully tied with wooden buoys help create an impactful backdrop for these large and tall windows.

Bringing a seasonal and nautical feel to this store environment should bring customers to their shores.

It's a car, it's a boat!!

Put something large in a small window and your bound to turn heads!

Granted this car is not large but the makeover is. This is a tricked out "boat model" from Castagna Milano and it was put in a window in Milan on a floor of sand, with a couple of mannequins and some rope to add to the nautical inspiration - and tricked out in a nautical theme, it is! Complete with decking, this car makes you want to head to the beach.

For more info on Castagna Milano - http://tinyurl.com/nhtydb