Burberry, London

I have been following the schemes here at Burberry in London for some time now.  I've seen the schemes around the world, I've seen the Daniella Westbrook brand killing photographs that seemed to have haunted this brand for years, and most of what these guys have produced visually I really haven't liked at all - possibly because it looked so marketing led and therefore little creativity.  However, this is not to say that this company hasn't done well anyway - in fact I believe profits are extremely healthy right now - perhaps to the detriment of the visual aspect of what they do. Well, anyway, after a long while avoiding what this brand has been doing visually, I must say, hands up, they are looking really good right now.  OK, its the usual illuminated graphic format, but strangely, I was rather wowed by this scheme.  Small nuggets of something in a metallic finish have been strategically placed on the bases of this scheme, vinyl on the fenestration, with beautifully illuminated and immaculately dressed mannequins.......I just feel that finally this is all so much better.

Kew Gardens, London

Another day researching in paradise looking at the principles of form and design.  With an incredible amount of resources available to top up all of the senses, with the repetition of structure, visible structures, imperfection, spatial distortion, parallel movement and so on (the list is virtually endless), this is a must do visit for anyone out there, particularly if your workplace is akin to battery farming and you are being bled dry of any sense of inspiration in an office somewhere by one of the corporate giants in mega structure land, because as creative people we can (and are usually expected) to design without replenishment, right?  This is a truly cleansing experience and no fake topiary or plastic grass in site.  So turn off that computer and get a one way ticket to inspiration.  You know you want to.