Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Before I couldn't even post the next lot of images for you they were snapped up by a client so these are the ones left to show you although I have taken more inside the store for you to have a look too and which I will post soon.  I'm seeing a lot of references to the signs of the Zodiac within product as well as in the windows here at Bergdorfs.  With their usual stacked to the rafters schemes, it really is difficult to know where to look.  Across New York right now however,  it looks like tropical plants, pale woods and oddly enough taxidermy or at least heads of natural 'beasts' are going to be big and bigger in 2011 too.  Bergdorfs of course are leading the way in Visual Merchandising and I am quite mesmerised.  The incredible schemes with their faux perspectives and references to nostalgia are just superb.  I really am in awe.  

Barneys, New York

Once one steps beyond the incredible window scheme here at Barneys,  visually  the space is strangely rather toned down.  There are of course the wonderfully witty elements installed here such as above at the main entrance with the really fun Copper Brillo pad Christmas wreath suspended within a Copper leafed frame and each floor does initially have a slight personality which greets the shopper at the top of each escalator.  However, while I'm not disappointed as such, although just maybe slightly wrong footed, as the environment does feel a little bit Beckham-esque.  Ya' know, blank with little substance and depth but quite happy to take your cash?  I really wanted to be taken on a visual journey of discovery in this (what I thought was a fabulous store) and be excited at every turn and while I relished the open lofty spaces there was very little to excite me beyond the windows.  Menswear of course is the usual Zebrano fixtures and nearly all merchandise is Black, Brown and well Black....sighhh.  The creative visual in-store fix expectation was like opening one of those gifts that you know will be straight back on the re-gift list (although I never do that of course - ebay is my preferred option).  Ah well, at least the windows look amazing and that drew me in.  This  in store environment not living up to my expectations is the least of my worries, so, I'll get over it.....by next year.        

Barneys, New York

I always make a beeline for Barneys after being overwhelmed by Bergdorf Goodman as I do love the expectation of being entertained.  This is after all what its all about, at least in part.  This year, Barneys theme is celebrity chefs.  After the homage to Saturday Night Live in 2009 and previously to Cher, Peace, Warhol and Rudolph Guilliani this year Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Martha Stewart etc. etc. get the Doonan treatment. (some of the chefs I'm not actually familiar with)  Anyway, the usual papier mache giant sized heads (the Doonan trademark) look great fun listing the Innovators and trailblazing chefs in the world of television.  The brilliant Illy dress (not shown here) too is beautifully executed hugely fun and just shows how creative these guys really are.