Ralph Lauren, London

Alluding to those Summer holidays in exotic places Ralph Lauren looks particularly topical right now.  Their SS15 collection inspired by 'a cinematic safari adventure' looks very romantic set among what appears to be a slightly Islamic Bazaar (without the Islamic references although these places only exist in those countries don't they?).  If you want to be transported to somewhere else do go an check out the windows here, particularly at night time and close up as the drama of the space these guys have created is quite something.

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Louis Vuitton, London

Capturing the Spirit of Travel, Louis Vuitton's scheme as always epitomises the best in Visual Merchandising and photography.  You should check out their website as the images will make you drool.  The promotion 'follows a dream-like safari through the African Savannah', the brand also, 'sets its trunks halfway between the sky and the beating Sun'.  OK enough of the PR descriptions of the collections, we adore the collage effect of the backdrop used here in conjunction with the window graphics on the fenestration.  An unusual move for this brand to use so many graphics although of course they are perfectly designed and produced as one would expect.

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Aishti, Middle East

Images Courtesy and Copyright http://www.artevetrinaproject.it

Collaboration is absolutely key right now so its was so great to view the latest scheme at Aishti in the Middle East, created between those clever guys at Sagmeister & Walsh, Arte Vetrina Project and the brand itself.  We've been seeing a vast amount of tropical foliage around London recently, particularly in the products being showcased in conjunction with their schemes so this one is absolutely on trend right now.  Given the season difference it is particularly interesting to see how in tune these guys are with the rest of the world.

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Karl Lagerfeld, London

Possibly not the most exciting scheme in the world although it is one of great quality.  Cut-outs of mini-Karl form the backdrop of this semi-opened backed window and mannequins in a Black matt finish.  That's it really.  Its not going to change the world but just does what it does.

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Moschino, London

Oh you know we're not fans of this brand, although they clearly target a certain market and obviously manage to shift this stuff so we guess we should give them some credit at least.  In fact we rather like this fun scheme with its out sized toy box filled with merchandise.  However, before you think we have defrosted, we are still not yet converts.  Here you go anyway.

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Nicholas Kirkwood, London

This was a delicious new find here in the centre of it all.  We've never included the Nicholas Kirkwood brand as we had no idea that he had a store until now.  But still, here you go.  Now, we are not exactly sure what is going on here and although the graphics look fun, what the buggery does it all mean?  Well, maybe something, but when we cross referenced this scheme with the main website we cant actually work it all out?  Of course the product is superb, well actually truly amazing but we just cant make the links here as the website is so chaotic.  Just do a 'Google' and have a look. In the meantime, all we need, just like any other customer is some joined up thinking and understand the presentation rather than a luxury brand that appears so fractured, in which case therefore isn't very luxury at all, its just stuff which is sold at very expensive prices in a very expensive part of town.  This is not sustainable for any brand or at least not very good management of a brand with the ultimate goal of making money,  That's the point of it all, isn't it?

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Moynat, London

We had absolutely no idea that this brand are apparently one of the oldest trunk makers, (we guess) in the world, well that's what Wiki says anyway.  It seems that the brand first opened its atelier in Paris in 1849 and joined forces with Pauline Moynat (obviously this is the abridged version).  Well, known for its traditional expertise in hand crafting traditional luggage and travel goods the brand became 'famous' for its designs for automobiles and innovations in making trunks lighter and waterproof.  Well, these things are so essential when travelling we find.  With their race track installation and we assume hand made products this really is such a gem of a find.  We cant help feeling that they have slightly missed the boat if we compare it to the giants such as Louis Vuitton although good old LVMH probably own them anyway so watch this space we guess and look out for the re-launch, celebrity endorsements, sexy advertising and obligatory media coverage.  Did we forget the retrospective exhibition?

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Christian Louboutin, London

We've been hovering around Mount Street recently to see whats happening with some of the luxe brands hidden away from the main retail drag.  Swimming through the heavy perfumes, thick cigar smoke and dodging the aggressive Bentley drivers (we really do suffer you know) today we are showing you the scheme currently at the Louboutin store.  Some of these luxury brands really do have a knack to promote a vulgar side to their presentations which appears to appeal to those who can afford this stuff only.  Maybe a job well done then?  A conveyor belt of Louboutin's products appear to be consumed by a kind of 'monster' at the end.  To be honest with you we did look at their website to find the link or some kind of explanation of this scheme but gave up trawling across products called Loubiposh, You you patent and Fifi Python crystal to be bothered beyond a few minutes, but do check it out for yourselves.  

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Gant, London

Gant is oozing Destination California Coast right now at their store along Regent street.  These guys really do manage to present such amazing props in this store which absolutely capture the emotion of their collections so well.  Here we have a fantastic Yacht prop, decking and an amzing beach hut-like structure within large windows which have relatively small access.  It really is remarkable what these guys achieve in their windows and leads us very nicely into SS15. 

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Ben Sherman, London

Images Courtesy and Copyright Ben Sherman

In celebration of the Classic British Sports Day, Ben Sherman give a great nostalgic nod to times gone by and to promote their SS15 Flags and Bunting collection.  Do have a look at their video on their website too as they always produce them so superbly.  Click the link here   http://www.bensherman.com/?gclid=CIDyzMu9usQCFYnHtAoddwQAOA

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Marc Jacobs, London

We normally adore what Marc Jacobs does particularly in his New York stores which are filled with humour and clever presentations.  This scheme along Mount street here in London is quite disappointing however.  A Pink / Lilac (?) door complete with suspended window frame and a gravelly floor is presented in conjunction a with mannequin and dodgy wig.  The merchandise is superb as always of course although the concept here doesn't really entice us in to take a closer look. 

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Saks, 5th Ave, New York

Images Courtesy and Copyright Windows Wear Pro

We love to know whats happening around the world and particularly from such significant players in Visual Merchandising, New York,  Saks, 5th Avenue.  Of course this brand is monolithic in the world that is VM and retail.  Also, as we have seen here in London, collaborations are absolutely de rigueur right now and showcasing their alliance with Disney is their Cinderella theme consisting of 1400 arms and cushions produced by those lovely guys at www.sfd.co.uk and used to create this narrative which looks dramatic and absolutely superb, but then it would be, its Saks and they continue to set the benchmark ever higher.  What a pleasure to view this scheme and share it with you.

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Desigual, London

Its been a while since we included Desigual's store along Regent street, but they never disappoint us.  With their product-led scheme in bold Black and White we are always rather stunned how they manage to have such impact in just one small window.  But they do.  The wigs on the mannequins used here are perhaps a little reminiscent of, or rather a cropped version of 'Cousin Itt' minus the sunglasses and Derby hat but oh you know how flippant we can be, however it is great fun and communicates their brand superbly well.

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Hermes, London

We've been willing this store to re-open for months and months, well actually 11 in total and wow it  was worth the wait.  We've read that this store also has views of an incredible Henry Moore sculpture previously unseen by customers in an Olive tree'd courtyard at the back of the store which is a particular treat.  In the meantime, the windows with their wooden cut out map of London's west end looks sensational.  The architects here, RDAI, we seem to remember also worked on their store in Paris in the former swimming pool with the huge Onion skin shaped structures and exquisite interior space which if you haven't seen is absolutely worth the pilgrimage.  On our to do list this week is a visit inside this store to check it out in more detail.

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Dover st. Market, London

As well all know the use of Red and White in store windows is usually the reserve of a Sale scheme however, DSM's scheme right now, named 'Blood and Roses' by Rei Kawakubo is rocking this look and hopefully reclaiming what we always aligned to the discount period and given us back the opportunity to use this hue and shade.  OK, well no one will probably make that great a leap but great to see this amazing installation anyway.

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Joseph, London

Images Courtesy and Copyright Joseph

Have you got your tickets for the McQueen exhibition at the V&A yet?   These exhibitions, besides being a fantastic way of exploring a luxury brand are also an introduction to it and often a way brand underplays the immediate sales angle in the hope that we will eventually make a purchase as well as educating us with what they do.  And we would of course make a purchase and we have our  tickets to hand ready to be amazed and wowed by the experience.  In the meantime, looking on the high street is free and one of our absolute favourite places right now is the amazing Joseph store just a stones throw away from the McQueen show.  Oozing creativity from every pore, the current scheme  beautifully curated and showcasing the Thom Brown SS15 collection is quite a marvel.  Do also check out Thom Brown's collaboration with Diane Keaton narrating the story called Six Sisters.  Just follow the link here http://www.style.com/trends/fashion/2015/thom-browne-diane-keaton-video  Absolutely stunning work all round.

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