Product or Identity

Looking further at the window displays there is the element of whether it is just a means to show the retailers product as in the past or whether a specific identity is being sold. In the 1980's Gap used this to their benefit as did the new designer jeans. Jack Wills has followed on from this notion and having now seen their store in Exeter as well as Manchester it is a total identity and means of belonging that is being offered.

Jack Wills, Manchester.

Gap, Manchester.

Gent's Outfitters opposite Town Hall.

Though looking at Gap of today and the Gent's Outfitters maybe Jack Wills is combining the two. the nostalgia of past shopping experiences yet displayed for the savvy 21st Century shopper, and again as with Selfridges there is a curatorial approach to display which the Paul Smith empire has also used to profit making success.

Shop Displays

Louis Vuitton

Harvey Nicks

As part of my MA work looking at the curator role and the way we display objects I needed to do a comparison with commercial displays so I did some window shopping around Manchester to compare what was at the forefront of visual merchandising.

Selfredges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zara

 

It was interesting to see the different affect on seeing more of a conceptual, thought provoking window than those that used traditional means to promote their brand and product, but that is also dependent on the viewer, their background reference points and whether they are aware of the brand and its iconography as with Vuitton's logo paper bags.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday 8th December was the first soiree at The Yorkshire Wedding Collective Harrogate, under the backdrop of the remaining snow the boutique glittered and looked very welcoming and Christmas like. The evening was lovely lots of couples being able to look around at the wide range of opportunities to make their wedding day special and chat about what they were hoping for, far more welcoming for all participants than your average wedding fair. I do need lessons in communication at this type of occasion though, so any tips gratefully received.

all photos copyright of Morgan Photography.

  For more details of the event visit http://yorkshireweddingcollective.blogspot.com/2010/12/our-lovely-little-bridal-soiree-went.html

hats in the snow

Just a few of the bridal pieces made for the Winter Wonderland event at the Yorkshire Wedding Collective next week www.yorkshireweddingcollective.co.uk for more details. Using the finest silks, vintage silk veiling, beads, crystals and my favourite material felt.

Yorkshire Wedding Collective

I have been invited to be the milliner in the Yorkshire Wedding Collective, who are based in Harrogate. Exciting to be making hats, daunting as I am not wedding material so a whole new experience to take my design ideas into bridal wear. So if you know anyone who is about to take the plunge there is a Wedding Soiree on the 9th December at Bower Road, Harrogate at the Yorkshire Wedding Collective showroom. More information on www.yorkshireweddingcollective.co.uk

 http://yorkshireweddingcollective.blogspot.com/2010/11/further-fabulous-suppliers-for-you-to.html

Knitting & Stitching Show

Harrogate to Halifax = 5 hours. I hope everyone got home safely from Harrogate on Sunday evening it wasn't a pleasant experience.

snow

I had forgotten the way cats and millinery materials don't always go together especially when you have a deadline!