Denim Blues

Denim, and jeans, is something everyone has (although some people may well hide them away). It's an essential - a basic piece of clothing that is so versatile and goes with almost anything. It may not necessarily be a pair of jeans, it could a denim jacket, shirt, shorts or even shoes - but it is everywhere we go, and is unescapable! Some may say denim/jeans are boring, although they now come in any colour or pattern available under the sun!
So what lengths do stores go to, to ease the inevitable pain of trying to find those 'perfect fit' jeans?
How can we make something so ordinary, look extra-ordinary?!
Let's have a look at a few displays..

The Denim Studio:Selfridges, London. Image: WGSN

The Jeanius Bar @Selfridges - Digital table to help find the perfect shape anf fit! Amazing! Image:WGSN

Good Genes, Amsterdam. Image: WGSN

A bright display from Zara, mixed with basic vests. Image: Ispira

Cute denim dog props for Oasis stores. Image: PropStudios

Levi's Whirlpool Structure by Ian McCeshney. Image: RetailDesignBlog

Entering Americana's denim workd at Ralph Lauren's Denim & Supply Store, NY. Image: RetailDesignBlog

Mini jeans at GAP.  Image: WindowDisplayBlog

Ok, so there a just a few of the creative designs I have come across! Have you seen something that caught your eye for displaying denim? Or is denim shopping something you try to avoid?!
Feel free to comment and share!

Simone X

Dajana Basic London - Debut Collection Launch Show

Ok, so I know this isn't strictly visual merchandising, but it is fashion related and everyone loves a good look at beautiful photos from a catwalk show. And although we haven't even hit Winter yet, and not even a sniff of a mince pie, in the fashion world we are already seeing the launches of all the top designers and brands collections for Spring/Summer 2014 - setting the trends for high-street stores to imitate!

I was lucky enough to be invited to the official launch of Dajana Basic London's debut collection, for SS14.

Dajana Basic is a fresh, young designer creating stunning and outstanding bridal gowns - targeted for the modern bride, looking for something a little bit different.

 

" 'Away from pure white and towards delicate colour accents!´, Dajana Basic creates signature designs and brand identity for young modern women and aims to establish itself as a new trendsetting ready-to-wear bridal wear label on London´s upper high-street." 

"Dajana Basic London is planning on opening its first flagship boutique in Central London in Spring 2015. In the meantime the collections are available through our stockists, at our design studio in Portsmouth for more customised orders and online following the online store`s launch in October 2013."

Below are a few photographs of the collection, taken by myself at the intimate event:

Benches topped with goody bags, including hand-written thank you notes from Dajana

Champagne and Cocktail reception - With delicious macaroons from Maison du Chocolat

Classical signature logo - Dajana Basic London

Stunning shoes were supplied by Freya Rose London for the show

 

 

 

 

  

The designer herself at the end of the show

The hard-working team behind the show

The collection and designer, together

So as you can see, what a beautiful first collection. Congratulations to Dajana for all her hard work finally paying off - from pencil sketches to the real thing ready for sale. Such a dream come true for her - and as well for upcoming brides! I now know who I'll be going to when my time comes to walk down the aisle ;-]

You can find out more about Dajana Basic London on the website - www.dajanabasic.com

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Autumn/Fall Windows 2013 - Ralph Lauren Outlet - By Me!

So yesterday/last night, I was working on the 'Fall 2' windows display for our Ralph Lauren Outlet store in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, UK. This time I was lucky enough to have two great apprentices to help me out - Leavi and Mitu. They are both really new to working with the Brand Presentation instore, but have done so well to be at the standards they are, so I'm very proud of them! =] I worked on the Lauren window, whilst Leavi worked on the men's Blue Label window, and Mitu on the Classic Polos.

Our Lauren Concept for Fall 2 is 'Day at the Races', which is a bright and colourful collection designed for the modern equestrian woman - or those like me that just love the style! With classic styles mixed with a pop of magenta, royal blue, amethyst or emerald green, these key pieces are never going to go out of fashion as they can be mixed with anything to suit your own style. For me, the magenta tweed blazer is a must-have!
The props for this season's concept are Polo Mallets! Tipped with bright colours to match your outfit :P
 
In the men's Blue Label concept this season, men of all ages can be kitted out with styles for Town or Country. Although the styles represented in the windows are mainly towards the country side, all items can be adapted and worn in a way to suit any style. The Navy Richmond Bomber jacket is always a bestseller!

Lauren Concept - 'Day at the Races'

Three ladies ready for the Polo!

Scarf detail

Another three ready for a day at the races!

Me playing around with props - Polo Mallet!

Close-up detailing on menswear - Town and Country Concept

Lauren Window with Props - 1

Lauren Window with Props - 2

Classic Polo Collection in Fall Colours

Blue Label Town and Country - Man 1

Blue Label Town and Country - Group and Pillar with Ivy

Overall view of Town and Country Concept with Pillars

Here is also a video I found on YouTube, which gives more meaning to the modern equestrian style featured in our Lauren Concept. Some of the products in this window display can be seen in action in this video!
Which is your favourite look for the season? And do you have a key piece that you pull out for Autumn every year?!

2000+ Views!

Wow!
So my blog has now hit and exceeded 2000 views - with over 500 of those being within the past week! Thank you so much to everyone who has been reading and following, and be sure to check back regularly as I will be posting more very soon!

Simone X

Back 2 Skool!

So it's that time of year again - a new school term. For many, a new term = a new you! Maybe it's time to reinvent yourself, turn over a new leaf, knuckle down and prepare for the year ahead! Whether it's school, college, university or even just back to work after some time off with the kids over the summer holidays we all want to look good and feel good. I remember when I was younger, a new school new year was exciting because you can get a new pencil case filled with the best stationery and all the smelly gel pens you could find - good enough to eat! Then as I grew a bit older, it was more about having the coolest shoes and the 'it-bag' of school bags of the time - luckily the trend of drawstring bags are long gone now... At university, it was about coming to the realisation that you're actually in your final year and you have a serious amount of work to do this year - yet on the other hand you only have one more year until it's no longer acceptable to party at least three times a week and sleep in til midday! As well as treating yourself to some new cutlery and plates...
Now, as I'm in full-time work, there are no summer holidays and it all seems to blend in together. In retail, the past six weeks have felt like the longest weekend ever - with high footfall and screaming kids running around! Now it's quiet time, time to regain the standards - not only in-store, but with yourself. A new haircut? Maybe a change of colour? Or even just a new pair of shoes..
Wherever we go right now, we can't escape the fact that 'back to school' = back to reality and order.
Here are some windows that have been around to encourage our new leaf:

Bright but Simple at Macy's, 2013. Image from Jake.

College/Uni lifestyle at The Hudson Bay Company, 2011. Photo by James Doiron

Brainwashed by Juicy Couture, NY 2009.

Team Spirit and Locker Room display at Speedo, Photo from Krisna Norico's blog.

Student essential gadgets from Apple. Image from IFO.

Classic Classroom Style at Ralph Lauren.

A moving clock display, and hardworking kids' shoes at Clarks.

Are you going to be making any changes this term? Big or small, let me know! Also if you have any of your own Back to School windows to show off, please do share!