Windows Battle Round 4: Lapalette vs Cath Kidston in The Girly Bag

In the early years of childhood, I must admit I was very much a tomboy then...roughing out with the boys, hates pinks, refusal to cry in public. How then I evolved into such tenderness now is really unknown, really. Not to say I'm your gracious, elegant young woman, like those debutantes I just caught on a site featuring the past event in couture outfits, but there's just a side of me that's like jelly now. You press it, it sinks in totally.

So I'm pretty much a sucker for some really girly cutesy stuff now; the past me will be shocked to even hear myself say this. But there's some sensibility to it all. Like the two brands I'm about to present below. I withheld this post for the longest times because it was really hard to make a choice between them really.

But before that, lemme give a list of girly notes in an item that all girls and young pretties would swoon over:

1. Pastel colours: all your babys ___. IT DOESN'T DIE. See the wedding colours and you know.

2. Cutesy prints and fabrics: Polka dots, wiggles, stripes, flowers, crotchet lace, ribbon, tulle, cartoon sketches, mythical and gentle creatures like horses, rabbits, owls, hamster.

That's probably summarizes it. 

So onto the first store, lapalette is a mid-tier ladies accessories (hangbag) store from South Korea and has many K-pop celebrities, models, and actresses endorsements (Check them out here). Apparently from the introduction, they are pretty much based on London humorous concept. Do I feel it? No. It's quirky and nicely tailored bags but I don't really feel the London air in it, which is perhaps good in it's own ways. From the front, we can see both the display and the store front which is good. I am not so sure if I do like the display window. There seems to be too many things going on, a mix of prints in the backdrop and the the sudden colour block decals in the window that all seem to steal a little attention away from the products. 

The store itself also has way too much products at one view, might be overwhelming for a shopper.Of course, I would understand as a boutique, commercial interests and making use of space is always top priority, but it would definitely benefit the shopper if things were placed in such a way that would allow the him/her to focus on a certain group of products... Hey, that's why we have VMs right? In this case the back wall of products is certainly causing too much visual chaos here, even spoiling the beautiful group of table displays in the front. 

One last thing. I have no idea why the hangning lights are blocking the lighted brand name behind? Bad planning I suppose.

Cath Kidston on the other hand, I would say, does a much better job. it's harder for them actually, having a smaller store size but almost having the same product range. The side cabinet used in lapalette is used in the store front of Cath Kidston, having a variety of polka dot and floral bags placed in little crate-like boxes protruding from the wall. The backdrop of each box has a different colour which helps makes the duller bags pop out and plays contrasts to the others. I also like how some boxes are placed vertical and some horizontal to create rhythm. A simple yet highly effective window!

As for the store front, the narrow space divided by the table arrangement helps the customer view the wall display more carefully and also not forgetting to turn back to see if they have missed out on other products, which is a strategic move by the boutique. I would say the appropriate placing of the sales counter in the middle of the L-shaped store gives a visual reminder to the customer if they would like to buy something before they leave the store and makes the purchase easier, as compared to the one in lapalette where it is too hidden at the back, which is more economical but doesn't exactly entice to buy. Speaking of the L-shaped design, I always pretty much a fan of such layout for certain stores. It's like showing you some, but inviting you in for more of their best-kept secrets. And once you're in the deeper corners, it feels rather cozy and at home, doesn't it?

Cath Kidston, I'll be visiting you again sometime.

(P.S. Folks, I've been pretty busy lately with part-time work and a few other side projects so these photos are a little dated. Hope you guys don't mind. Will update soon!)

xoxo,
Yuhan

Instore Display: petit h

I was reading this compilation of some outstanding blogs from the book 'Style Feed' (Such an irony, I know right?) by William Oliver and Susanna Lau (aka Style Bubble or Susie Bubble) when I came across this. Prior to this, through my research days with my French boss, I had learnt the side of thriftiness of French people despite Paris being the oldest known place housing probably the most number of luxury brands and couture houses in the world. And coming from Hermes with their diffusion line or upcycling project, I truly hope it will bring awareness and encourage people to actually start their own upcycling projects!

  

In any case, even you're not too much of an environmentalist (I'm still not sure if I can count myself as one...), take a look at the marvelous VM display they have put up for the store. From the wall consisting of wooden blocks that can be pushed in and out to create rhythm, hang products or provide fresh outlooks each time to the colored leather fringes that encloses each selling space, making it personal, every space has something for a shopper to explore and be amused by.

Even their window displays are made of props from the scrapes in the 'laboratory', as Madame Pascale Mussard calls the petit h atelier, a term that I totally embrace because of the experimental creative freedom in this word. My discovery of this unique store comes as a little late though (petit h has already made its tour to Singapore while I was in London), but I will definitely jot this down a wish list to fulfill when I go Paris again!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Instore Display: Robinsons at Heeren

Alrights, I just posted on TANGS, a departmental store. And as my regular readers would know, I usually would do windows battle if I were to compare two similar stores. But the reason why I had decided not to, is mainly because I feel that they both have their merits. In fact, they are both bringing in a trend for departmental stores that is really commendable and I hope other stores can also follow in their footsteps. And guess what, I am actually an avid fan of departmental stores!

I'm sure I've seen this brand in Selfridges for their theatrical makeup but I don't recall what the name is? But interesting counter and they even have special makeup sessions with models to showcase new makeup trends!

This mega snow globe with normal sized Christmas trees, surrounded by the dome glass cases as seen in the TANGS store as well. I'm not so sure if it's the best place to display the glass cases, as most people are distracted looking at the globe and 'snowing' lights from above, or taking pictures with the globe, which prevents others from looking at the cases. 

Fragrances. Open shelve displays of alternate heights make the area look more spacious and the display flow or rhythm more interesting. 

The open cashier counter. Heard that this concept is new. Looks really grand. 

The jewelry room with Moet and Chandon Champagne. An excellent match of the fine life! They large champagne glasses immediately caught my attention. And I absolutely loved the table displays in there, some curated, some just displayed by the brand. The room is segregated from the rest of the shoes and bags department, allowing some coziness and intimacy from the crowds out there.

Instore Display: Tangs and Co.

I was so caught up with the set-up of departmental store last month and with other stuff that took up the most of last month that I totally hadn't had the time to update this blog! Sorry guys!

I owe Tangs a write-up, I certainly do. By the way, for international readers, Tangs and Co. is a local departmental store that carries both International big brands and local designers. It has two outlets, one right in shopping district, Orchard Road, right opposite Ion Orchard, and the other in Vivocity, where you will pass by en route to Sentosa by train.

Ever since they did a renovation on level basement 1 and level 1 for the orchard store, the whole departmental store looks like a totally different place altogether! It's refreshing, intriguing, and makes you want to go all over the place to explore what's around. Take a look at the in-store set-ups and you'll see what I mean...

Fiercely sexy lingerie

These domed glass cases with curated items look elegant and pleasing to the eye. 

This is AH-MAZING! The geometric shapes are in sync with the prints themes the store is having for summer.

Tang's in store brand, Martina Pink, with a nice feminine bow made of colored cloth pegs.

Their Christmas in-store designs is even more eye-catching and fabulous! Do go have a look!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Themed windows: Back to School by John Lewis

Since I was already on the topic of John Lewis, I realised that back in London a couple of months ago, I had actually passed by the store and had a few snapshots of their "Back to School" window displays, which I shall showcase here. In case you're just like me, living in a weird country; where schooling is such a top priority in young children to university young adults, as seen by the amount of money parents are willing to spend on their tuition, but no one sees potential to tap on this "Back to School" theme at all. You can sell a zillion things! See how John Lewis departmental store does it right:

See, when I mentioned that they are a heritage store, what they intended was to inculcate the idea to consumers that this will be THE store not only where your grandparents and your parents shopped, but it will be always there for you and even your future children.

Right from when your little ones come into this world, they're ready for you.

For the girls:

And the boys:

This may not be entirely relevant to the Singapore context where kids wear school uniforms to school. In fact, I guess it's the same for UK kids as well. Nevertheless, the fact that they decided to use this theme, not only makes you think of having to wear new uniforms and get new books, but also remind you to buy new clothing for the children for out-of-school social events such as their birthdays, or just out for the weekend. After all, who doesn't like new stuff?

And I like that they have the posters to clearly indicate the gender so that people don't have to look for clues. There is a whole lot of stuff hanging in there, and I wouldn't believe that a busy parent with a couple of kids on their hands has enough time span to scrutinize what's going on in this window display. The peg walls are good for display a variety of products visibly in this space too, as compared to the plinths. It works especially for outfits, so that it doesn't have to be cluttered with too many mannequins in the window.

I love these three windows below 'cause it's so relevant! Haven't seen a window for college students, perhaps there was, but it was probably just college fashion for the new semester.

 See how this window has attracted a mom and her daughter who might be moving to college soon?

But this is so useful for freshmen who are moving into apartments or hostels as we call it here and want to shop for stuff for their entire living space. The stuff are already nicely grouped into kitchenware and stuff for the bedroom and desk, so they can almost make "wall" selections of stuff instead of going to individual places for different stuff that will probably be mismatched or take up too much time. Who wants what?! College life is all about productivity! Either study-time or party-time! No time to fuss about buying home stuff!

xoxo,
Yuhan

John Lewis - The Brand that touches us all.

So, I LOVE Lily Allen. It becomes clear to me, if I love someone that much, usually I have a very clear recollection of how exactly and what made me fall in love. But that doesn't always happen... (I still love you guys for those I don't recall!) Anyways, my then close friend, Shan, introduced me to her. And the song I fell in love with was "Fuck You" because it was on my mentor, Matt's playlist all the time while we dealt with all the shitty people and nasty uncooperative reactions. Her songs, and lyrics and persona grew into me over the years... and I even had a magazine clipping of her wedding dress designed by Karl Lagerfeld.

Afterwards, she was inactive for a couple of years. My moments were sad, reliving this beautiful voice through listening to her other older songs. She has returned! But for now, most of the songs she sings are collaborations... I want more! Finally, not this one, not this one that she sang for the John Lewis Christmas 2013 ad.

John Lewis retail, a departmental store totally unfamiliar to me until one of my teachers mentioned it during my VM class in Marangoni while I was in London. All I recalled then, was that it was a heritage store and their ad was incredibly touching after I was shown this:

Just when you thought that was touching... How does it get better and better?!

I mean... seriously?!

I have full of admiration for this guy and his direction for the store: how he does this emotional selling so subtly but successful (You realize he always choose the right singers too?) And look at how it then translates into a magnificent window display for their store so customers, young and old, whom have seen the ad can relate and recount that same experience again. And in case you were wondering it's just about being pretty, the video below shows how all these "animals" from the advert are actually made up of different household products that can be found in the store.

Pretty damn amazing and well executed! This marks the start of the departmental stores VM which I will be covering for the rest of the month... partly because I can't wait to showcase what I have been doing the last week for one store! My first project! And that's also how I came to understand how much hard work is put into these mega stores with a zillion brands and products. Ciao!

xoxo, 

Yuhan

Inspiration: Origami birds part 3

This is almost becoming like a trending window! Or has a little bird flew over across the street from DFS Galleria right into the Anne Fontaine window?

In any case, I just can't seem to get enough of these!!! Even though they are all appear to be the same origami bird, as seen in previous entries, (read: Inspiration on origami birds part 1 and part 2 here) VM-ers have used this simple concept to create exciting displays, and at the same time, cater to their personal needs (i.e. individual themes and products that they want to sell).

And take a look at this! Fresh, and very much Anne Fontaine! I must first point out, I totally dig the 'Anne Fontaine' lit brand signage. It was exactly the same idea, same font I had for a signage in my concept store for Selfridges in my Marangoni school project. And as most fans of the brand know, they are well known for their crisp white shirts that comes in various designs each season, so white is probably their main colour in terms of design and also for windows. Here is an excellent example of a window for education; informing the consumers of Forest day which the 'Anne Fontaine foundation' supports. So in this case, it is also promoting the brand itself as one that cares for the environment, and contributes back to it.

In this window, the origami bird couldn't be more appropriate as a prop! Firstly, it enhances the message about saving forests, plant trees, which leads us to think about saving paper as well. Secondly, the paper with its strong, sharp edges but when folded, portrays the grace and natural movement of flying, fully brings out or is at least in line with the brand image for their white shirts: crisp and smart, and at the same time, elegant and graceful. As a side note, circular rings hung together with each bird to highlight this important prop,

The hung feathers, probably to imitate clouds, add to the lightness and natural flow of flight for the birds, and also reminds the customer of the softness of their shirts.Clever use of continuation of feathers on the short plinth brings the the line of sight down to the accessories display, one of the focus point in the window. 

As for the garments, the lighting and the forward positions of the hanging mannequins (especially having one with a white shirt) would have immediately caught the attention of the viewer after reading the line of words on the bottom left.

The only thing I didn't light about the window, is the lighting. As this is an open back window, and with a rather high ceiling, their lights come from the side. That isn't bad, considering from what I see here, the lighting on the products is sufficient. However, having those big cylindrical studio light lookalikes in white sticking out from the side of the window really distracts one from the main window and isn't aesthetically pleasing. I hope that do something to hide it, or at least make it less visible. 

xoxo, 

Yuhan

Store analysis: Kids 21, for kids and parents alike.

I went to my boy's ex-colleague house party cum potluck during the weekend. Most are couples married with young children. The kids are okay, but I must admit, even the cutest kids don't make me feel inclined towards them. Maybe that will change, maybe. But at least this store I saw, ignited the kid in me. It's like a really fun playhouse!

In this first window, the top and bottom area is covered with decals like a border, leaving what's left as a focus for the passerby. The decals seem to mimic waves or the curtains of a theater, and lets one feel like this is a little 'show'. The darker colours helps in keeping focus to the open-backed window, whereas the shades of blue and the dots in the decal propel you to look into the main display, where the dots are followed through by the strings of colorful dots in the background. 

In the foreground, the most outstanding prop that one sees would be the mint argyle print T-rex that is slightly off center. Its tiny hands extend to "tap" the mannequin with the dress, which the spotlight is on, and brings attention to the them. The tail is extended to where the other single mannequin is. And because the T-rex prop is translucent and backwards, the mannequins with the products STAND OUT. The cream bars, as we see later, bring a flow into the store, where the interior layout also has a similar colour theme and props. 

Right at the entrance, there is a huge empty space that leads to the central prop, the carousel! Immediately leads one to think of theme parks and... FUN! Though the carousel may be plain, in a bid to evoke sophistication for the high-end parent-shopper, the colored balls brings in some color to bring out the fun aspect for children and brightens up the single-colored store. The vertical bars and colored balls hanging provides a natural flow from the window to the store floor. Besides just being aesthetically appealing, little mannequins with products are placed on the horses to sell the products!

For the other window, I like how the mannequins have interesting poses (i.e. spot the one on the right bending forwards) and expressions (i.e. the one on the left has his mouth opened as if in shock), which actually brings out the realistic and fun aspect of children, like how everyone is bemused by every action of the toddlers and kids during the gathering.

Now that's one store I'd definitely visit when I'm pregnant!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Shopper Stopper: Timberland part 2

Continued from Store Analysis: Timberland part 1...

The backdrop in the windows here (Vivocity outlet) play a pivotal role in creating this relaxed and happy atmosphere; in the first, it's just two friends, sitting around, chatting and laughing away. 

This launch of 'the new earthkeepers city collection', I believe, is a step out for Timberland to attract not-their-usual outdoor enthusiast customers, as seen from the clothing, bags and even some rather fashionable boots. Still in tune with the outdoor adventure spirit, a jeep is strategically positioned in the right corner of the bunting/poster to reflect the essence of the Timberland brand. 

From the overall, the message is clear and easy to understand for the consumer; Timberland is launching a contemporary line to attract a new market segment, city dwellers. With their price range and earthy colour tones, the customer that will buy these products will usually be young adults. 

The clothing worn by the girls in the poster is also well reflected in the mannequins, leaving a deeper impression of these outfits in the observer's mind. A simple but good move, since most people see too many windows in a shopping mall at one go and clearly forget what they see after a while. 

The men's display window on the right is long, and is covered with a vintage city landscape by the sea with a harbor, and the appropriate fall wear, (note all three outfits has a coat, seemingly to protect the "wearer" in the scenario from the wind) and foot wear on wooden plinths, almost reminiscence of an old photo or memory of a holiday trip, makes one feel rather nostalgic.

Now at the store front, back to the true outdoor Timberland! See the lighted mountain landscape at the back with vertical wood planks and lined with their shoes. Hidden message here: Our shoes are durable even in conquering the highest of mountains.   

So you see. Without the window display, the fashionable or typical consumer upon seeing the familiar Timberland brand name or store front, would have just walked away without even bothering to look what is offered in store (even if there was the new collection tailored for them). The two window displays, however, would be to work their magic and at least draw some curious customers into the store. The rest, of course, is history  new found interests, and perhaps loyalty for the brand?

xoxo,
Yuhan

Good enough for you, food blogger!

So far, in my posts, I have been mainly posting about fashion - retail stores, my personal passion. But for majority of food lovers in Singapore, (Mind you, I bet 9 in 10 or 10 in 10 Singaporeans love and have very picky tongues for food given the variety and standard of food available here. New cafes and pubs spring up almost every other day. And even Mr Gordon Ramsay lost in challenges to our favorite local food - laksa and chicken rice.) I've decided to do a post of how food can entice you right from their display. This is probably very much inspired from Japan some time ago, where they usually make these plastic food replicas of actual food that they sell in-store, like this one seen below:

This is one corner of the store. I like the bird cages on some of the desserts, and the high-low plinths to create rhythm.

 Store font of Dolce Tokyo: Italian coffee, Japanese desserts, Somerset 313 Singapore

We have tons of bubble tea stores in Singapore, but one with a chemistry set-up showcasing the bright colourings of bubble tea? Only London can think of this!

Even normal supermarkets can have an amazing window! Look at this by Mark & Spencers and you'll know: Afternoon tea, cakes and sandwiches, very Brit! Note that display here is in a pyramid form. The baskets and crates give a rustic and natural feel to the foods. (Fortnum and Mason does this too, but I'll leave that for another post.)

Now, Italian, Italian, Italian! How they love their hams, tomatoes, olives and pasta. The display here is excessive, almost not knowing where to focus! But certainly everything here, the fruits, the eggs and the plants on the sides, evokes the feeling of freshness. I like how the eggs are placed in a basket that looks like a nest, and with those shavings, it's akin to telling you, "We have an in-house hen, she just laid them."

Seethe faux grass patches from the bottom, don't they remind you of a field/farm? Below that, the marble/granite covering the shelves is also something very Italian; most top notch granite/marble is from Italy, something learnt from my mum, whose work deal with these exquisite stones. There is a very posh feel that tags with it, which is also why, in Singapore, expensive houses usually have these for flooring.

The store name, in case you would like to go visit someday!

For a place selling plain orange juice in a corner of V&A museum, what's there to attract customers? This store makes use of vertical space near the staircase, a very strategic move; so that customers coming down from above, or like me, moving past this corner to the bookstore, would immediately notice this extensive display. Reminds me of Rapunzel's hair coming down from the tower actually! 

Last, but not least. Let's end with desserts! In fact, this is my favorite food display. It's a pity I don't have the name to this cafe. Anyways, I totally have no idea what this is, scone? Cake? Muffin? Giant donuts? But the colours appeal to me, and right why you're peering in, you'll probably bump into or notice the white plate stating the menu for the cafe, cool idea for people like me who might not be ready to just pop into a store that looks posh.

More, more. They really know how to attract attention; dedicated an entire long window to these displays.

Take my word, Lady M, if you do something like this, there'll be at least 20% increase in your business. 'Cause I had no idea what your store is selling every single time I walk pass your Marina Square outlet. Doesn't help there's no waiter/waitress at the entrance to explain, no visuals, no menu. And I say this, because I can tell from your website, your confectionery/pastry/cake/desserts are good. There's no need to keep all of us wondering. 

xoxo, 

Yuhan

Windows Battle Round 3: Bershka vs L'zzie on animal instincts

I'm not an animal person, never really enjoyed zoo outings (other than playing in the pool there) and unless you're talking about soft toys. And for those who are very much like me, lives in the city, (especially one that imposes so many restrictions on pets outdoor; you almost cannot bring them anywhere - restaurants, public transport, shopping malls. It's very much alike searching for those almost non-existent smoking zones), doesn't own any pets, and don't fancy zoo trips of any sort, seeing animals in a window can be a pretty fascinating thing!

Especially in this first window I saw at Bershka at Ion Orchard. Like the mannequins (placed near the leopard, it's almost as if they're discussing about the leopard), I was bemused by this 3D silver leopard prancing into the window. The WOW effect is certainly there. 

L'zzie on the other hand, also made me stood there in amusement. Not in the good way though. When I saw this, I looked to my boy, and asked, "Are those jellyfish? Like really?" Jellyfish among flowers and a wooden horse? If this was supposed to be humorous, they should learn more from Paul Smith. Speaking of which,will someone let Zara know that those half dropping eyelashes on the mannequins are NOT FLATTERING? It's catching attention in a weird manner. So, I digress. Back to the window. Can you see the second mannequin from the left is like tilted and almost falling? Someone should do something about this.

More jellies with flower bouquets... are we doing a underwater theme here? Where are the blues in the clothing, or mermaid suits perhaps?!

So I realized I had a photo of their window probably some weeks ago, it MUST BE the same VM-er who's doing this. See the very out of place flamingo in the setting? Actually this one's not so bad, just that the whole setting reminds me more of a baby shower party or a store selling maternity clothes. -_-

Bershka's the clear winner here, hands down.

xoxo,
Yuhan

Inspiration: Trick your eye, trick your mind.

Recently, in my free time, I've been reading this book on ADVERTISING:

What I like about this book is that it not only classifies and show examples of common techniques in used for ad campaigns/posters, they unveil the "magic" of perception at the second part explaining why we see/perceive in a the manner we do from different fields (i.e. art, science, medicine). I've not gone into the section of optical illusions as yet (but you can tell I'm excited about it, that's how I knew it's coming on later), but recently I've been thinking about it... it's amazing how it can fascinate everyone from young to old. Remember when I was in London...

I had so much fun playing with these distortion mirrors (I particularly loved this one 'cause it gave me a beehive x The beetles hairdo!) and saw everyone else enjoying themselves moving from one station to another playing the optical illusion games they had in the museum. So take it from these two music videos and input it into your window today:

1. Upside down by Paloma Faith

The title itself reminded me of 'Innsbruck spectacles experiment', where human guinea pigs had to wear these glasses which distort their perception of left and right, top and bottom, which I thought was fairly interesting! And right from the start, you can see how the circle with four quartets with two pink and white each was brought to focus and transformed into an umbrella for Paloma in the next scene. It's quite a joy to watch it, the cheery tunes, the catchy dance moves by Paloma and her dancers totally brings one to the 50s swing dancing mood!

2. Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

This one's a tad long, I know... But it's pretty worth watching it. With mirrors as the title, the entire music video does utilize different mirrors, as you'll see throughout, to bring out the story between the lovers in the video. I particularly like the last 3 mins where Mr Timberlake dishes out his rather sleek dance moves in the mirror maze, every move is reflected from different angles; as if you seen a few different moves at once, and are trying to catch where he's moving to next.

xoxo,
Yuhan

Inspiration: Origami birds part 2

Saw this at DFS Galleria in Orchard and it totally blew me away! In this exceptionally spacious window, are origami swallows (my friend had pointed this out to me, as the tails are split) pieced together to form cones that can actually move! Sadly, I took a video but it refuses to be uploaded here. :( 

Anyways, if you look at the backdrop, there is accompanying LCD screen of chirping swallows across the screen, almost as if they are flying right before your eyes, not forgetting the showcase of the different brands available here. And if you slowly project your eyes towards the front, you'll see the respective bags displayed on this massive plinth that is carved into a huge bag in the middle with iconic buildings such as Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands at the side. As you do realize, this is probably one of the most 'patriotic' window you'll ever get; the props are in splashes of the SG national colours: red and white.

Inside. Arhhh. Look at the LUXURY of space: High ceilings suspended with LCD screens showcasing Giorgio Armani's new skincare range. Rare sight in SG. 

xoxo,
Yuhan

Shopper STOPPER: Mind The GAP

GAP. At first glance, this brand, pretty well known for their pretty pricey basics and jeans almost has zero appeal except perhaps their best-selling jumpers or clothing with the word 'GAP' on it. Doesn't help that it is wayyyyy more expensive here in SG as compared to the States and we now have Uniqlo which provides every bit of quality with every cent paid. 

But apparently, GAP has upped their game in their new windows. I love this boxed up concept, it helps brings focus to that particular key product you want the customer to SEE. This seems to be trending now considering that H&M has a similar concept in their window (See below), however GAP goes one notch higher by using their signature blue light + the striking "Colour a Chord" makes it almost impossible to ignore the otherwise pretty dull colour palate of the display.

H&M's window using a magnifying glass-like prop to highlight the key products. 

I love this store front! This space looks wide, especially the walkway surrounding the four mannequins on GAP decorated plinths seducing the customer to walk in and take a look at the outfits and also the campaign poster at the back. Also, the two racks on each side have exactly the products dressed on the mannequins, convenient for the male customers to search for what they want.

And for their children's store, it's even brighter and more fun! Being in London, I was well aware that 'back to school' is a common window theme for many stores there but I haven't seen one in SG, that was until I saw this: 'Back to Cool!' Makes going back to school a little less painful, don't you think?

I can feel the EXCITEMENT in the mannequins!

On the other side is more for toddlers, light and small little kids, GAP has chosen to hang the outfits up, as with the floating balloons with a pink heart. Awwww... just like how every kid is their parents' love.

The extra pic! Took this while I was in London, which coincidentally was when the Royal couple, Prince William and his Duchess of Cambridge, Kate gave birth to Prince George. Love the suspending handkerchiefs, (reminds me of graduation) and totally puts one into celebratory mood!  And look! Even the colours are purposely chosen to reflect UK's royal colours: Red, white and blue. Shows effort put in to incorporate into the London culture despite being a US retail company.

xoxo,
Yuhan