Inspiration: MV Leading male - A mannequin!

In this song, Echo by Foxes, the story is about the singer herself being in love with a mannequin/dummy that actually moves very much like a human (AGILE is the word!) in the music video. But eventually, he meets his own kind and gets caught while flirting with the other female mannequin. Amazing at the scene they are caught, he is really as still as the normal mannequins we see! 

 

The last part is even cuter as I wonder if it was the juice or tears spilling out from his eyes when the singer decides to leave him!  

 

Even though the concept might be a little strange for some, the song's great, so don't forget to check it out!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Store Analysis: Brooks Brothers ( + Windows Battle 2: vs Ralph Polo Lauren)

While wondering around searching for Jamie's Italian in Vivocity, I couldn't turn away from this exceptionally well-decorated store! After a little search on Google did I realise that Brook's Brothers is a brand that has already been around two centuries, talk about heritage!  

 

The two wide entrances with some really nicely decorated sports-related props and strategically placed mannequins which really is really inviting. The boxes/cases are put to good use for displaying  clothing and even as a seat for the mannequin!

The windows, though small, are anything but boring! An additional façade mimicking a café shade in the prints of their products enhances the whole old English feel. The curtains at the side helps bring focus to the mannequins/outfits, and so do the background that is closed (for the first and third one) with wall hung pictures that blend in the background instead of fighting with the outfits for attention.   

Did you realise even the lampshades in the store are also lined with similar designs to the exterior façade? Love those! 

Now, I have placed the Brook Brother's Windows right to that of Ralph Lauren's. In the actual location, these are really just right on opposites.  The answer is obvious isn't it?

xoxo,
Yuhan

Trending Windows: 2013 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix - The Ultimate Night Race

Long title here. Just to make sure you guys from around the world know what's like the biggest event happening this coming weekend in my tiny island. It's amazing in the first place that they can find a long enough track route for this event. And everyone, especially the racers, are probably more than glad it's a night race because NO ONE can stand the humidity here; especially when
1. you are from a country with temperate weather,
2. you have only around a day or less to adapt to the crazy weather here,
3. have to be trapped in a thick fireproof suit in an tiny enclosed space going on and on for hours in loops while keeping focused (during the race).

So, for a country as boring as Singapore, with not many major events to celebrate here or people just simply don't bother, this is at least one event that I would be proud to say most (~80%) know or be more concerned about than National day (if it didn't have fireworks, it'll be worse.).

Ta-da! Bread and Butter decided why not make a window story out of it?!

Fast and furious, this sport is unusually charming for... young and dangerous rebels, who most likely love a good pair of jeans as well! (At least that's the case for my teen students and brother who are willing to splurge hundreds on one to stand out.) Secondly, if you're a car enthusiast or F1 fanatic, you'll love this! Not to mention that on the signboard to the right is a 15% off promotion +VGO membership for every $1000 spent.

And really, I just want to summarize this window in a sentence: Gets me RACE-ready! Don't you already feel the adrenaline rushing?

xoxo,
Yuhan

Trending windows: Space Exploration

Alrights, I must admit, coming from a Science background, I'm still quite geeky and have an undying curiosity for these stories UNTIL I have to study it. This week, besides the on-going LFW and NYFW that's got us all excited, space exploration is entering its whole new level as Voyager 1 (one of NASA's space probe sent into space since 70s) is entering interstellar space. YES, that's BEYOND our familiar Solar System.

What's better to celebrate this big step for space exploration than to have a window display with this theme?

Even though the Pull and Bear outfits don't exactly echo the uber cool space astronaut outfits associated with this theme, this one-of-its-kind window was already attracting the right attention for the otherwise pretty boring store that sells overpriced casualwear (there are a few good pieces from time-to-tine but besides that I don't really see the style differentiation from its sister store Bershka). Here's why...

1. Your eyes cannot possibly ignore the blue lit circular lighting when you pass by, which possibly represents the Moon here.

2. The rocket props definitely attracts the boys, especially since the main colour in the window is grey, which also make the red female outfits to stand out.

3. The decal informing NEW COLLECTION is clear and will make you stop to think about stepping into the store to find out more.

The only thing I do not understand is why did they dress the male mannequin in the same shade of grey as the background? The mannequin itself is also grey; allowing the entire product + mannequin to blend into the surroundings. Never a display's purpose!

What's your take on this theme?

xoxo,
Yuhan

The un-intended intention of MIRRORS in-store.

It's been more than once now.

I caught an eye of an item that would have not be seen had I not looked into the mirror, by accident.

By accident, I meant it was just a glance, for a moment. And caught a reflection. And proceeded to find something lovely I hadn't otherwise noticed.

Especially in a small & crammed store, where everything is packed closely, with sidewalks so narrow that the products become too close in-your-face for viewing, this might actually be a good strategy.

The question is what mirrors to put, where and how to best take advantage of this!

If you have sufficient space for an ordinary vertical mirror (for customers to see how they look in it):
Try a mirror with interesting frames or edges that capture attention. A mirror like any of these below instantly becomes the attention of the entire shop. And which woman doesn't like pretty things?

Or why not try this? The slightly angled little mirrors that form the Perspective mirror reflects the entire space from a slightly different angles. The only problem is if the space has too much colours or is too cluttered, it might make it worse.

Perspective Mirror, from CB2 

 

Similar concept. But this is great 'cause you can DIY! And put promo ads on some of the mirrors!

I love this one! Looks like something might be inside and invites you to look in!

For an accessories store, especially if you have an extra empty wall!

Besides having mirrors, cabinets with a reflective surface works too! I remember just seeing a bookshelf at IKEA with this similar reflective surface.

(Note: Daily wiping is needed to maintain shine.)

So there you go!

These mirrors should be either placed at:

1. In the middle of the two sides of the store OR

2. Cold spots where the customers tend not to go to help increase the traffic.

3. Where walk spaces are narrow (increase the appearance of space and also accidental viewing of items). 

Lemme know if it works for your store! And other uses you guys have for your mirrors!

xoxo,

Yuhan



Inspiration: SS14 fashion trends

Was going through... 

Refinery 29: NYFW 2014 Trends

Then I saw CL's baddest female MV:

All the SS14 trends were in her video! Midriffs, Grunge with top buttoned shirts, logos, high slit skirts, beanie. WoW. And it's not even THAT recent to begin with. But given 2NE1 fashion boldness, POSSIBLE! (Shall talk about this well-loved Korean girl group another time. :))

More BADASS (not In-Your-Face-Ridiculous type. YES Miley, we're referring to you!) inspiration than needed really...

Meanwhile... Rodarte is doing another great job!

Vogue: Rodarte SS14 RTW

Not this. Though this could be a trend: Insta-BFFs-pose trend.

This.

And altogether...

Could be a nice window huh?

Just imagine if they were all mannequins!

Reminded me of this art work at Tate Modern.

xoxo, 

Yuhan

Inspiration: London.Eye.Opening.Graffiti

Sipping my favorite tea of the moment - Earl Grey by Teapigs from London, Baby! It smells so nice I could soak myself in a tub of it... and reading LFW news from Vogue, it ain't difficult to tell you how badly I miss London right?!

Anyways, back to Graffiti. So, sometime back, I was really very much a plain person. Plain in terms of no prints, no patterns. Cuts (and probably color) was the defining aspect of a garment that determined the yay or nay for a piece of garment - clean, sleek, unusual ones appealed the most. Therefore, to me, Graffiti and Tattoos had nothing on me. It didn't help that they were mostly associated with gangsters and hip-hop and were a colorful mess, not in the way I liked it.

(Apologies here, not meant to offend. But where I come from it's still very much a taboo to see white-collared professionals not covering up their tattoos during interview/work because of the negative connotations associated with it and opportunities losses that comes with it. And you'll be fined for Graffiti here, maybe heavily punished is the correct term.)

Well that was until I came to beautiful and inspiring London. And on Brick Lane that is! I couldn't believe that I had found such a suitable place to stay. I think I walked down that lane a whooping 5 times at least? That's where it really opened my eyes to some REAL graffiti! The range, the complexity and the beauty.

 Some punk-rock-goth coolness...

 Some surreal, detailed...

 Some very cheerful ones too!

A few weeks after...

new work on-going!

 Here's one from Brighton:

 Impressionism on Graffiti; Merge of the traditional X hipster

Now, I've fallen in LOVE.

xoxo,
Yuhan

Lines in ALL directions

This is a STOPPER.

I have yet to see anything like that. (Maybe I haven't seen enough window displays you would say. But for a new independent store, I dare say this is really impressive.) The thin colored wires that are bound zig-zag from back to front immediately captures my attention as my eye follows the direction of the lines. It draws focus to the mannequins surrounded by it.

Then the background transcends you to another perceptive. One that is upside down; one that draws you inwards...

closer...

towards the center: That mannequin with the hand pondering. (The yellow bag she carries is one of the key focal points.)

So what is she pondering?

Ahhhh. The closet! "What to wear?" are probably all the thoughts we can hear aloud. But look at that closet! Great prop going there! One where you tend to zoom in to the clothes hanging (more than the prop) and yet minimal enough such that it doesn't make the observer feel that it is taking up a lot of space (easy to move it around)

Additional note: See the panels that reflect the background are actually adjustable? It not only creates a more visual 3D effect, but is also synonymous with panels in the store and the closet prop display. Now that's what I call visual HARMONY. Of course, without me saying, the colors of the outfit too!  

And by the way, this AH-mazing store is called iRoo (pronounced ee-row). Had thought it was Korean, but nope! It's from Taiwan. Love it! Even the name is screaming modernism; iPhone/iPad/iPod fans, you hear me? This is the actual meaning of the brand identity I found from the website:

iROO 「i= l；R= Revolutionary；1OO= 100分」which means 100 marks. 

100 marks for best quality, best price, best service, best ambiance.

To see more about them, check them out at:
1. iROO
2. They have two stores in SG. One in Vivocity, Great World City and Marina Bay Sands respectively. What are you guys waiting for?

I've noticed a recent trend in VM pedestals or plinths, as commonly known.

The job scope of a Visual Merchandiser. Explained.

Should have inserted this video in one of the earlier posts.

 

When I first decided on switching career to a Visual Merchandiser, no one knew exactly what this job title meant. Some asked, "So it's a sales job? Merchandiser is like selling stuff? So you only do the store windows? Fashion design?" It often took me some time explaining to them exactly what this job is about. Not that I hated it. But when I came across this video I felt it was like a life-saver! 

 

So the title of this youtube video is 'I work in fashion merchandising', actually it is the same as a visual merchandiser.  The first time I saw this, I was laughing all the way through! And immediately, I sent it to my friend and he was like...Ohhh, and found it as funny as I did.

 

It explains simply and in a humorous way the pains and perks of a Visual Merchandiser. And even without further endorsement, the comments below will tell you, no matter how tough the job is, even with low wages, the rewards and satisfaction in this job are priceless! Enjoy! And feel free to share!

 

xoxo,
Yuhan

Windows Battle Round 1: Seafolly vs Tory Burch

I must admit, I have not seen that many VM blogs to make such a statement as the one below.

 

But in order to let us all learn better, we really need to see not only the good but also some not-so-fabulous examples of how not-so-wise displays can affect consumer's decision to enter the store and buy products or even their impressions of the brand.

 

So yesterday I was at Orchard Road (again!) : the central shopping area for tourists and local alike. The rentals here are probably the highest, with stores opening and closing in rather short periods of time if they don't step up their game (Just go to Ion Orchard and look at their restaurant sections at B3 and you'll understand, and that's not the only area that has gone through revamp since the mall opened in just under 5 years.)

 

I was passing by Wisma Atria, where Seafolly is located on the 2nd floor. I had taken an interest on this window particularly because the last time around a week ago, I remembered there was a huge gold 'FUN' balloon on display which was already partially deflated and I had no idea why it was still there 'cause it definitely not fun to see something like that for the store manager!

 

Wow. But look what I saw instead! The window has changed! And I loved it! Even though I have never bought any of their products, it's kinda out of my budget, but I do browse through their stores every once in a while because they do have a range of amazing styles! Okay, I digress.

 

What I liked:

1. Clear message: Style Mix (Almost idiot-proof really. With the model in the poster donning on a mix and match bikini with bottom) The poster is well done too. I like the beach wave images on the side; it actually helps bring focus to the main image and yet also create the beach chick feel.

2. Mannequins are well positioned with strong standout themes (e.g. colour: neon green and patterns) for the season. 

3. Closed back window but still able to peep into the store display. (Note the mannequin at the back strengthens the concept/message as well)



It's a different story for Tory Burch.

Inspiration: Full House Take 2 Episode 16

Full House Take 2 is a Korean drama series about a young girl who is taken care of by her granfather who is a Taekwando (a form of martial arts) master after her parents passed away but grows up with a love for fashion instead. She meets one of the guys from a two-piece boy group, Take One, and ends up being forced into taking on the job of their stylist to pay off her debt to the company for infringement of the other guy's privacy. 

An earlier episode actually featured her talking to her male mannequin, Billy, after buying "him" home because she felt having a male model pose for her online store was too expensive. That was hilarious!

Anyways, in episode 16 of Full house Take 2 at 20:00, the female stylist is actually sticking pictures of clothing to mix-and-match for her clients (the idols). What a great idea! Shall try it once I'm done with the previous clippings I need to attach in from school!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Sensory shopping: Music makes you stop, makes you go.

It's amazing how the tiniest things affects your decision to enter a shop or leave.

This happened to me twice over the weekend. Two made me enter, two made me wonder.

Let's talk about the good ones first - Topshop and Mango. Surprising huh... Mango.

Today I was just shopping around in Isetan, a Japanese departmental store which has a few of these outlets both in central (urban) shopping areas and the heartlands (suburban). I've been to the one in Tampines (heartlands) like just last week but the ones in the central area usually stock a larger variety with more higher end brands. For example, Isetan Scotts just held their Designers' Week and showcased local designers' collections and their collaborations with local illustrators, which was the main reason why I dropped by. After I browsed through those, which I was trying extremely hard to control the urges to buy, I walked around looking at other displays when I heard Bruno Mars's 'If I was your man'. Somehow, my legs just naturally steered towards the direction of the music; towards MANGO. And I went in, found a top I liked and stayed on until the end of the song ---> (Slightly disappointed afterwards 'coz they just played his album instead of a mix. Clearly, they could have put in a lil' more effort?)

Of course, this, you might say, is very much dependent of every individual's music taste. Well, taste in fashion is unique too. How to combine these two to attract the desired customer group is key. Topshop, for example does a fantastic job in this. I was there on Saturday to browse through their in-store Visual Merchandising, and especially see their fixtures and fittings, and also of course, personally see how the stocks here vary from that of London. Then I heard a song I liked. Used track ID and found Smallpools' 'Over & over'. Now I'm in LOVE with Smallpools! See what happens is, I'll be back for more and will walk in every time this song plays!

Look what a great job Topshop has done here!

Thing is, if I'm not wrong, the customer group Topshop targets are 17-25ish students or young adults. So their clothing styles, the models, the sale assistants all display "that" attitude. In addition to strengthen the customer loyalty and attract the right crowd, they made good use of music that these group of customers liked: from Indie bands! that these teens listen to which make them feel unique and different. So Topshop DOES IT WELL, DOES IT RIGHT.

The other two. I don't know really. Leave it for another time.

xoxo,
Yuhan

Store analysis 1: Revamped Club Monaco!

Club Monaco, a store that had its rollercoaster ups and downs in Singapore.

A couple of years back, it opened its only store (at least that was what I knew of) in Ngee Ann City, a white minimalist store with a few mannequins in the windows showcasing their latest outfits, which was nice, but definitely overpriced for high street and especially for Singapore where you can almost find similar clothing, perhaps not as of superior quality to theirs. So as you guessed, I did went in a few times, but never tried any of their clothing, let alone buy them. In short, none of their brand identity stood out, neither unique clothing design nor competitive pricing.

The store was closed down and only until last or this year. I was excited but disappointed at the same time? It opened exactly at the same spot, which was convenient enough to let their good old customers visit them, but that's all?! I mean seriously, if a store closes previous and makes a comeback, whether as a customer or the store should be expecting some form of upgrade or new strategies to stand out? It doesn't help that they are located near Zara, which stocks a similar fashion style in the more mature section (if they have a name for it, please let me know.) with the same in-store decoration.

But guess what? When I just visited the store again last weekend, it moved! Mainly due to the expansion of Zara (the new store layout of Zara needs another entry of discussion.). Lo and behold! Larger windows, and a new store façade!

 I bet the windows were twice the original size!

Inspiration: Fore Edge Painting

Today as I was going through the Juxtapoz Magazine, which usually seems to give a lot of promotion to erotica violence artists (not that I mind, just that it becomes too much seeing it day after day; maybe it's a woman issue, I guess), something else caught my eye - Fore Edge Painting! This is soooo cool! We might have seen animation by flipping through the pages or perhaps just painting on the edge of the book itself, but this is completely DIFFERENT! 

 

It's like a hidden SECRET. Unless you tilt the entire book pages at a certain angle will you be able to see the picture. And the amazing thing about this skill of art is that it dates back to the 14th Century! Really?! People can get so creative! Let the links and video below speak for itself.

 

Juxtapoz Magazine - Fore Edge Painting

 

Wiki - Fore Edge Painting



 

 

 

I'm so inspired that I'm definitely try to make a window based on this idea! Gimme some time. Hope this inspires you today too!

 

xoxo,

Yuhan

Selfridges and Co. In-store Display Aug'13 - Denim Studio

B.L.U.E

 Applauds the VM team here: Every single space is utilized to enhance the theme!

 Loved this!

Selfridges and Co. Window Displays Aug'13 - Denim Studio

This is the first time I had seen such a huge departmental store with so many large windows! And they are all dedicated to the Denim Studio, which I understand is like a specialty store/level dedicated to selling denim. 

Loved this one. It's very personal, very much like every girl's room! And the neon heart brings focus to the sitting mannequin. Sweet!

Even had decal promoting Denim Studio on the doors! You won't miss it!

They even had LOVE magazine to do a styling collaboration with them!

Simple but effective. I love the denim coloured wigs!