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

announcement. announcement

Dear all,

Just started a FB page, windows shopping.sg (If you cannot find it, please search VM Singapore. Love). It includes other VM stuff that I don't write in here, and little personal projects I've embarked on in my free time.

Discover it first-hand for yourself: https://www.facebook.com/vmsglove

xoxo,
Yuhan

VM boxes! How cute!

When a shopping mall needs to do VM to advertise their stores, it is no easy task! Especially when the stores can range from clothing, furniture to even food... How do you link them up into a story? Central, a shopping in  Clark Quay, made good use of these VM boxes (probably only enough size for three people) to showcase each store's specialty and some products they sell. Cute!

Never seen a picture made up solely of pasta? Look below! They even have hot air balloons transporting little bits of pasta in this PASTA-LAND! 

I must say, I totally forgot what this box was advertising for. But doesn't it just transports you into that relaxed countryside atmosphere?

Bread, bread everywhere! Swissbake, known for their European bread and cakes displays all the types of bread they sell in a asymmetrical triangular manner. Probably the one and only time I've seen a bread display of this scale. Must have took them a lot of effort to get all the different bread displays.

Any interesting shopping mall VM displays you've seen?

xoxo.
Yuhan

Summertime! windows. Catch it before it ends.

Fall has arrived! For all who are living in temperate countries, this must be a great joy. Nonetheless, every season has its perks, and in Singapore, a tropical country, it's SUMMER all year round! I definitely owe this post on Summer windows, where flowers take center-stage, let's go! 

Saw this the following week after the first post on Seafolly. It just gets better huh? The flower and yellow wording decals, plus the model lying gracefully and relaxed on the beach chair with the latest Seafolly floral bikini, what more can we ask for? WE ARE TOTALLY SPENDING SUMMER LOVING SEAFOLLY!

Their vertical display assortments makes it easy for the customer to spot their favorite design, then go through the column to search for their ideal swimwear according to how much skin they would like to show. Great thinking! 

Okays, for this '20' floral display in Takashimaya at their main entrance in level 1, though it may not contain any product, this huge flashy display informs customers of the departmental store's celebrations and the promotions that comes along with it, and that brings sales for them!

And the 'X' symbol in Robinsons window. It's amazing how our eye responds to simple symbols like this. I like the use of this 'X' border to allow the observer to zoom straight into the area that has pattern with the mannequin in the foreground as focus. The floral print in the background is lovely I would say, and adds colour to the otherwise pretty monochromatic window.  

What are your favorite summertime floral windows?

xoxo,
Yuhan

Trending Windows (Color): Turquoise x Store Analysis: Rimowa

One of the questions that I get asked by friends when I tell them I want to be a visual merchandiser is this: 

"So is it only about fashion/clothes?"

Of course not! Visual merchandising is very simple terms is all about ARRANGEMENT, with the purpose of making it APPEAL to the customer, and SELL! So besides your general clothing store, every single item that can be sold can hire a VM! Even when it comes to supermarkets selling food, there's a lot of thought into which items are place where and which level of shelves. Okay I digress. But my point is when windows are not about clothes, more creativity can be explored! Because clothes usually require mannequins for appeal, whereas items below can be positioned in interesting manners or employ certain themes to bring out the emotional appeal.  

Jewel tones have been trending for a while now. And I must say, for me, my favorite has to be turquoise because it reminds me so much of the sea! (Probably has got to do with my horoscope...) And Rimowa and Mont Blanc used it best!

I loved the voyage theme with with the lighter turquoise as the backdrop with fairytale-like wind patterns. So everything is pretty monotonous except for the contrasting dark grey metallic suitcases which makes it so much more attractive! Had it been placed beside black and navy suitcases I wouldn't have liked it so much.

This is actually the extended right side of the long window with various sizes of turquoise luggage they are selling. Lovely right? The color appeal here is very strong, with the contrasting flame red mats adding onto the focus. I believe the second luggage from the left is purposely left horizontal (i.e. lying on the broader surface) to open up the view of the consumer to the multi-colored display of luggage at the back.

Now look at the right side. Instead of just normal layers of shelving like those boring supermarket shelving, the levels are half-alternated, with some boxed up lit shelves to highlight some key products, which make all these similar looking rectangular luggage display way more interesting than those just stacked together from small to large, and by singular colors. During the time while I was taking the photos, a few passerby had stopped to look. SUCCESS! Making a shopper a stopper!

In the Mont Blanc window below, the use of the color is more subtle. Instead of having full coverage of the color, it is used as font of the poster with black illustrations and light brown feathers, all having the flow and color of ink. But this striking color makes it hard to ignore, and brings the viewer down to the similarly illustrated book at the left before drawing attention to the product. A clever one!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Inspiration: Origami birds

A common childhood activity familiar to many, this Japanese folding technique has expanded far beyond its native country; stretching its influences to graphic art and fashion. Endless possibilities are formed with each fold and twist, creating beautiful and interesting shapes. The Origami bird, the most iconic shape, seems to be on trend currently. And that is of no wonder, considering the gracefulness of the wing in contrast with the edgy core (body). Take a look at these wonderful displays below:

  Acrylic origami bird ornaments, Ramen Play, Katong I12

 Hanging floral-print origami birds with lights, The Cathay

Autumn-hued origami birds with hanging shoes, 

Coach display window, Wisma Atria

xoxo, 

Yuhan

Inspiration: Raphaelle H'Limi & Polka Dots

I am officially obsessed with this young woman's designs! From the first look at her SS14 collection presented at Paris fashion week, I'm absolutely hooked. The whimsical girly designs, soft fabrics, pastel colors, contrasted with the clean graphic lines, I love it! And later I found, like a crazy fan or stalker from her Pinterest folders and her designer profile at Avenue lifestyle (click here: Raphaelle HLimi of Hellopillow), that she has a graphic design background an dabbles in homeware design as well. Amazing!

Anyways, calming down, I would really like to comment on her interesting use of dots in her designs. I love polka dots, since a long time ago. To me, there's two things about it that attracts me, #1 the 60s retro era feel, which I love! And #2 it's graphic, straight and clean pattern which is easy to try, which is good for me when I wasn't as adventurous in my fashion choices then. The first female artist then truly opened my eye and imagination to polka dots used in totally unconventional manner, and scale, and color was Yayoi Kusama, when she did her collaboration with Louis Vuitton for one of their new bag collections:

In this case, I felt LV did a great job in transcending her artwork unto the bags and clothing. Personally, though I adore her spirit for art, the dots don't appeal to me that much. It's kind of creepy to me, like how they resemble octopus tentacles? So maybe quirky, but still nightmare-worthy-creepy.

Raphaelle does dots in a very different manner though. Non-possessive of space. Not really to me. Even in the MIST A RAY campaign below. Just shining quietly, like a star, like a prop (in her polka dot painted models in her SS14 campaign), seemingly fading into the background, but bright enough to induce interest.

RAPHAELLE H'LIMI // Mist A Ray A/W 13-14 from Frédéric Bussière

Her video here, or her designs, tend to focus around lightness; like the occasional mist that blows in your face from the models and her choice of fabrics. The sounds, movement (of lighting, mist, models), the lighting (dots), all lifts you into this state of floating, dreaming. 

This is one designer I'm keeping my eyes glued on. 

xoxo, 

Yuhan 

Store Analysis: Timberland Part 1

Timberland. Whenever this brand comes to my mind, two words appear: rustic and adventure. This is very much evident in the choice of colors in their murky mustard brown boots especially and also their earth-toned apparel. And even though there are a few other outdoor wear apparel brands in Singapore I believe, Columbia or The North Face, but none beats branding better than Timberland from a consumer perspective.

Take a look at their store, and you’ll know; this one below is taken from their outlet at Somerset 313. The illuminated ‘Timberland’ words with their logo in the top center of the store, the brown pillar at the corner, the wooden plinths used in the window display, and not forgetting the eye-catching logo facade located at the right corner of the store, all screams ‘Timberland’ in your face, making it impossible to ignore.

At the corridors, iconic mustard yellow (very Timberland indeed!) banners are hung that can be seen from other floors, help promote the opening of the new store and direct customers there.

And if that hasn't yet lured you into the store, then the store front should! I love elongated store fronts like these as they allow space for a wide window display as well as maximizes the exposure of product range even without having the customer walk in. This works for me as being me; I'm not the kind of customer who will go into a new store randomly without first being persuaded the need to or something WOW enough to attract me, all the more when the store is EMPTY with a BUNCH of salespeople. So in this case, I might have managed to catch at least 60% of the range of products without even stepping into the store. How? The Magic of Mannequins!

See the number of mannequins exposed from the picture? I can count 8, including the one on the right at the very back. So many styles! That was when I noticed, the store is actually divided into half sections for men and women. It’s not hard to notice really, just look at the darker browns used for flooring and paint in the men’s section as compared to the women’s cream background. Even the windows are also done separately!

This store seems to have paid attention to lighting too; from the outside, it looks like they do have adequate lighting for the store and merchandise that makes the place look bright. This is crucial here, considering earth-tones tend to cause the place look dull and boring, and sometimes even evoke the ‘dirty’ feel, which most adventurous outdoor people wouldn't mind…But hey, you wouldn't want to stop a cleanliness freak in his or her steps right?

xoxo,
Yuhan