Shhh... s.a.l.e...

It's tough I admit. The higher end the designer brand, the harder it is to maintain that special air of luxury. Especially, especially, when they need to clear their past-season stock. Some I have heard, would rather destroy their products than have them on sale. Others just send theirs to factory outlets or villages, that's an extra space rental and manpower cost, mind you!

Here, I've come across 3 brands which I felt have done it with style and yet have not lost their brand prestige. Instead, their sale signage only reinforces their brand identity.

1. Hugo Boss. I have to confess, I don't have much knowledge of this brand, except a little of their colognes which were once a favorite of an ex-lover. But that memory of the little round ball, with a highlight of orange, did stay with me for a longer time than he did. In this Christmas window with two of the window facade dedicated to the display, the hanging boxes in black and white with ribbon create a backdrop that is both elegant and serves a reminder of gift shopping. At the knee level is the SALE decal that is in a font not too LOUD nor big (if you can recall, that's more like the work of mass market brands), in their signature orange with a line that is reminiscence of a ribbon "wrapping" the window. The accidental mist adds to the winter mood, doesn't it? That was what attracted me to this window! I like how these days they have the campaign poster in a light box next to windows, relating the style of the season instantly to customers. Pretty low maintenance too.    

2. Paul Smith: While they are known for their quirky and fun wavy prints, this window is no exception to the signature Brit designer style aesthetic: Simulating somewhat like fireworks, confetti or just a magnification of Christmas trees, the eye level SALE word is small but yet most appropriately placed besides the green fluorescent light 'held' by the male mannequin like a jedi holding a light sabre,

This quirkiness or tongue in cheek windows have always been very much enjoyable to look at, especially in comparison to most of the boring, messy, and/or irrelevant windows in our little island. Do take note the next time you pass by Wisma Atria or Mandarin Gallery!
 

GSS is here!

For all those who has been to Singapore, one would know that it's the greatest sale season of the year here! Spanning from end May to Mid July, it's the time where almost 90% of the stores here would be on sale. Someone once told me, if you're not going to put on a sale sign now, you will certainly lose out!

NO.

For me, I think, if you don't put out an SALE sign that is attractive enough, you are going to lose out! Yet, for all that being said, despite the KIASU mentality of Singaporeans, I have yet to spot one sign that was head turning. Perhaps the boutiques here always bang on the fact that shopping is our favorite pastime, and besides there isn't much to do in this little city other than the heaps and heaps of new, and old malls at almost 1 in every 3 MRT stations in Singapore. Not only that, brand conscious and fashion-safe Singaporeans aren't likely to divert their loyalties easily, as seen from my observations. The young favor the high street brands like H&M, Topshop, Bershka, and Forever 21. The rest of the mass population goes for value added brands like UNIQLO and whatever is available in the departmental stores. Of course, that is not to say there are fashionistas here, and lack of local designers here with their outstanding work. I can see some evolution, but again, most of the time it is a copied look from some mannequin, some magazine.

UGH. Talk about my hate for high street these days.

Anyways, I digress. Here are some pretty interesting SALE signs I've spotted while in London.
1. Attention grabbing graphics and uh... numbers

Lyle and Scott: Loved that they decorated the window with a red eagle the same colour with the sale sign topped with a smaller yellow one that looks like a butterfly from afar that would definitely capture your attention!

This was one of my favorite windows in this shopping area on Convent Garden! I like how they used the party flags to guide the viewer eyes to the mannequins and clothing. And the colors used are similar to the garments displayed. The best part is, they carried this theme to the opposite window to decorate their sale window! Can you see how this is so brilliantly displayed if your eyes keep following the flow of the flags to trace their end?

Instead of just putting sale, MANGO uses numbers that are easy to read in a flash, and tells you exactly how much reductions is going on. Works great on a high traffic volume area when people are in a rush.

2. They got it all covered!

For Radley, from the colors of the bags to the paint of the facade (i.e. store front), you can almost identify with its subtle-ness and simple elegance. Yet it spares no shopper from informing them of their sale, as you can see both SALE signs on each side of the mini windows. The only thing I would disagree with here is the use of the red bag display as the backdrop of the diamond sign on the left which 'swallows' up the sign.

You don't need perfect eyesight to know that GAP is having a sale here, despite the dizzying facade they have here!

Valentine's Day Final Showdown: Fall in love again!

My apologies, my apologies. I know this way long overdue. Was busy with wedding preparations all these while, sourcing and DIY-ing stuff. But this really memorable V-Day setup is really the best! I gotta put it up. Totally brings you into the mood of Valentine. Even at the entrance I'm already smitten! Look at these oh so girly gold and pink ribbons which are all the rage on the runways this SS14! And the macroon tower in lovely pastels luring us all in. Come on in, come on in!

P.S: I liked the fact that they decided to do a temporary label for the shopping mall signage so that it is all in tune with the theme!

Definitely THE SWEETEST VALENTINE!

I once had seen the Laduree macaroon tower, and it bored me 'coz Ferrero Rocher always has their own chocolate balls tower every Christmas which looks kinda similar. But what I loved about this... GIGANTIC-NESS! Somehow it seems more appealing and also, one can catch a glimpse of it from afar and even up close, it looks pretty yummy too!

And when you walk in... Lo and Behold! It's almost like the love of your life going all out to propose to you!

Remember the scene where the super gorgeous boyfriend with the damn amazing sports car always hides balloons in his boot and when you open it is literally the release of 'love into the air' as shown; the staggering hearts on the ceiling! And as you slowly move your eyes downwards, you see mannequins strategically placed on the steps that suggests outfits you could wear on the special day. How thoughtful! Lastly, topped with the all so-lovely heart-shaped boxed full of chocolates... don't we all wish to have one of these as a surprise?

Inspiration: CN Blue latest MV - Can't stop

When I saw this MV, I need I had to post this IMMEDIATELY.

I once read somewhere that not only inspiration everywhere for fashion, fashion now influences everything, from interior furnishings, food, museums, product designs and even MVs now have taken artistic approaches to carve out exquisite settings that brings out deeper and more complex emotions. In this case for CN BLUE's can't stop, I really liked that they paid so much attention not only to the story setting they were trying to tell through...the numerous paper planes to draw out the feelings of longing/missing, the flower petals to indicate feelings of romance/melancholy, the raining cloud adds that tinge of sadness and most importantly, the golden framed door separating the male & female leads that Yong Hwa finally crosses over to. Every part is so beautiful in its frame. And adding onto this almost perfect setting is the outfits and instruments are all decorated in pastels and flowers that totally harmonizes with the Romanticism theme in the song.

And did I mention I love the 'floating' parts where they were momentarily 'lifted' in slow motion like jamming yet in a gentler manner in accordance with the theme and the part where they had the title on a paper hung in the middle? Such grace.

And so many other parts behind that you should discover for yourself, including the kiss!

If you're looking for a Romanticism theme in your store, this is it!

xoxo, 

Yuhan

  

Valentine's Day Windows Part 2

You know, retail didn't really used to place an emphasis on Valentine's day, except for those selling flowers and gift stores. That is to say, I had never seen stores, especially departmental stores do a V-day feature. But look, look, look! This window with pinhole concept not only induces curiosity but by getting the consumer(s) to come closer, it also closes the proximity between couples, forming that one moment of intimacy which should remind couples of that first 'heartbeat' blushing moments! Very glad that Robinsons had decided to collaborate with La Salle on this project because it's very well thought out! Almost impossible to miss out on this display... Hope to see more of these!  

Not so sure if the last pinhole I saw was supposed to be displayed though... Hmmms.

Valentine's Day Windows Part 1

I believe in love, so Valentine's day exists. Ha! At least dear boy needs to just keep watch closely on what he needs to do that day. It's a special day for me, every year. Usually, I would always try to buy or make little stuff to show some love to the closest and most loved ones around me. Some may say it's commercial, but it doesn't hurt to show some appreciation and what more better than to have a helping hand or some inspiration at times? Here are some lovely windows to get started!

1. Muji: The cake pops with the 'poker card' jam tarts looks so delicious. Choosing mostly earthy tones is their signature style but I love the cute wordings and an accompanying red heart with the date as a subtle reminder. >.<

Couple wear, the Muji way. Stylish and still all lovey-dovey.

2. Pandora. Seen a few windows that simply used decals to mark the occasion, which is not too bad considering it's economic. But the reason why I chose this was because it was noticeable enough (nice contrast with the mint green in the backdrop) and I simply love graphic prints!

Not sure if you can see it, the theme is continued in-store, with the graphic heart poster and their collection for Valentine's day in a showcase facing the entrance. Enticed? :)

3. House of Condom: Well not forgetting some fuzzy wuzzy love making-sessions which will be a great top-up after all the food. Though they might not exactly have prepared this for V-day. But seeing the flowers in the window, perhaps perhaps...? A cheeky window to remind couples to have fun and make some time for great, hot, steamy sex in their busy schedules, yah? Let's not hold the lowest record for hei shou, hei shou in the world. Time to buck up!

Part 2 has the best window and a pleasant surprise. Look out for it soon!

xoxo,
Yuhan