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

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.