Best dressed window in London – Adrienne Bush

 London is the site of several famous retail stores. Whether or not you have actually seen them, most people who travel to London have heard about these retailers. I decided to check out their window displays and see if they lived up to the reputation.

First on our list is Harvey Nichols or Harvey Niks to those who shop there. The store, located on Knightsbridge, is just a few blocks down from another famous London establishment, Harrods. The window displays at Harvey Nichols are designed to promote their July sales. The large painted images catch your attention, but the windows are also full of tiny details. Each window contains larger than life objects mixed in with regular sized mannequins. Some of the mannequins appear to be hanging in between someone’s pinched fingers, while others rest in the palm of a giant hand. The word sale appears throughout the windows in various forms. In the displays it appears on a tattoo, on earrings, or on cufflinks of the painted figures. The display uses bright colors and unique ideas to catch the attention of people passing by. 

 

 

 

 

Next on the list is Fortnum and Mason, located near Green Park and across the street from Burlington Arcade. The formal setting of the shops in the area demands that the window displays catch your attention while maintaining a sophisticated look. Fortnum and Mason have selected a whimsical look for their visual merchandising displays. Each window has a cloud theme, but the front windows use rotating shelves to add more interest. The main windows contain tables that appear to be flying above the clouds with their angel like wings. Merchandise is displayed around the base of tables, hanging from the ceiling, and stacked on top of the shelving. The whimsical, romantic look appeals to people passing on the street who need an escape from the rush of everyday life.

 

 

 

 

Harrods appears on the Best of list for the second time this summer. The window displays feature mannequins that appear to be suspended in midair. The look is relaxing and delicate. To support the premier of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory window displays have been set up to recreate scenes from the movie. Items displayed look good enough to eat and encourage customers to grab a bite to eat in the Food Hall. Harrods does something to the windows they are changing that I have never seen before. Instead of redoing the windows in view of everyone they drape them with a cloth that informs customers they are redressing the windows. This attention to detail is the reason Harrods has been chosen as one of the best window displays.

 

 

 

Last on the list of famous windows is Liberty located in London’s West End. The Tudor style building sets it apart from other stores in the area. Displays are set up inside the store and outside the entrances. The store utilizes shelving to display a variety of merchandise including lighting objects. This adds balance to the display especially when the shelves are placed next to hanging garments. The neutral colors of the shelves and background enhance the bold colors of the garments and other merchandise in the windows. Mannequins are positioned facing opposite directions so customers can view the merchandise on any side of the display.

 

 

 

If you live in London or are visiting for the first time you should stop by these stores to check out their window displays. They just might entice you to go inside and purchase a few souvenirs.

 

By Adrienne Bush