Best in show – Harvey Nichols

The things that must be included are eye catching objects, stopping power, theme, and selection of merchandise. Stopping power is obviously the most important because it gets customers interested in your store and will hopefully entice them to come inside and make a few purchases. There is one store in London that has surpassed all expectations and that is why I consider Harvey Nichols to be the Best of the London Window Displays.

 

 

 

Harvey Nichols creates their windows as arts of work, not merely a window display. They not only include merchandise from the store but they create an elaborate theme that makes you stop to take it all in. Each display is bright and colourful which stands out against the grey background of the building. 

 

The current display is both whimsical and humorous. Each display has its own theme, but they all go together in an over the top manner. One of the windows contains a Grecian statue wearing a toga inspired purple top, while another features a mannequin floating in the clouds suspending by multi coloured balloons. Each garment featured in the display matches the theme of the window surprisingly well.  

 

      

      

 

Shock value is a key to some of the current window displays. Legs walking on their own up a flight of spiral stairs would combine to make a whole outfit, but definitely make you stop and stare. Skeletons standing watch over glass vials of accessories and purses do not need outfits to make the display have an impact. A baby elephant looks almost natural carrying a red purse and walking beneath clothing lined trees.

 

Elaborate displays that showcase merchandise have also been utilized in the design. One window is set up behind a red velvet rope, implying the posh atmosphere of the store. Skirts, tops, etc. are hanging in frames at varying heights to add interest and give the items their own individual display within the overall design. Another Hollywood inspired look is the pink block design with oversized vanity light bulbs. There are cut outs that display parts of a mannequin, but the mannequin is arranged out of order to catch the eye of passing shoppers. One of the funniest window displays is full of shelves that contain heads of varying sizes and origins. Some are mannequin heads wearing sunglasses and necklaces, but others are animal heads or tribal masks. The overall feel of the displays is whimsical and magical. 

 

   

 

Harvey Nichols has succeeded in creating elaborate displays that have the power to stop shoppers passing on the street. The bright colours and outrageous themes are both enchanting and exciting. Each window display is used to evoke a message about the variety of merchandise available within the store. Stop by Harvey Nichols the next time you are in Knightsbridge, once you see the displays it will be hard not to.  

 

 

By Adrienne Bush