Ms. B’s Sweets

I love store design done well.  This photo stopped me in my tracks.  It’s a cake shop in Hong Kong.  It’s located in the 13,ooo square foot, restaurant/club: SEVVA.  The huge chandelier was originally designed in the 1950s for the British embassy in Rome.  The owner Bonnie Gokson is legendary in the world of branding and fashion.

(photo via: The Cool Hunter)

Inspiration: Photography by Brakhax2

These photos by Brahkax2 are genius and provide great inspiration for a window display:

(images via: because i’m addicted)

Book Review: 100 Displays Under $100

Just looking at the title I wonder, “can it really be done?”  But if you peruse the credentials of author Linda Cahan – a former Visual Merchandising Manager for many department stores, and Instructor of VM at the elite Parsons School of Design –  you know the answer is Yes!

If you are a student or store owner you need to have this book in your library.  So often we think the larger the budget the better the display.  This is not always the case.  Money can’t buy creativity and inspiration!  The book may be purchased through her in PDF format or print.

The Archive

Another great student store study:

The Archive (San Francisco)

By Shannon L.

What does the store design tell you about the retailer?

Most exciting and cutting edge boutique for men.  Straight from the runways of Paris and Milan, and the ateliers of Tokyo.  The Archive was always sort of a golden oasis; a shining exemplar of discretion and simplicity in a city so consumed by consumerism that good stores are often left on the wayside in favor of something bigger, something brighter, and something of much more marginal quality.

Describe the store’s target customer?

Definitely a must for fashionable guys with an edge!  If you want to look good without looking like everybody else then this is the store for you.

Is the merchandise displayed in an accessible manner for the customer?

I felt compelled to write a study since their recent buys have been absolutely stellar: the first pieces from Rick Owens, Label Under Construction, Devoa, Nice Collective and N. Hollywood have just arrived.  If you’re in the market for a suit, I would heartily recommend trying on the N. Hollywood tropical-weight wool, two button suit.  The incredible eye for detail that these guys have shows in that selection alone.  The buyers have refined taste and it shows.  Europe, Japan, and the US are well represented.

Is it stock piled or more minimalist?

Stocked

Do the fixtures suit the store environment?

Superior fit, quality fabrics, artisan workmanship, keen style, personalized service, pleasant shopping experience.

How is color used in the store?

The color palette is very SF (San Francisco), that is the colors are muted and are usually dark (or white).  The styles reflect an urban lifestyle and fall more to the classic than the trendy.  Coats are beautiful.  Jeans are unique.  The shoe selection is small but well-chosen and the jewelry is fun/cool.

Are the windows pleasing and drawing you into the store?

See photo

If you could make changes in the store what would they be?

The Archive can treat you, try engaging them in a genuine conversation about clothing, how things fit, how things are fabricated, who makes them, what fabrics are used, where are they sourced?  Unlike pushy sales people at other stores, they actually know and love every single one of their products and are more concerned with you getting what you want than them getting a sale.

Men of San Francisco, I beg you to come and to tap into your true fashion potential.