 |
I also love the styling in the Topshop within Westfield White City - total clash of the prints!
Happy Window Shopping
xoxo
All images are my own.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Topshop: Creatively Cool....
I'll be completely honest, I have never really been into Topshop but since coming to London they have me totally hooked on their amazing displays and visual merchandising! Especially within the Oxford Circus store! This week, I managed to get a few snaps of the store (before being chased away by their security!) and it's all about the mannequins...
I also love the styling in the Topshop within Westfield White City - total clash of the prints!
I also love the styling in the Topshop within Westfield White City - total clash of the prints!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
What on earth is a Visual Merchandiser??
The girls at work introduced me to this ace video about visual merchandising (well it's a take the mick but it is hilarious!) All VM's will totally laugh out loud and for all you budding ones it could be a bit of an eye opener as every word is completely true!
Would love to know what all you visual merchandisers think to this:
Would love to know what all you visual merchandisers think to this:
Happy Window Shopping!
xoxo
xoxo
Video taken from YouTube
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Colourful Desert Storms at Harvey Nichols...
What brand could mix neon lights, desert sands and rainbow watercolours together and the creative potion become as visually wonderful as this? Well, it has to be Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge of course. Their artistic displays never cease to disappoint.
Candy coloured mannequins pose in designer SS12 collections, blending a combination of trends from urban sport, sweet femininity, print clashing and wearing it with the whole 'less is more' attitude that summer is bound to bring.
Pushing the boundaries of visual merchandising controversy, we can see some mannequins remain naked with just a pair of panties to cover part of their modesty....
Candy coloured mannequins pose in designer SS12 collections, blending a combination of trends from urban sport, sweet femininity, print clashing and wearing it with the whole 'less is more' attitude that summer is bound to bring.
Pushing the boundaries of visual merchandising controversy, we can see some mannequins remain naked with just a pair of panties to cover part of their modesty....
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| I love the corner window of Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge - an unusual shape to take into consideration if your a VM but interesting all the same... |
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| The bold coloured mannequins clash yet compliment the acidic choice of clothing wonderfully... |
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| Candy colours will be a huge VM trend as well as within fashion, the mannequins sat on the stools give in to the dimensions of the window... |
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| In nothing but a cute jacket and panties, the mannequin inspires the customer and reaches out to a diverse audience range.... |
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| Here come the boys...the positioning of the mannequins here is brilliant as whichever way the customer is approaching the store, a mannequin can be seen facing them within the window... |
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| Love the mannequins in this window! There's nothing worse than a stiff statuesque position, so the leaning and relaxed poses of these ladies makes them seem so much more realistic.... |
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| Its great to see mannequins holding things and interacting with the props. Afterall, props are there to support the window display and not to just sit within it randomly. I think the neon lights wrapped in and around the mannequins looks so cool... |
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| Layering textures is a great way to add interest to an outfit... |
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| The juxtaposition of fiery red amongst calm candy lilac makes for an interesting yet visually enhancing choice.... |
Happy Window Shopping
xoxo
Friday, 6 January 2012
A Pop of Yellow in Forever21...
I am really starting to get my head around Forever21. New to the UK high street last year, the brand has seemingly taken over the 'cheap-chic' title and become the hip new favourite ahead of the likes of Primark and H&M.
I say hip as the collections seem to be based around that boho-hippy vibe. The store itself I am still weighing up. You seem to have really cool, quirky pieces based around 70's influenced bohemian style then you have your bargain jersey and basic destinations with some odds and sods thrown in for good measure such as cartoon print tees and tacky day dresses.
But aside from the mismatch of product, the mannequin styling in the windows is really fab! Whether its down to the company (I am not sure how strict they are on styling guidelines etc) or the individual Visual Merchandiser; bravo to the team in Westfield Stratford whose window styling this week really caught my eye on a dreary London morning:
I say hip as the collections seem to be based around that boho-hippy vibe. The store itself I am still weighing up. You seem to have really cool, quirky pieces based around 70's influenced bohemian style then you have your bargain jersey and basic destinations with some odds and sods thrown in for good measure such as cartoon print tees and tacky day dresses.
But aside from the mismatch of product, the mannequin styling in the windows is really fab! Whether its down to the company (I am not sure how strict they are on styling guidelines etc) or the individual Visual Merchandiser; bravo to the team in Westfield Stratford whose window styling this week really caught my eye on a dreary London morning:
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| On a monochrome palette, the pop of acid yellow really makes for an eye catching window statement... |
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| I love mannequin styling that consists of clashing prints... |
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| Clever layering- skirt underneath another skirt adds interest and inspires the customer even though they wouldn't necessarily wear it like this its all about getting creative... |
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| The collar is going to be HUGE this season thanks to Louis Vuitton - Forever21 are ahead of the game already... |
Happy Window Shopping
xoxo
Sunday, 11 December 2011
How to become a Visual Merchandiser...
I posted this on my original blog here a few months ago but thought it may be useful to my followers of my VM blog too:
As a Visual Merchandiser, I am often asked by curious folk how I actually got into this exciting career path. Lots of people message me via my blog or on my twitter account (follow me @tattylittleboot) especially those who are eager to get into the world of Visual Merchandising themselves. I get asked so many questions, I thought why not answer them all in one place? So lets get started!
Do I need a degree?
I am constantly asked this question but in my opinion, for this career a degree isn't a necessity. Sure it looks good on paper, but are degrees really worth that much nowadays anyway? I think they have become too popular - anyone can get one after all (maybe not so much next year...) and so they have lost their value. What is rare, however, is that core work experience. Anyone can read books, research online and sit and be lectured on all things visual but because the role is so 'hands-on' it's the skills we want to see the most. If you have the actual job role under your belt, along with all the management skills you would learn along the way; you could go far in this field - degree or no degree.
So how do I get started?
I got started through working in retail from the tender age of sixteen. Not only did I learn all the usual retail work (tills, delivery procedures and stock takes) I learnt about the wonderful side of retail: visual merchandising. This, combined with my retail knowledge, ensures one thing that some vm's tend to forget, that old cliche: the customer always comes first. At the end of the day we can make things look great, but we are there to sell - to make money. So displays need to be inspiring, shoppable and appealing to your market. I think I would have misplaced the importance of the customer if it wasn't for my employment in retail itself.
But anyone can work in retail. I want to specialise in visual merchandising.
Then do it! It's no good wishing and wanting if you aren't willing to go out there and get the experience you want and need. I got myself involved in every aspect of VM whilst working on the shopfloor; everything from stock merchandising, window displays and mannequin styling. I took photographs of everything I did, afterall it's a 'visual' job so 'visual' evidence is a must have. Whilst I was studying for my A Levels, I seeked out work experience with visual display teams. I wrote letters, emails and telephoned companies until one was willing to take me on. It may take time to get a placement as companies worry about the safety of work experience with visual teams (there's lots of ladder climbing, tool using and all round health and safety issues to consider before taking on someone ammature). But, if you're willing to give up your free time and they get to gain a free employee - it's a win win situation!
When a department store took me on I was over the moon. I got to experience every VM genre (home, beauty, menswear and ladieswear). Again, I took so many photographs and built a portfolio of anything and everything I did from mannequin styling, window installations, stock merchandising, promotional and events set up - everything!
What if I can't get work experience?
There's always something along the lines of VM you can get involved in. Why not volunteer at a charity shop and get involed in creating exciting window displays or have a go at remerchandising the stock? This would be a challenge what with the mismatch of clothes but atleast it would show on your CV that you're thinking on your feet and your eager to develop your visual skills in regards to future employment.
What else can I do?
I always take photographs whilst I am out and about of anything in the retail world that excites or inspires me and I've built up a hefty portfolio of bits and bobs that I like. Not only does it give you awareness of competitors but it helps to influence your own creative skills and ideas which would be valuable to any future employer.
But where are the jobs?
Most brands have a visual team whether it be a field team or instore team. Instore teams are normally in department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Selfridges although Topshop and H&M are known to have instore positions too. They do everything from window displays, mannequin styling and conduct sale and promotional set ups. Field teams belong to brands such as Next, Miss Selfridge and River Island. They travel from one store to the next implementing the latest window displays and advising shop floor teams on merchandise layout. Job sites specific to the retail sector such as Retail Choice and InRetail advertise popular high street brand vacancies. Or try specific brand career pages on their official websites for more positions.
It is also worth sending out your CV and cover letter to enquire individually to stores as some don't advertise online to cut costs.
What should I take to the interview?
All of your creative evidence - work experience photographs of anything visual merchandising, art work such as things you have made or drawings and paintings. Make sure your presentation standards are high as this is a visual aspect that will be taken into consideration. Dress to impress - go fashionable and show off your prospective styling skills.
I can't wait to make things look pretty!
A huge wake up call to all those that think this is the 'pretty pretty' side of retail - it ain't. It's hardwork! Be prepared to have bruised sore knees from constantly working on the floor; have no nails from using tools, picking off vinyls and breaking them from carting heavy objects such as mannequins around all day; getting hot and sweaty in those windows when the sun is blaring through the glass at you; using lots of cleaning chemicals to keep up those high visual standards; to work toward tight deadlines in a high stress level job and be stuck in the middle when it comes to visual taste - some will love what you do others won't.. . Still interested?
Follow my own career path:
Retail Job > A Level Studies > VM work experience placement > Full time VM job
Tips:
- Seek work experience during busy periods in the visual diary: January>February = Christmas take down, Spring window/scheme set up, Valentine's Day promotional events, May= Summer windows
August/Sepetember/October = Autumn windows, Christmas set up period
- Do your research about specific brands as the VM role is different between each company
- Speak to VM's instore if you ever see them - ask advice and build contacts
- Be determined; it won't happen over night but you will get there eventually.
As a Visual Merchandiser, I am often asked by curious folk how I actually got into this exciting career path. Lots of people message me via my blog or on my twitter account (follow me @tattylittleboot) especially those who are eager to get into the world of Visual Merchandising themselves. I get asked so many questions, I thought why not answer them all in one place? So lets get started!
Do I need a degree?
I am constantly asked this question but in my opinion, for this career a degree isn't a necessity. Sure it looks good on paper, but are degrees really worth that much nowadays anyway? I think they have become too popular - anyone can get one after all (maybe not so much next year...) and so they have lost their value. What is rare, however, is that core work experience. Anyone can read books, research online and sit and be lectured on all things visual but because the role is so 'hands-on' it's the skills we want to see the most. If you have the actual job role under your belt, along with all the management skills you would learn along the way; you could go far in this field - degree or no degree.
 |
| Retail guru Mary Portas started her career as a Visual Merchandiser |
So how do I get started?
I got started through working in retail from the tender age of sixteen. Not only did I learn all the usual retail work (tills, delivery procedures and stock takes) I learnt about the wonderful side of retail: visual merchandising. This, combined with my retail knowledge, ensures one thing that some vm's tend to forget, that old cliche: the customer always comes first. At the end of the day we can make things look great, but we are there to sell - to make money. So displays need to be inspiring, shoppable and appealing to your market. I think I would have misplaced the importance of the customer if it wasn't for my employment in retail itself.
But anyone can work in retail. I want to specialise in visual merchandising.
Then do it! It's no good wishing and wanting if you aren't willing to go out there and get the experience you want and need. I got myself involved in every aspect of VM whilst working on the shopfloor; everything from stock merchandising, window displays and mannequin styling. I took photographs of everything I did, afterall it's a 'visual' job so 'visual' evidence is a must have. Whilst I was studying for my A Levels, I seeked out work experience with visual display teams. I wrote letters, emails and telephoned companies until one was willing to take me on. It may take time to get a placement as companies worry about the safety of work experience with visual teams (there's lots of ladder climbing, tool using and all round health and safety issues to consider before taking on someone ammature). But, if you're willing to give up your free time and they get to gain a free employee - it's a win win situation!
When a department store took me on I was over the moon. I got to experience every VM genre (home, beauty, menswear and ladieswear). Again, I took so many photographs and built a portfolio of anything and everything I did from mannequin styling, window installations, stock merchandising, promotional and events set up - everything!
 |
| Christmas is the biggest event of the VM calendar |
What if I can't get work experience?
There's always something along the lines of VM you can get involved in. Why not volunteer at a charity shop and get involed in creating exciting window displays or have a go at remerchandising the stock? This would be a challenge what with the mismatch of clothes but atleast it would show on your CV that you're thinking on your feet and your eager to develop your visual skills in regards to future employment.
What else can I do?
I always take photographs whilst I am out and about of anything in the retail world that excites or inspires me and I've built up a hefty portfolio of bits and bobs that I like. Not only does it give you awareness of competitors but it helps to influence your own creative skills and ideas which would be valuable to any future employer.
But where are the jobs?
Most brands have a visual team whether it be a field team or instore team. Instore teams are normally in department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Selfridges although Topshop and H&M are known to have instore positions too. They do everything from window displays, mannequin styling and conduct sale and promotional set ups. Field teams belong to brands such as Next, Miss Selfridge and River Island. They travel from one store to the next implementing the latest window displays and advising shop floor teams on merchandise layout. Job sites specific to the retail sector such as Retail Choice and InRetail advertise popular high street brand vacancies. Or try specific brand career pages on their official websites for more positions.
It is also worth sending out your CV and cover letter to enquire individually to stores as some don't advertise online to cut costs.
What should I take to the interview?
All of your creative evidence - work experience photographs of anything visual merchandising, art work such as things you have made or drawings and paintings. Make sure your presentation standards are high as this is a visual aspect that will be taken into consideration. Dress to impress - go fashionable and show off your prospective styling skills.
 |
| A mannequin will be your new best friend if you want to be a Visual Merchandiser! |
I can't wait to make things look pretty!
A huge wake up call to all those that think this is the 'pretty pretty' side of retail - it ain't. It's hardwork! Be prepared to have bruised sore knees from constantly working on the floor; have no nails from using tools, picking off vinyls and breaking them from carting heavy objects such as mannequins around all day; getting hot and sweaty in those windows when the sun is blaring through the glass at you; using lots of cleaning chemicals to keep up those high visual standards; to work toward tight deadlines in a high stress level job and be stuck in the middle when it comes to visual taste - some will love what you do others won't.. . Still interested?
Follow my own career path:
Retail Job > A Level Studies > VM work experience placement > Full time VM job
Tips:
- Seek work experience during busy periods in the visual diary: January>February = Christmas take down, Spring window/scheme set up, Valentine's Day promotional events, May= Summer windows
August/Sepetember/October = Autumn windows, Christmas set up period
- Do your research about specific brands as the VM role is different between each company
- Speak to VM's instore if you ever see them - ask advice and build contacts
- Be determined; it won't happen over night but you will get there eventually.
Good Luck!
All information given here is in relation to my own experience and knowledge of Visual Merchandising
Image 1 taken from www.mary-portas.com
Image 2 taken from www.stainesguardian.co.uk
Image 3 taken from www.visualmerchandisingcourses.co.uk
Friday, 9 December 2011
Warehouse Westfield Stratford Windows....
It has been a crazy week as the brand new Warehouse Westfield Stratford store opened on Tuesday! It was all hands on deck for two solid days of unpacking stock, vm equipment and merchandising the store to perfection ready for the opening! If you haven't seen the store yet, it is well worth a look to see how Warehouse are continue to develop the brand with the development of technology (we have in store ipads!) plus some great visual merchandising ideas...
Below is the unique window scheme the store has launched their new flagship store with:
Below is the unique window scheme the store has launched their new flagship store with:
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| Cardboard images of iconic London landmarks hang at different depths within the window... |
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| Seeing red... |
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| The main motivating factor for the opening of the Westfield Stratford centre is for the 2012 Olympics... |
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| Fantastic photography of recognisable features in London... |
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| I love this snap shot of the tube.... |
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| Warehouse's open back windows mean the images can be two fold and viewed in store too... |
Happy Window Shopping...
xoxo
All images are my own.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Zara's Like a Puppet on a String...
One of the most interesting Christmas window schemes on the high street this year, for me, is from Zara. Their controversial decision to go completely opposed to the usual 'traditional' Christmas window full of trees, pretty twinkling lights and shrines to Father C made me stop and look twice - which is the overall point of visual merchandising after all!
The mannequins have been displayed like puppets on a string which could connote how we as people become like puppets ourselves during the Christmas period - especially when we get our shopping list heads on! The strings control and over power the mannequin, acting as restraints which is interesting as Zara seem to break the traditions of the Christmas period within their scheme rather than be controled by it.
The styling takes on an 80's punk feel with elongated shoulders, long length gloves and puff ball skirts take centre stage in a mix of retro gingham, glitter and motif t shirts.
If you get a chance to, check out the Zara windows on Oxford Street as they are extremely interesting vm-wise in real life. If you can't, enjoy the photographs I managed to take early one quiet-ish morning!
The mannequins have been displayed like puppets on a string which could connote how we as people become like puppets ourselves during the Christmas period - especially when we get our shopping list heads on! The strings control and over power the mannequin, acting as restraints which is interesting as Zara seem to break the traditions of the Christmas period within their scheme rather than be controled by it.
The styling takes on an 80's punk feel with elongated shoulders, long length gloves and puff ball skirts take centre stage in a mix of retro gingham, glitter and motif t shirts.
If you get a chance to, check out the Zara windows on Oxford Street as they are extremely interesting vm-wise in real life. If you can't, enjoy the photographs I managed to take early one quiet-ish morning!
Happy window shopping!
xoxo
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