Made You Look! - The Art of Window Dressing

Daphne Guinness in the windows for Barney's

As a consumer, I've never thought much about how much effort goes into dressing a window however, with online retailing becoming more and more popular, there is increasing pressure on bricks and mortar retailers to attract customers into their stores. Have you stopped to think about what catches your eye when you're walking down the street? Is it a certain colour, shape, object? There are many techniques shops can use to catch the attention of passersby.

Unsurprisingly, there is a science behind the art of window dressing. Different colours are used to elicit different emotions from consumers. Hot pink suggests youthfulness, red is eye catching and usually associated with something passionate or a safe, blue promotes calmness, yellows and light pinks are feminine, the list goes on. Even the placement of products are important, with objects placed at eye level perceived as more important by viewers.

General Pants' controversial Ksubi campaign

Even shapes can influence consumers. Curvy lines suggest something natural and organic whilst square and rectangular shapes suggest stability. Strong diagonal lines are dynamic and are linked to movement.

Surprisingly mannequins can even influence a consumers perception of clothing. I always wondered why headless mannequins were used by stores. It turns out, they allow viewers to more easily imagine the clothes on themselves! 

Australian stores are taking the initiative to create more interesting and engaging window displays. General Pants' recent provocative window for Ksubi's Sex! and Fashion campaign had to be censored so as to not offend young viewers. As the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity so I don't think General Pants were complaining about the media coverage the display got. 

Australian pyjama king Peter Alexander knows the importance of window displays. Each display is planned six months in advance, with campaigns such a hit with customers that they buy the props after the campaign's over.

Overseas, retailers have mastered the art of window dressing, many employing local artists to assist with the design process. Barney's and Topshop have taken window dressing to a whole new level. Earlier this year socialite Daphne Guinness prepared for the Met Gala in the windows of Barney's. The adjacent windows were filled with stunning pieces from her collection from the late Isabella Blow. To promote her new Topshop collection, Kate Moss posed in the window for Topshop bringing passing traffic to a halt.

So next time you're out shopping, take the time to look at the window displays and think about what grabs your eye!

Check out some of the most interesting displays from around the world:

The amazing Bergdorf Goodman holiday window

Interesting use of an ostrich in the Louis Vuitton window

Calvin Klein's suspended mannequin display

Hermès' creepily interesting display

Barney's window display designed by artist Dennis McNett

Chanel-Kubricks window display in Nippon

Lanvin's Paris windows using fans to bring the clothes to life

The Hermès window display in Tokyo design by Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka.
The installation used cleverly timed videos of women and hidden fans to create the perception that the women were blowing iconic Hermès scarves. 

These many surveillance cameras would make anyone
think twice before trying to steal these Louis Vuitton bags.

The Calvin Klein Collection store in New York
featured a display of some of the world's most famous couples.

Post-It Pop Art in the window of Berdorf Goodman 

Apple for iPod Hi-Fi

Takashi Murakami wrapped the Louis Vuitton store in its signature 33 colours for the holiday season

The beautiful floral display in Le Printemps

Images courtesy of http://style.com, http://stlyenews.peoplestylewatch.com, http://vickilovesclothes.blogspot.com, http://ournipponjourney.blogspot.com, http://modernmet.com, http://illawarranmercury.com.au, http://digitaljournal.com

Information sourced from Shop Til' You Drop, http://mymodernmet.com

A Week In The Wardrobe Of - Libby Linardos Part 1

Today's feature focuses on the style of the lovely Libby Linardos. Libby co-owns SCENE Boutique with her equally stylish sister Pat. I recently attended the opening of SCENE Boutique which stocks a fantastic range of Australian and international designers. If you're looking for a great range of edgy fashion from Australian designers such as Rachel Gilbert, Bec & Bridge, Dexter Flynn and international designers such as LowLuv by Erin Wasson and  and Tribeca I definitely recommend checking out SCENE Boutique. 

Libby's edgy style is a great mix of Australian and international designers. She has the ability to combine simple pieces with statement shoes, bags and accessories to create her unique look. 

One of the best things about this fashion feature is that a lot of Libby's wardrobe is available from SCENE Boutique!

Libby kindly answered a few questions to give me some background to her style:

Q1. How would you describe your style in 5 words?

Edgy, chic, just being me:)

Q2. If you were a brand, what brand would you be?

Hrrrmm i don't love the word brand, i prefer style and that would be that of Alexander McQueen.

Q3. What is your most treasured item in your wardrobe?

My bomber fur, definitely!! It's chic but tough! 

Q4. Who's wardrobe would you like to have for a week?

Carine Roitfeld shes so classy, love! 

Q5. What is your fashion motto?

You look only as good as you feel:)

Check out the first three looks from Libby's wardrobe:

MONDAY

Top: Rachel Gilbert knit (available at SCENE)

Leggings: Tribeca leggings (exclusive to SCENE)

Shoes: Alexander Wang wedges

TUESDAY

Jacket: Natasha fur bomber jacket

Pants: Toby trackpants (available at SCENE)

Bag: Burberry Warrior bag

Sunnies: Chanel

WEDNESDAY

Jacket: Tribeca fur knit (exclusive to SCENE)

Top: Tribeca oversized knit 

Leggings: Tribeca 

Shoes: Navy Dr Martens

Bag: Zimmerman

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this feature!

Images courtesy of Libby Linardos

Spotlight On: Madam Virtue

The stylish JC and Dean

In a time when the Australian fashion industry is under siege with international chain stores such as Zara and Topshop landing on Australian shores, and international online retailers such as Asos and Shopbop gaining in popularity, there are a few boutiques whose unique stock selection and one-off designs are allowing them to stay competitive in the market. Madam Virtue is a perfect example of such a store. 

Located on Crossley Street in Melbourne's CBD which is reminiscent of a charming European laneway, Madam Virtue is full of beautiful designs from all around the world. Started by partners JC Lloyd-Southwell d'Anvers and Dean Hewitt who select and buy all of the pieces themselves, a visit to Madam Virtue is a must for any fashion lover. With JC and Dean buying all the stock and working in the store themselves, means you can learn all about the history of the clothes and accessories first-hand.

The beautiful Maude

You will often find JC and Dean's beautiful sharpei Maude in the store who is always well accessorised with her Louis Vuitton dog collar or Vivienne Westwood scarf.

As well as stocking a fantastic array of labels such as Chanel, Hermès, Lanvin, Hussain Chalayan, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Tony Cohen, Max Mara, Fendi, just to name a few, Madam Virtue have their own self titled in-house couture label design by JC.  These stunning pieces have featured in many editorials and exhibitions.

The Madam Virtue shop front

In a notoriously competitive industry, Dean and JC are well known for always giving their time to help up-and-coming people in the fashion industry. They are always keen help charities such as the Prahran Mission, and support fashion events such as The Spirit of The Black Dress which help up-and-coming designers. I have experienced their generosity first-hand since I started my blog, with JC and Dean always taking the time to talk to me about their experiences in the industry and share their knowledge about fashion.

If you are looking for a fashion classic or show stopping piece, head to Madam Virtue and say hi to JC, Dean and Maude who will always be happy to see you! It's important to show our support to these fantastic boutiques which make Melbourne's fashion scene so unique.

Visit Madam Virtue at 5 Crossley Street, Melbourne.
Like Madam Virtue on Facebook here.
For more information on Madam Virtue check out their website or email Dean and JC at info@madamvirtue.com.au.


Stay tuned for an interview with the fantastic JC and Dean to learn more about their experiences in the fashion industry!

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Here are some of the beautiful treasures which can be found at Madam Virtue:


TONY COHEN
Madam Virtue is the exclusive stockists of Dutch designer Tony Cohen's latest No Dress Code collection in Australia. 


After playing minor league baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cohen decide on a complete career change. He spent 7 years working in production before launching his own women's sportswear collection. In 2007, Cohen introduced his No Dress Code range which was a dressier, up-scale version of his original pieces. 


Madam Virtue have a fantastic range of Cohen's feminine pieces which feature beautiful detailing and draping.

CHANEL
Boasting an enviable selection of Chanel bags and accessories, Madam Virtue are one of the world's largest stockists of Chanel outside of the actual Chanel stores. Carefully sourced from around the globe, many of the pieces are very rare.

Madam Virtue have a beautiful selection of Chanel pieces which come with their own documentation and drawing by Karl Lagerfeld. How's that for a piece of fashion history!

I was lucky enough to try on this beautiful Chanel couture gown. The attention to detail on the dress is amazing!

MADAM VIRTUE IN-HOUSE LABEL

Talented designer JC has created many stunning pieces which have featured in many domestic and international publications. From beautiful gowns to detailed blouses and wedding dresses, JC's creations are made from the highest quality materials with many hand-sewn in France.

I was fortunate enough to try on some of JC stunning designs. (Please excuse the bad hair and make-up! I was looking a little worse for wear after work and unfortunately didn't do justice to the amazing pieces! You will have to see them in person to appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail.)

This stunning Opera gown is made
with Hermès silk taffeta. The paillettes 
detail on the back is amazing! It is also 
available with velvet detailing.

This beautiful embroidered column gown
is made from Hermès twill

The unique embroidery makes this
dress one of a kind!

Love the exposed zipper on this
delicate lace dress. The full skirt makes
you feel like a princess!

This dress was so comfortable to wear,
I didn't want to take it off! The
beautiful side draping and cutout
detail gave this dress the most
flattering silhouette!

Images by Stylus Muse and JC Lloyd-Southwell d'Anvers

Met Costume Institute Gala 2011 - Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Part 2

There were so many beautiful dresses at the Met Gala I had to do another post to cover more of the stunning outfits! (For Part 1 of the fashion click here)

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Salma Hayek showed a different side to McQueen in a nude organza dress with rose detail. Hayek’s feminine gown was accessorised with a McQueen Clutch and Gucci jewels. 

Daphne Guinness didn’t disappoint wearing a dramatic Spring 2011 McQueen feathered gown. Although Guinness carried off the unique silhouette with ease, her silver Mary Janes were probably not the right shoe choice for her outfit. 

The white Heraldic crystal detailing on Naomi Campbell tulle Alexander McQueen dress looked amazing. She accessorised her look with a silver metal skull clutch.

Coco Rocha chose a navy, halter Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 dress with gold detail around the neck and waist with feathers on the hip. 

Raquel Zimmermann also chose an a feathered Alexander McQueen Fall 2011 dress. Feathers cover the bustier and end of the train. 

Hilary Rhoda paid tribute to Alexander McQueen in a white, tuxedo coat dress. Her silk dress from the Spring 2011 collection was accessorized with white python booties and a McQueen clutch.

WHITE

Freida Pinto chose an interesting white silk gown with a think black tie from the Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection. 

Leelee Sobieski’s elegant Vionnet ivory silk dress was paired with an intricate gold leather laser cut belt.

Fergie’s embroidered Marchesa gown was a bit too complicated at the top. I did love the tulle train. She was accompanied by her husband Josh Duhamel who looked suave in a classic tux. 

Although Serena William’s feathered Oscar de la Renta gown was stunning, it didn’t flatter her muscular features. She accessorised her dress with a Philip Treacy hat. 

Michelle Alves’ looked beautiful in her long-sleeved lace gown. She added a pop of colour with a green ring.

Florence Welch walked the red carpet with YSL designer Stefano Pilati, wearing a simple white YSL Fall 2011 dress with feathered coat.

EMBELLISHMENTS AND EMBROIDERY

Christina Ricci walked the red carpet with designer Zac Posen wearing one of his dramatic lace couture creations. The mermaid train and corset make a great silhouette.

Tory Burch dressed Kayne West in a custom Tory Burch tuxedo. The designer didn’t wear one of her own designs, opting instead for a vintage 1970’s lace Jean Patou gown accessorised with beautiful green earrings.

Bar Refaeli matched her embellished Reem Acra gown with beautiful turquoise earrings.

Elizabeth Banks chose a simple one shouldered Tommy Hilfiger gown covered in gold sequins. 

Beyonce Knowles wore an unflattering custom made Pucci gown. Even her husband Jay-Z looks like he’s wondering what she’s wearing. 

BLACK

Like Ginnifer Goodwin, Jessica Szohr chose a Topshop Unique dress. Unlike Ginnifer Goodin, Szohr’s detailed mini dress paired with tasseled Topshop wedges was a bit boring.

Unsurprisingly Kirsten Dunst wore Chanel. Her sequin embroidered dress from the Fall/Winter 2010/11 Haute Couture Collection doesn’t really stand out compared to the other stunning outfits.

Thandie Newton looked elegant in a black halter Stella McCartney gown. Beautiful lace and pleat detailing stop this from being too plain.

Demi Moore chose a beautiful black Prabal Gurung embroidered strapless gown. The feathered detailing, Swarovski crystals and Philip Treacy headpiece add a bit of drama to her outfit. 

Crystal Renn worked a dramatic black Zac Posen gown. He slicked back hair and bright lips suited this strong dress.

Penelope Cruz was disappointing on the red carpet, wearing a black Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 gown. The only interesting thing was her feathered clutch.

NUDE

Hailee Steinfeld hit the red carpet in a nude lace Stella McCartney lace embroidered gown with a short front and long train. She accessorized her look with Nicholas Kirkwood metallic shoes. 

Maggie Q looked elegant in her silk chiffon strapless Tadashi Shoji Spring 2011 gown with ruffle details.

Caroline Trentini wore a simple strapless Michael Kors gown with folded detail and a long train.

PINK

Brooklyn Decker look stunning in hot pink long sleeved Michael Kors gown. A thigh-high split showed off her toned legs.

Michelle Monaghan also chose a long-sleeved gown. Her rose pink Derek Lam was accessorised with a metallic clutch.

Jennifer Lopez worked the red carpet in a fuschia Gucci Fall 2011 gown with a cutout at the front. The dress is accessorised with a beautiful floral shrug.

Jessica Stam chose a romantic soft pink Tommy Hilfiger gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt.

BLACK AND WHITE 

Emma Stone looked lovely in a custom black and white floral Lavin gown. Her bright pink lips complemented her classic dress.

Janelle Monae chose a man-style look, wearing a white collared blouse and black pants from the Fall/Winter 2011 ready-to-wear Chanel collection. She accessorised her look with Chanel jewellery.

Karolina Kurkova rocked her black and white Jean Paul Gaultier Couture gown and pants.

Shalom Harlow looked stunning in her Marchesa gown. The unique cut is emphasized by the detailed black pattern.

Elle Fanning opted for an age appropriate Valentino Fall 2010 ensemble. She some how makes her quirky ensemble work.

SILVER

Keri Hilson wore a figure hugging silver Atelier Versace Fall 2010 gown with a tulle mermaid skirt.

Jennifer Hudson looked beautiful in a Vera Wang ballgown with a full skirt with rosee details.

Usually in Givenchy, Ciara instead opted for a silver hand-painted silk chiffon Prabal Gurung Fall 2011 gown.

PURPLE

Evan Rachel Wood wore a beautiful silk Gucci Première plum gown with plunging neckline and sequin detail around the waist 

Carolyn Murphy chose a black and purple lace Tom Ford gown matched with a velvet black bow around her neck.

RED

Doutzen Kroes looked stunning in a bright red dress with a full skirt from the Giambattista Valli Fall 2011 collection. 

Emily Browning wore a maroon lace Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 dress with a high collar.

Saoirse Ronan chose a unique Rodarte Fall 2011 look for the red carpet. Her crepe jacket was paired with a detailed sequin skirt. Her silver shoes were a bit heavy for this look.

Kristen Stewart’s crimson and black Proenza Schouler her rock personality perfectly. She matched her dress with a black cuff on each wrist and a simple updo.

BLUE

Madonna looked lovely in a light blue Stella McCartney gown with embroidered stars which ran down the train.

Lily Donaldson chose an elegant navy Erdem gown with a white collar.

OTHER

Margherita Missoni is the perfect ambassador for her family’s brand. Her ombre Missoni Fall 2011 dress suits her bohemian style perfectly.

Sofia Vergara showed of her enviable figure in a strapless Carolina Herrera strapless gown with flower print on the skirt.

Alicia Keys looked beautiful in a brown lace and crocodile Givenchy dress with matching crocodile tailcoat and clutch.

Shalom Harlow's beautiful Marchesa gown stood out for me. Which dress stood out for you?


Information sourced from of www.redcarpetfashionawards.com
Images courtesy of www.zimbio.com