Worst dressed Window

Symbolism, balance, colours, lighting: All are important aspects of an effective window display.  The right juxtaposition of these elements and a store can produce a stunning effect – not to mention high sales and customer interest. 

However, sometimes the best of intentions go astray.  A scheme might sound wonderful in theory but does not quite work once the window is set.  Clever ideas do not necessarily equal an effective window display.

Such is a case with Harvey Nichols current window display that combines a western theme with traditional menswear.  Although the store is world famous for their fabulous visually stunning windows, I think this display is a disappointment. 

The western themed windows are certainly in sync with today’s fashion trend.  And cowboys are perceived to be rugged and manly, which would make one think it would be a match for any menswear collection.  Still, the clothes are too conservative to mesh with the wild atmosphere that the western design embodies.

Even the clothing that MIGHT have worked under this arrangement seem embarrassingly cheesy in this display.  In other words, just because something is leather does not mean that it will look appealing draped over a cow’s skull.   

The display has no visual appeal.  I imagine the lack of colour was supposed to look striking.  However, the variance of the stark white background with long, dark vines does not please the eye.  Rather, it comes across as boring.

Although I can understand the thought process behind the window, the overall outcome seemed contrived and uninspired.  The correlation between the clothing and the display falls short in my opinion. 

According to Bob Taylor, a window display consultant, stores that are known for a certain “look” in their windows can be the most difficult to dress.  “If you have a store known for its avant-garde window displays, and they have to promote products that are more conservative, it can be a challenge for that store to promote those items [of clothing] in a modern way.”

Hopefully, Harvey Nichols will more effectively meet that challenge with their next window display.

Dacia Abel

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