Wednesday Windows: Polaroids

The other day I noticed the new displays for Banana Republic and I wasn't too impressed. While the concept is interesting, the execution was, well, very bland in my opinion- sorry BR Dubai! But they reminded me of a window display pitch I worked on a couple of months ago which was based on a similar theme using polaroid pictures. The idea was to recreate a nostalgic feel of a summer beach holiday using vintage style images mixed with a few nautical elements. It's not final and I'm not sure what it would've ended up like but I'd really like a beach vacation right now....

Nautical Nostalgia design concept

BR Dubai...sorry but kind of bland!

Close-up of the polaroids

An article from Elle Decoration UK June 2011 featuring a creative pop-up style window display  for BR  on Regent Street, London.  

Monday Moodboard: Pretty Pastels

1. Keep Calm and Carry On poster. Good reminder especially for the self-employed! http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com
2. Missoni Mare Bristol zigzag crochet-knit swimsuit.
   http://www.net-a-porter.com/
3. Art deco fashion illustration by Erte
4. Forest Views- wallpaper collection in cooperation with photowall
   from Studio Rita
5. 'Journey' by Simply Hue Designs
6. Ditte Sofa, Fred Shand Pink from Anthropologie
7. The Sim mobile : )
8. Dot The I's Events. Events planning and services. http://www.dtievents.com 
   Logo design by Samar Sadik Design & Illustrations
9. Hussein Chalayan, Vogue, December 2008

Eco Living Illustrations

Here's another illustrated feature I did for Emirates Home magazine. A good article full of green living tips and ideas for those who want to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Hope this comes in handy!

 

 

 

Windows On Wednesdays

And here's another new category for my blog! I have always noticed window display designs before looking at the name of the store. I pay particular attention to the art, illustrations, typographic treatments involved and overall composition of the elements. Some use modern technology such as big massive screens showing for example a video of the collection and others integrate interactive technology to engage passersby eventually enticing them to come in and shop.
To me, a window display is like a window to another world. As a designer, it's an opportunity to create a fantasy world with some drama perhaps. My all-time favorite are those by Liberty of London. They are by far the most creative, artistic, very inspiring and fall perfectly in line with the Liberty brand. I hope they plan to come to Dubai. I would gladly design their displays (big smiley)!

Love the mural for Symphony at the Dubai Mall. By Moaza Matar

Another lovely mural for Symphony at the Dubai Mall by Moaza Matar

Symphony at the Dubai Mall by Moaza Mata

Harvey Niks goes bling bling using a disco ball theme

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Good use of typography 

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This Bloomies window at the Dubai Mall reminds me of Avatar

Strong vibrant colours are in line with the s/s 2011 collections

Interesting typographic treatment

The posters have a vintage feel to them and are in line with the 1969 campaign

Cool idea using a screen to showcase the Desigual collection to passersby

Sensory overload is part of the Desigual brand

Another example of blown-up typography

Monday Moodboard

Hello. This looks more like Macaroon Mania except for the cupcake greeting card designs. Welcome to my new category added to my blog every Monday! Those who know me well enough, I'll bet are not surprised to see all the goodies on today's moodboard. All I can say is I am in a state of 'dessert delirium'! Which I don't mind since  I will be off to a killer workout at the gym later tonight (big smiley). Hope today's images inspire your sweet tooth! Yum yum for now...

Interior Illustrations...found!

Hello! Hello! Long-time no posts. My hands were full but I'm back with some pretty cool interior illustrations  I stumbled upon while doing a much-needed desktop cleanup. I did these a while back for Emirates Home magazine for their decorating tips feature. Bright and colourful with a sprinkle of humor (playful cat trying to hunt down birdie, its dinner) More coming your way!

Written Portraits

This year, CPNB (Collective Promotion Dutch Literature) has chosen to feature (auto) biographies for the Dutch Book Week which it organizes annually to promote Dutch literature. So 'Written Portraits' was the chosen theme and a series of posters were created for the advertising campaign. Created by Van Wanten Etcetera and artwork by Souverein. Original book pages were used for the text inside too. How amazing. 

Anne Frank

Louis Van Gaal

Kader Abdolah

Vincent Van Gogh