Georgie Kennett
Major Project
Context
Magazine Spread?
Brand?
Department Store?
Harrods
I began by looking at magazines and thinking about editorial spreads but I could not really figure out a purpose for the specific range of looks. I thought about the images perhaps being an article about luxurious items, history of opulence etc. However it was not greatly appealing.
Reference: Subscriptions, M. (2016) Fashion magazines | what are the top UK fashion & beauty magazines? Available at: http://www.magazine.co.uk/fashion-and-beauty-magazines (Accessed: 29 January 2016).
John Lewis began trading in 1864 on London's Oxford Street, and has grown to become the largest omni-channel retailer in the UK with 46 John Lewis shops (32 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) and a growing online business.
John Lewis full-line department stores each typically stock more than 350,000 lines. At JL Oxford Street and Bluewater there’s also a John Lewis Foodhall from Waitrose while Southampton and Watford offer a little Waitrose under one roof. An at home branch is approximately a third of the size of a typical full line department store and sells home and electrical and home technology assortments.
Since Harvey Nichols first opened in Knightsbridge in 1831, it has led the way in sourcing the most desirable and cutting-edge designer brands. Recognised as the UK's premier luxury fashion retailer, Harvey Nichols is internationally renowned for its expertly edited fashion and beauty merchandise, premium food and wine offer and award-winning restaurants.
Harvey Nichols has seven stores within the UK and Ireland, consisting of five large-format stores in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, and two small-format stores in Bristol and Dublin. A beauty concept store, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, opened in Liverpool in November 2012.
All UK stores have luxury Foodmarkets and Restaurants, Cafés or Brasseries. Harvey Nichols also owns and operates OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie on the South Bank in London.
In 1906, Harry Gordon Selfridge arrived in London from Chicago with his heart set on opening his dream store.With his revolutionary understanding of publicity and the theatre of retail, Selfridges flourished under the direction of its charismatic Chief.
Harry Gordon Selfridge's spirit of innovation and creativity lives on through its owners today. Since 2003, W. Galen Weston and his family have owned and operated the business. The only store to be named the Best Department Store in the World three times, Selfridges today is more than just the sum of its products - it's a shopping experience that promises to surprise, amaze and amuse its customers by delivering extraordinary customer experiences. And, to this day, as Harry Gordon Selfridge said,‘Everyone is welcome’.
According to the website in 1849
Way back in 1849, Hugh Fraser and James Arthur opened a drapery shop at the corner of Argyle Street & Buchanan Street in Glasgow.
By 1941, what started as a small, local shop acquired a number of businesses in Scotland and became House of Fraser Ltd.
1953
In 1953, with Hugh Fraser's sons at the helm, we add Binns Ltd to our list of businesses bought, extending our reach across Scotland and into North East England and Carlisle.
In 1957 House of Fraser takes control of luxury department store, Harrods.
1971
Through this period we continue to grow, acquiring Dingles group in 1971 and gaining new owners, the Fayeds, in 1985.
In 1994 House of Fraser becomes a plc, and is floated on the stock exchange for £484 million. A major refurbishment programme begins.
2015
Following record Christmas sales in 2014, this year marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey for House of Fraser as we welcome our new owners, Nanjing Xinjiekou Department Store Co. Ltd, and continue to grow our online business.
Out of all the department stores Harrods stands out as the one most suitable. Harrods oozes opulence and luxury which is what my looks are based around. Harrods is a leader in luxury retail. Attracting customers from around the world, the iconic department store, owned by Qatar Holding, continues to surpass the expectations of its visitors and offer an unparalleled shopping experience to all who walk through its doors. Steeped in history, the establishment was opened by Charles Henry Harrod in 1849 with humble beginnings as an East End grocer and tea merchant. After moving to Knightsbridge, the Harrods legend was born and has since remained one of the most distinguished names in the luxury industry where anything is possible.
Harrods is an historical place. Opened by Charles Henry Harrod in 1849 with humble beginnings as an East End grocer and tea merchant, the store has only moved from strength to strength and continues to grow and change with the times.
After moving to Knightsbridge, the Harrods legend was born and has since remained one of the most distinguished names in the luxury industry. Over the years, our legacy only gets stronger, and one of our most exciting challenges is to become an innovative retailer that still pays homage to the provenance of our brand.
The initial thoughts about the looks I am creating was that I wanted them to look very fantasy, avant garde and generally fun. It is difficult to apply a brand to that style because each brand has their own particular look and style. Since Tim Walkers work has been a new inspiration behind the designing and with him avoiding fashion branding I do sway away from the idea of the looks representing brands such as the above.
Reference: Shop for top British design in London (2015) Available at: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/shopping/clothes/british-designers (Accessed: 29 January 2016).
I began to think about the possibility of creating advertisement images for department store windows which may also be decorated. Instead of limiting to one brand there is more free reign creatively with this idea. It could be more fun images to attract buyers and attracted interest in the store.
Reference: Top 10 London department stores (2016) Available at: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/shopping/department-store/top-10-london-department-stores (Accessed: 19 January 2016).
The store has exquisite merchandise spanning seven floors, a stellar restaurant portfolio, not to mention the opulent 100-year-old Food Halls; a selection of premier services such as By Appointment Personal Shopping and The Penthouse, Urban Retreat Spa, a concierge, Harrods Bank and The Studio – an exclusive interior design service. What undoubtedly sets Harrods apart from its competitors are its fantastic people. From the exceptional selling staff and expert buyers to the skilled chefs and famous Green Men, these unique individuals make up an inspirational team.