Selfridge Heritage
In 1906, Harry Gordon Selfridge arrived in London from Chicago with his heart set on opening his dream store.He wanted to introduce the style of american shopping. In the early stages of the opening of the store you was only aloud to view items in the window and then had to remember what they was called to purchase them. Also you was always expected to buy something. Around 36 thousand pounds was spent on advertising and that works out to be around 2 million pounds now. Selfridges was the only store in the world to be named the Best Department Store in the world three times, it was built within 12 months. Selfridges today is more than just the sum of its products. It is a shopping experience that promises to surprise, amaze and amuse its customers.And, to this day, as Harry Gordon Selfridge said,‘Everyone is welcome’.
The Masters
Champions of their craft and true fashion icons, selfridge celebrate twelve designers who have shaped the fashion landscape.
These are:
Jean Paul Gaultier
Oscar de la renta
Roberto Cavalli
Paul Smith
Marc Jacobs
Yohji Yamamoto
Dries Van Noten
Stella Mccartney
Azzedine Alala
Thom Browne
Primary research
Store windows
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Laura Ashley
When looking at the windows of Laura ashley i found that they were all very sophisticated and stylish, whilst feeling homely and warm. I found that like many stores they kept a theme and colour throughout the displays. Also the windows didn't include any prices of items, clothing or furniture, i think this is done deliberately so the viewer is drawn in by the display and then goes inside to look further into the items within.
Secondary research
Laura Ashley was a welsh fashion designer and business woman. She originally made furnishings materials in the 1950s, expanding the business into clothing design and manufacture in the 1960s. The Laura Ashley style is characterised by Romantic English designs. Often with 19th century rural feel and the use of natural fabrics. Laura Ashley 's first shop was opened in Machynlleth, Powys.
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When looking at Debenhams displays they were based around christmas. Comparing to Laura Ashley i found they weren't as sophisticated but they were very eye catching as you walk past. I liked the fact once again they kept the same theme and colours running throughout all the displays. As a larger department store they have to include more products in their windows and i think they have done this well as it isn't too crowded and busy but they have fitted a wide selection of items in the display. Differing to Laura Ashley they put the prices of the clothing and some items in the windows.
Secondary Research
When looking for background information on Debenhams i found a timeline of events on their website this was http://int.debenhams.com/info/customer-services/about-us/lookbook. One of the biggest's successes for Debenhams was in the 1950s when it became the largest department store group in the UK, owning 84 companies and 110 stores. Also in the 1990s the introduction of designers at Debenhams made designer fashion available at an affordable price. The Debenhams catalogue was also introduced.
