London College of Fashion

BDS Centre of Excellence

Despite social distancing, face masks and a tube strike, Barbara, John & Paul had a very enjoyable morning when they paid a visit to the Visual Merchandising Studios at The London College of Fashion in November.

Located ‘just off’ Oxford Street in the heart of London’s shopping district, the Visual Merchandising Studios on the upper floors were a hive of creative retail activity. Positioned amongst an abundance of partially dismembered mannequins, ’work in progress’ dummy window displays and a veritable feast of creative mood boards, Barbara & Paul gave informative presentations to a group of eager students.

Students who, due to the difficulties caused by the tube strike and pandemic who couldn’t attend the event physically, were able to join the discussion remotely. Barbara gave an excellent presentation regarding the importance of The British Display Society which was especially relevant in today’s somewhat difficult and uncertain retail climate.

Barbara also gave the students an insight into her own career along with some visuals of some great visual merchandising presentations. Paul followed with a lighthearted presentation about his career to date in visual merchandising, the opportunities and experience he’s gained along the journey and the benefits of great visual merchandising in the retail industry.

Following the presentations Barbara, Paul & John opened the floor for an informal Q&A session. Many of students attending the presentations had questions regarding the future of visual merchandising, and its relevance post the pandemic.

Looking at some of the presentations and displays that adorned the visual merchandising studios, Barbara, John & Paul bid farewell to The London College of Fashion, delighted that the future of creative retail has a brilliant and exciting future in the hands of today’s students.