As a fashion enthusiast on a budget, window shopping is one of my versions of retail therapy thus this section of the blog. The fashion blogging industry has been saturated by a lot of fashionistas or so they call themselves. However, as a writer who still develops his command of the fashion language I want to make a niche for fashion stories that no one (as far as I know) in the Philippine fashion industry has done yet — window display reviews.


In my opinion, there are three factors that make a good window display. First is the most apparent part of a display that is its aesthetic or design. This makes up for everything that you see in a window. From the color, the dress, the small details, to the typeface that is written on the glass, aesthetic is the oxygen of every window. Second, the story that the window conveys. As much as aesthetic attract the eyes of every onlookers, the story of the window is what makes people stay and look at it even more. Third, is its store traction value. It's about how much foot traffic can a window display provide to the store. Yes, there is a desired target market for the window displays but other than its audience, these windows can also amplify its image as an aspirational brand.


From here onwards, we will be considering these initial factors of what makes a good window display starting with our first window from Rustan's Makati.

I was on my way to BGC to finish my work errands for the day when my Grab passed along Makati Ave. The traffic was excruciating given that it was already passed 5 in the afternoon. To relieve me of stressing over the traffic situation I initiated a conversation with one of my colleagues that went along with me when a colorful display caught my attention. It was the window display from Rustan's Makati.


For the first time since I started working in Makati I was enthralled by how beautiful their display was. Yes, I do know that Rustan's is a high-end department store so it should be a given for them to present an eye-catching window display more so that it faces one of the busiest streets of the city. On first glance I already figured what the window display is all about. "Fall in Love with Morocco" it spread on the corner of the window. It turned out the display is for the Rustan's Moroccan Festival that ran from August 8 to September 1.


What I noticed that had me figured out that it was inspired by Morocco were the colors and the textures all over the window. A range of oranges and blues pops out from every corner may it be on the on the decor, the photo backdrop and on the dresses. The detailing on the different elements are also varied. There are architectural touches on the caftan on the mannequins. You can also see tile-like patterns on home decors  that fill up the windows. Numerous porcelains also show a kalaeidescope of patterns and colors that is very reminiscent of Morocco. But what gives off the vibe of the Moroccan experience are the floating lamps from one of the windows. But what's nice about the design of these windows in Rustan's is that it is not a literal take on Morocco. It is a mere reinterpretation of Morocco and how you can bring the Moroccan experience to your home.


"Fall in Love with Morocco" the window says. You immediately get the story it says. But every window is different. Not all window is a fashion window nor it is only about home decor. But a combination of both. Because falling in love in a place or in a country is not what you buy but with your experience.Falling in love with a place is about connecting with different people and living in the time and space you are in. It is all about the full experience. So these windows from Rustan's Makati is not just a display but a set that has different stories. When you look at the whole picture, each window is set in different locations of Morocco. One outside a castle, one in a fabric store, and one in a saloon place.

Now we ask, will this window make people go to Rustan's or increase the aspiration of people to shop in Rustan's Makati? For me, definitely yes. It is rare to see a window display in the country that can lure you and be curious of what it can offer. It also makes people want to be able to experience what Rustan's Makati can offer to its customers. What also helps these windows is the fact that it tells people it is a for Rustan's Moroccan Festival.

Overall, I chose this window from Rustan's to be the first one in my blog since this window has been bugging me to write about it. Was it good enough? Not really. They could do more than what has been shown to the people. Probably more details that would really take the eyes of a lot of people even those who don't know what Rustan's Makati can offer.. And with this, I am looking forward form more windows from Rustan's Makati.