The Holt Renfrew Bloggers Windows may live on in Google Street View but that is not the case in real life. Currently, the windows are taking on a Canadiana feel, which I very much enjoy.  I walked out of the main doors and hear birds chirping.  At first I thought maybe some birds were holed up somewhere in the rafters.  Then I remembered that the only birds I see around Holts are pigeons.  I realized it was a tape at that point and chuckled to myself.

There is a darkness and moodiness  in the windows attracts me.  The I like way it’s used in the colour palette of the clothing and through the richness of the trees and greenery. They evoke the spirit of fall for me.  I want to wear all my fall gear.  Looks like I’ll get that chance from the way the weather it taking a downturn quickly.

Set to a soundtrack of birds and woodland sounds, the windows incorporate a mixture of two and three dimensional mediums. Natural settings are created through photographic backgrounds with layered props such as animal cutouts and live elements from moss to rees. The positioning of mannequins is such that they reference a diorama display and museums of natural history.

“We were inspired by the juxtaposition of the rugged and refined in the fashions of the fall season” says John Gerhardt, Holt Renfrew’s Creative Director. “We were also influenced by photographer Tim Walker in terms of plays of scale and by artist Vanessa Beecroft for the mannequin positioning.” Gerhardt says, “Bringing all of these elements together has resulted in something unexpected and surreal.”

images: Courtesy of  Holt Renfrew