Pavement Patriotism



Covent Garden window washer at 7am, May 2012

  

 

Oxford Street celebrates those that put the GREAT into Great British Fashion!
Oxford Street until June

www.oxfordstreet.co.uk

In honour of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and to celebrate all things GREAT about the British Fashion Industry, British design talents from brands such as Temperley, Topshop and Harris Tweed have created 147 flags to line one of London’s most famous destinations, Oxford Street, throughout May for ‘”Brit Cool shoppers to enjoy!”.

The display pays homage to the unsung heroes that put the GREAT into Great British Craft and Design - Find out more about the Faces of the Flags below:

Kevin Bellham, Pattern Room Manager, Topshop

Geraldine O'Brien, Head of Design Development, Topshop

Kay Christophe, Head Machinist, Temperley London

Jean Seddon, Production Room Supervisor, Cooper & Stollbrand

Donald John MacKay MBE, Weaver of Harris Tweed



Mati Ventrillon, Knitter, Fair Isle Knitwear

In a true display of patriotism, Britain's shops are going to town when it comes to showing their support for the Diamond Jubilee. Bunting, Union Jacks and red, white and blue have become commonplace on the high street, but I have photographed a few of my favourites which twist the obvious.

Dorothy Perkins used the British Bull Dog to evoke a humorous image of patriotism. The crown and diamante embellished Union Jack play tribute to The Diamond Jubilee whilst the scarves display examples of British inspired product.



Dorothy Perkins, May 2012



Marks and Spencers have colour coordinated their window product offer to the colours within the Union Jack. However, instead of displaying the Union Jack directly, red, white and blue fabric has been pulled back to a central point, providing an idea of the flag.



Marks and Spencers, May 2012



Monsoon has adopted a similar approach, but instead manipulated the Union Jack to reflect the colours of the collection. The flag has maintained it's traditional shapes to maintain a patriotic backdrop.



Monsoon, May 2012



Monsoon, May 2012

River Island has incorporated HM The Queen's much loved corgis, styling them with own brand accessories. The window also comprises of a pair of Union Jack print jeans and patriotic backdrop.

River Island, May 2012

Topshop merged the current trends of pastels, vintage and Patriotism to create this eye catching window.

Selfridges, as per tradition, has taken a comical approach to the Jubilee, patriotism and all things British:

1. Music Festival window: Union Jacks, camping, clouds and ... QUEUEING! All extremely British.



Selfridges, May 2012

2. Beach window: Union Jacks, sea gulls, surfing, Punch & Judy and ... clouds (again).




Selfridges, May 2012

Vogue.co.uk, 29/05/2012

3. A builders' tea party (my favourite): Union Jack bunting, tea, (GR)EAT BRITAIN boxers - see zoomed image.



Selfridges, May 2012



Vogue.co.uk, 29/05/2012



 

4. 'The Queen arrives at Royal Ascot': Mannequins wearing masks of the Royal couple and seated within a carriage. 



Selfridges, May 2012

5. 'Great British Drive': 'Only Fools and Horses' style car with a Union Jack twist with three mannequins styled with matching Union Jack clutch bags and helmets.



Selfridges, May 2012



Vogue.co.uk, 29/05/2012



Interior: The view looking upwards from the escalator;



Selfrdges (internal), May 2012






Below are examples of Vogue favourites from "Street Chic:Diamond Jubilee Windows", 29th May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/street-chic/2012/jubilee-windows



Selfridges



Selfridges



Selfridges



Selfridges



Selfridges



Harvey Nichols



Harvey Nichols




Harvey Nichols



Harvey Nichols



Browns



Browns



Brora