Unleash the Beast

You may have noticed by our July issue cover that we’ll be sharing the winners of the 23rd annual International Visual Competition in this month’s issue. A panel of industry experts served as judges, and they, along with the VMSD editorial team, spent the better part of a day sifting through countless captivating projects.

As we noted prominent features among the entries, we began to observe a pattern. Humor is back, and many projects are placing tongue firmly in cheek to communicate their brand identities, with a knowing nod and a wink. Among the favorites was Coach’s collaboration with contemporary artist Gary Baseman on a line of handbags, leather goods and accessories. Baseman’s characters are the perfect balance between playful and wicked.

Another entry, from Harney & Sons Fine Teas, earned an honorable mention from the judges, who were transported to another time and place by this window’s depiction of “Alice in Winter Wonderland.”

A quick glance as you go on your way won’t do justice to this intricate and fascinating scene. Alice, looking more like a 1940s glamour girl than a character in Lewis Carroll’s children’s story, and the White Rabbit, ever mindful of the time, are surrounded by myriad teapots, tea cups and exotic teas. This visual feast for the eyes quickly draws us in to Alice’s world and challenges our notions of reality and fantasy.

Whether our featured projects conjure memories of times gone by, or catch your eye with ingenious merchandising that perfectly expresses their brand, each winner strives to connect with us in a visual language that we understand in our own personal way.

At a time when we’re bombarded by persistent marketing messages virtually anywhere we turn, these windows do much more than simply compete for our attention. They invite us to explore new worlds, they tell us their stories and give us a reason to stop and reflect as we powerwalk through our daily lives.

Browse the winners of VMSD's 2016 International Visual Competition by clicking here. The winners and honorable mentions will also be featured on vmsd.com throughout the month of July.