A Window Diversion

I've been working on another post, but it's requiring so much research it is beginning to feel like a term paper! So I've diverted myself for awhile to an activity that I enjoy at any time of year, although in the holiday season perhaps especially so - appreciating window design.

Here are a few window displays that have pleased me as I wander the downtown.

A bank on Douglas Street giving a nod to Pride.

Tuscan Kitchen, near the Bay Centre. I liked the choice of warm colours in this display.

A simple display in a store in Market Square; again, the warm colours invite the passer-by into the store.

What this window lacks in colour it makes up for with the intricate designs of the woven baskets

This is another window design with more muted colours, helped by the shimmer of the fabrics, and the different textures of the objects. This is the window of a floral shop in James Bay.

A monochromatic window design that proves that colour is not essential to attract attention. This shop is a  jewellery store on Govenment Street.

Moving from exterior visuals to interior visuals....

Continuing the seasonal theme - this is inside the Bay Centre. I liked the choice of bright blue for the banners describing the "Festival of Trees".

Another seasonal image from inside the Bay Centre. This is part of a "Winter Wonderland" into which people are invited to walk and take photographs. I wonder how many responded as I did - a little wistful for the peaceful feeling of being in the forest in deep snow (but only a little, as I remember the treacherous icy sidewalks and slushy roads that so quickly follow those wondrous snowfalls).

I was attracted to this flowing sculpture in the Bay Centre hanging high above me, but did not analyze it closely until later, when I examined the photo. Bird?

This creation, with its homage to BC's chief Medical Officer of Health and her mantra Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe, was applied to painted plywood in front of an empty storefront for lease in the Bay Centre.

Some of the amazing colours of Fluevog shoes, looking out the window.

I was so awestruck by Fluevog shoestore that I couldn't help myself from taking more photos. Here is one more:

These make me think they might be worn by a character in a Shakespeare play - perhaps Venice in the Renaissance?

A rainbow of coloured shawls in this kiosk in the Bay Centre.

More colours and designs from another Bay Centre kiosk.

This unusual display made me do a double-take when I saw it through the store window. 

Mural seen from the escalator inside Russell Books.

As well as communicating with design, windows can communicate with words - advertising a seasonal sale or an inventory reduction special. But sometimes those words convey a different message. Here are a few I have found.

I saw this window a year ago when Covid had shut a lot of businesses down. I totally resonate with the question asked: which parts of "normal" do we want to go back to? 

Sign at the Root Cellar on Mackenzie.

While not a window, this sidewalk sandwich board caught my attention. The store owners are making a statement as to where their views are aligned. It's another reflection of communication, and standing out from the crowd.

I appreciate the artistic endeavors of those who have designed the windows I have featured here.

And, perhaps even more, I appreciate the efforts of those who are trying to forge a way of being a business in the world of today, as attested by the last three images. Themes of local and sustainable, justice and ethics resonate for me as a consumer.