About

In this group project, my partner Ryan and I used Adobe Illustrator to design a window display for Chanel. Our goal is to design a window display that captures the essence of the Chanel brand while effectively showcasing its iconic products and apparel. We aim to create a visually captivating display that reflects Chanel's core values of elegance, sophistication, and timeless luxury. By carefully considering elements like color harmony, shape composition, lighting, and focal points, we want to craft a display that draws the viewer's attention and embodies Chanel’s classic aesthetic.

To achieve this, we are integrating Chanel’s signature hues, employing their iconic camellia flowers as props, and positioning oversized perfume bottles to emphasize the brand's most recognizable products. Our approach involves using a balanced layout that guides the eye seamlessly through the display, with each component contributing to a cohesive and luxurious presentation. This display aims to leave a lasting impression on viewers, reinforcing Chanel's reputation for refinement and exclusivity.

Chanel Brand Image and Display Fit

Chanel’s brand is characterized by elegance, timelessness, and sophistication. We believe our display aligns perfectly with those values, using a refined color palette, iconic shapes, and balanced composition. The simple white background and structured layout reinforce Chanel’s image as a timeless, luxurious brand designed for the sophisticated, modern woman. The display’s clean, polished look resonates with Chanel’s ethos, strongly reflecting the brand's identity.

Hue Relationships

The display utilizes Chanel's signature shades of black, tints of white, and a pop of color, in this case, yellow. The primary yellow hues are analogous, emphasizing elegance as yellow is comparable to gold. The No. 5 bottle stands out in a high-saturation yellow hue, drawing attention as the focal point of the composition, while the Allure and Chance bottles use less intense hues of yellow. This contrast creates visual interest while maintaining harmony with Chanel’s classic aesthetic.

Shapes/Balance

Circular and rectangular shapes dominate the composition, with the large, rounded perfume bottles (Chance) complemented by the rectangular bottle shapes (No. 5 and Allure). The mannequins posed dynamically around the bottles form a balanced composition by drawing the eye along a triangular pathway. This visually stable pyramidal balance leads the viewer’s gaze through the display. At the same time, the border draws the eye toward the center. 

Lighting

Soft overhead lighting evenly illuminates the perfume bottles and mannequins, enhancing their visibility without overwhelming the display. The diffused lighting creates a sophisticated atmosphere, ensuring that the products remain the stars of the setup, in line with Chanel's high-end appeal.

Props and Display Objects

The props include oversized versions of Chanel's iconic perfume bottles and the camellia flower, an emblem frequently associated with the brand. The camellias frame the display, reinforcing Chanel’s identity and bringing in a sense of luxury. The three mannequins showcase Chanel’s apparel, creating a narrative of sophistication and poise that aligns with the brand’s fashion ethos. They also display the brand's fashion line and fragrance collection.

Focal Point

The focal point is the Chanel No. 5 bottle. Its distinct amber hue, larger size, and central position make it stand out among the surrounding bottles. The mannequins’ positioning and their subtle leaning toward No. 5 guide the viewer's attention, emphasizing its importance within the collection.

Partial Border

The white camellia flowers create a partial border around the display, adding a sense of framing without completely closing off the display. These flowers provide texture and depth, drawing the viewer's eye inward toward the central products and adding a luxurious, brand-specific touch.

Closed Back

The closed-back setup ensures that the focus remains on the products, avoiding distractions from the store's interior. The white background keeps the display clean and refined, amplifying the contrast of the black and yellow hues and allowing each element to stand out clearly.

Negative Space

Negative space is thoughtfully used around the bottles and mannequins, creating breathing room that enhances each item's presence. This spacious arrangement underscores Chanel’s timeless aesthetic, allowing each product to appear more exclusive and luxurious.

Composition and Eye Movement

The pyramidal shape created by the arrangement of bottles and mannequins naturally directs attention to the focal point, the Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle, before continuing to explore the rest of the display.