5th Ave
One of the cleanest streets in NYC, not to mention the most astonishing window displayed I have witnesses, 5th Ave was definitely a sight to see. We walked around the streets looking at the window displays and such. Each was so unique and eye catching. The trends were very apparent after looking at a couple. I love how layering, bold colors, and different patterns are trending. Bubble Gum Pink is a huge color right now. After walking around we went into Prada and the director of their flagship store. He walked us around the store and explained the reasoning behind the visual merchandising decisions. Their first room is the accessories and purses because purses are their best sellers and accessories are items people always pick up and touch and are instantly interested in, plus usually on the cheaper side of what they have to offer. Next he led us to women’s shoes. The Prada combat boot was front and center because that is the shoe they cannot keep on the shelves. It is their best seller. Then he led us upstairs to where the nylon bags were that are trending right now. They had a ton of black ones he said because the color ones are always out of stock. The limited edition pock a dot one to my surprise was cheaper than the original, but it was because it had no strap. Then we went on to look at women’s clothing. The holey sweaters are a big trend and they are creating more street style clothing now due to a new younger audience they have attracted. He said without smart phones they would not have this younger audience. People are constantly coming in, showing a picture off their phone and asking for it. Most of the time, it is already sold out because those are the top sellers and have been out for a few months. If you want an item you have to go get it when it is released. He said people will call from other states and drive all the way there just for the item. He said they do not put items on hold, at least for top sellers because of how fast they sell out, but they can pay over the phone. The men’s department was in the basement with every category from accessories, bags, shoes, and clothing. I found it very interesting how men’s and women’s clothing at Prada looks so similar. It is kind of sad that all the men’s things get shoved into one room in the basement. I was very grateful for the tour it was an awesome experience!
