LONDON, May 21, 2005/ FW/ --- Historically part of the international fashion circuit, London is still an undisputed as one of the world’s fashion capitals although it is continually losing its talents to its sister cities – New York, Milan and Paris.

One of the reasons why London has maintained its title as a fashion capital although most of the city’s native designers had forgone the catwalks in their home city to move to the U.S. and continental Europe is the designers’ continuous retail presence.

Emerging designers Ozwald Boateng, Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney, together with old houses like Burberry keep the city on the fashion map.

Ozwald Boateng chose his signature abstract mannequins to display the leather coats that were shown on the runway in Milan, while Matthew Williamson chose the colorful frocks to grace his whimsical window inspired by the merry-go-round.

This collection by Matthew Williamson was seen on the runways in New York.

Stella McCartney chose Halloween as her theme, (this photo was shot in October 2004) with a marquee sign that says, “Stellaween.” With a dress form at the side to show merchandise, this store window with its simple concept was a showstopper.

Venerable British fashion house Burberry that has undergone a very successful revival in the late 1990s that continues up to today opted for lifestyle windows.

Using bigger than life photos from their current marketing campaign, together with headless mannequins to display its latest collection is more than enough to attract passersby to enter the store and see the merchandise.

All these windows are “clean, uncluttered and straightforward presentations.” The no-nonsense approach makes them eye-catching.

Mulberry Store Window

Stella McCartney Store Window

Matthew Williamson Store Window