Sunday 2 December 2012

A flying carpet and a giant gingerbread house: London's department stores show off their sparkling Christmas window displays

By Harriet Cooke
PUBLISHED: 15:40, 2 December 2012 | UPDATED: 20:33, 2 December 2012

When it comes to festive glitz and glamour, the sky's the limit for the window displays of London's department stores, which this year feature flying carpets and fairy tale castles.
Ranging from the traditional to the contemporary, stores including Harrods and Selfridges have splashed out on a range of wildly creative and original window fronts to encourage shoppers through their doors.
Last month, Harrods kicked off the gift-buying period with a stunning firework show and the launch of 10 Disney-themed shop windows, each with sparkling faux-hedges and two twinkling 30ft Christmas trees.
Anyone walking along the Brompton Road will be greeted with an array of stunning gowns, designed by top fashion labels but inspired by Disney princesses.

Exotic: The lifelike Harvey Nichols models showing off Eastern catwalk trends in the store's Christmas window displays

Gateway: Carnaby Street uses shiny records to create an eye-catching display to complement its 'Rock 'n Roll' theme

Gateway: Carnaby Street uses shiny records to create an eye-catching display to complement its 'rock 'n roll' Rolling Stones theme

With brightly-coloured metallic finishes, splashes of sparkle and sprinkles of glitter, Harvey Nichols' clothing displays have an oriental theme, reflecting the Eastern trends seen on this year's autumn and winter catwalks.
Meanwhile, Selfridges have also gone to town on its shop fronts, with miniature ponies, a 'lavish Christmas sleepover' and a giant gingerbread house as part of its 'Not Your Usual Christmas' campaign.
In the shop's iconic corner window and along Orchard Street, designer Anya Hindmarch has set up an 'All I've Ever Wanted' moving attraction, showcasing the glittering accessories available in the store.
Seen below are a selection of the city's best efforts.