Ever since I started secondary school and moved my way into sixth form and now university the word plagiarism and its consequences have always been drummed into me. Which is why I had to laugh a little when I stumbled across Selfridges Christmas Windows for this year. The 'Head of Visual' from Selfridges design team used the theme, 'play' to create the festive windows. The windows are filled with family scenes of barbies, Sylvanian families but more to the point dolls with large papier-mache heads....pretty much identical to comic Chris Sievey's creation Frank Sidebottom.
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| Selfridges Window Display on left and Chris Sievey's creation right. |
Selfridges window designs have become as famous as the brand itself, attracting tourists, fashion people and widespread journalistic criticism. Which is why I found it so strange that they did not think through the originality of the design. Some may argue that every design is only an improvement of an other and there is never truly an original, however it would be nice to think that if we all have to follow all these yellow tape procedures when coming up with a new idea that one of the UK's leading department store would have to as well.
The window display featured the dolls with papier-mache heads were very similar to Chris Sievey's creation Frank Sidebottom however to add further insult Selfridges had dressed them wearing red dresses, stockings and suspenders. Bearing in mind the comedian only passed away recently it seemed a bit distasteful. Which Selfridges knew only too well after forking out £10,000 to the family to say sorry.
This is not the first time Selfridge's windows have been accused of being distasteful after the Manchester store displayed one of Alexander McQueen's designs hanging from what looks like gallows shortly after the designer had hung himself...whooops.
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