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Fashion Marketing Subject Spotlight

with Thomai Papathanasiou from Leeds Arts University

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Join Thomai Papathanasiou in this fascinating Subject Spotlight as she examines effective window displays in the fashion industry. In episode one, Thomai introduces the concept of the window display and how this has developed over time. Thomai then looks at some of the key design elements that make up a window display and how they are used to engage and attract customers. In episode two, Thomai introduces the concept of colour psychology and why colour is so important to consider when designing a window display. She then goes on to explain the different meanings behind various colours and the impact this has on a display. In episode three, Thomai goes into detail on the various types of window displays that you may come across on the high street, and then discusses the techniques that can be employed within these displays to catch the consumer’s attention. In the final episode, Thomai discusses the role of a visual merchandiser within the fashion industry, before setting you an activity that will really get you thinking creatively to design your own window display!

Thomai PapathanasiouLeeds Arts UniversityFashion, Textiles, Jewellery

All episodes
1. An introduction to window displays
2. The importance of colour in window displays
3. Designing a window display
4. Activity: design Your Own display!

About the university


Leeds Arts University
Leeds Arts University
Leeds Arts University

Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England, providing the best opportunity in which to grow as an artist, designer, musician or filmmaker. Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth studied here, as did, more recently, Marcus Harvey, Damien Hirst and Omar Kashoura. It has been ranked number one in the country in the Design & Crafts subject table, and has won several recent awards for its world class facilities. With roots dating back to 1846 and the original Leeds School of Art, it is always improving its equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups.

Leeds Arts University profile →
Meet the academic
Thomai Papathanasiou

Thomai is the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing. She is responsible for the planning, development, monitoring and delivery of the modules across all levels. Through her leading and teaching, she seeks to create a continuous learning environment that celebrates every student’s individuality, creativity and skills. Thomai was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Athens University of Economics and Business. However, her passion for fashion led her to study a Master of Science in International Fashion Marketing at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. To get a deeper understanding of the industry she has also taken short courses in Fashion Illustration and Fashion Styling at Istituto di Moda Burgo and Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion.Thomai has worked for Edinburgh Online Fashion Week and Misuma, a sustainable fashion brand. Before joining Leeds Arts University, Thomai taught at Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico and at University of Edinburgh. In Spring 2017, she was a guest lecturer at Lahti University of Applied Sciences in Finland. She has a particular interest in digital communication, visual merchandising and diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

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