Creating a new world inside a display window is a form of art in itself, and Vibal Foundation has made sure that learning about it is now more accessible. “The Art of Window, Display and Design,” written by homegrown design duo, Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo of Firma and AC+632, is the latest title to Vibal Foundation’s “Fifty Shades of Philippine Art” series.

*Cover of the book “Art of Window, Display and Design” by Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo*, *courtesy of Ricky Toledo*

“Richly complemented with over 500 beautiful images of window displays, objets d’art, travel sights and artistic landmarks from around the world, ‘The Art of Window, Display and Design’ showcases the creative display of merchandise that can also quickly segue into its own art form transcending the banality of everyday objects to achieve an artistic visual narrative that is more transcendent and durable for all time,” says the philanthropic arm of Vibal Publishing.

Conjuring Dreams of Africa, the AC+632 window inspired by Karen Blixen’s tale of adventure, lost love and tragedy in her 1937 autobiographical book Out of Africa, which was also made into an award-winning film (photo by Ricky Toledo).

Aside from photographs of the artfully crafted windows of Vijandre and Toledo’s Firma and AC+632, the book provides tips on visual merchandising, fashion and interior design as well as essays on art styles and design elements that the authors have accumulated from years of experience and travel.

“Through our windows, interiors, and fashion, we take readers on a journey—(to) the different places, people and cultures that inspired them,” says Toledo.

“They also get a glimpse of the process of creating the (window displays) and the aesthetic principles involved. Also how these principles are applied to interior design and fashion, which comprise the last two chapters of the book,” adds Vijandre.

From Joyous Cross-Cultural Encounters, a chapter on the interiors of the authors’ home: A Qing carved and lacquered opium bed, Turkish lamps and Persian carpets mix happily with French Rococo furniture and portraits at the Orientalist peacock salon (photo by Ricky Toledo).

Vibal Foundation’s “Fifty Shades of Philippine Art” is a series of concisely written books on fine, modern or popular art that are affordable and easily accessible to the general public.

“The Art of Window, Display and Design” is priced at P550 and will be available in all major bookstores, select art galleries and AC+632. You may email [email protected] to reserve a copy before it hits the shelves.