News and Media

Published: Apr 20, 2009

Savannah College of Art and Design alumnus Kyle Millsap (B.F.A., illustration, 2006), visual merchandiser at shopSCAD, is the creative genius behind the two eye-catching window displays in SCAD's corner shop.

Based on visuals and words that reflect the design philosophies of Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler, guest speakers at SCAD Style April 9, the displays use a mix of three-dimensional sculptures and hand-painted lettering.

Millsap and shopSCAD, Atlanta visual merchandiser Molly Evans (B.F.A., fibers, 2006) produced and installed the windows on the eve of the design duo's visit. More than 500 plastic chattering teeth dangle like a curtain in the background of the display honoring Doonan, and speech bubbles with words echoing his aesthetic hang in the foreground: "Simon Says: cheeky, eccentric, bold, irreverent, risqué, provocative."

"I used his column, "Simon Says," as a jumping off point, said Millsap. "Word bubbles display his colorful vocabulary, and chattering teeth provide a dramatic backdrop that was hopefully worthy of such a bold and visionary window dresser."

"For Jonathan I wanted to create an interior space with pieces that were indicative of his style, juxtaposing antique and modern pieces," said MIllsap. "His 'happy chic' approach to design allowed for playful colors and a whimsical arrangement."

The window honoring Adler features large mod lettering reading "Jonathan Juxtaposes," in front of hand-painted patterns on butcher paper. Each of the five columns contains rhyming words that relate to Adler's "happy chic" approach to interior design, such as "lamps, vamps, scamps." Details, such as a silhouette portrait of Adler's and Doonan's dog, Liberace, give the design a fun, personal touch.

"Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan have very specific design philosophies and seem to have a mutual love for words and language," said Millsap. "Both are visual artists as well as writers."