Late friday night I wrangled two friends and strolled along 5th Avenue. It was the ideal November night to take in the holiday windows before the crazy crowds descend and the air gets bitter cold.
This years windows are so whimsical that I thought I would share a few of my pictures here since they could be an incredible source of inspiration for a illustrations, maybe even a whole collection. Bergdorf Goodman had the most elaborate windows of the night. The theme depicted throughout them is "Wish you Were Here" and features far-off fantasy scenes and creatures, like a knitted flying horse (shown above).
"The Moon" window was spectacular, and my favorite. It was a monochromatic color scheme (which I'm always drawn to) of icy blues and silvers. Each element glistened with layers of intricate detailing highlighted with Swarovski crystals. There were crocodiles, crystals, crowns and even a crane!
Bergdorfs has glamour and glitz, historical references and even some kitschy/campy oversized signs but they aren't the only store making a statement this holiday season.
Bendels (below) has displayed a pastel fairy-tale and the entire Fendi building is wrapped in two of their classic belts made of "dripping" icicle lights.
We did some window shopping, chowed down on street vender roasted nuts, gawked at the girls camped outside H&M waiting to be the first to get their hands on bargain Lavin, and even stumbled upon a Mariah Carey concert in Rockefeller Center. It was really a fun and spontaneous night that just may be the start of a new tradition.
For a visual history of Bergdorf windows you can pick up the new 17 pound Assouline book: Windows of Bergdorf Goodman for a mere $550! (here) The Saks windows are being unveiled tomorrow, should you be in the neighborhood I'm sure they'll be worth a stop. (Bloomingdales however, were terrible so don't bother!) Which stores have your favorite windows this season?
