January 06, 2016
On November 12, 2015, ADEA posted a blog entitled “Holiday Windows Unveiled” that included a short list of Manhattan retailers who present holiday windows. In no particular order, here’s a brief update and summary of these stores and their Xmas 2015 offerings:
LORD AND TAYLOR
This retailer at Fifth Avenue and 38th Street went all out. The entire front of L&T had a broad band of greenery and bright, twinkling lights that could not be missed. The overall theme of the windows was “A Few of Our Favorite Things” and featured gingerbread men, cupcakes, snowmen and Christmas wreaths. Very eye-catching with lots of movement and music – it gets my vote as one of the best.
Lord & Taylor’s handmade Victorian gingerbread house appeared in their Christmas window for 2015
HENRI BENDEL
I was underwhelmed by this store, which is located on Fifth Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets. In fact, their windows were so low-key that I walked right by and had to retrace my steps. But, perhaps we have to cut them some slack, because there was scaffolding erected in front that dominated the whole scene. The signage in the window read, “Henri Bendel, 1875”. Perhaps Bendel’s will do it right next year.
Henri Bendel opted for a White Christmas in 2015
BERGDORF GOODMAN
This elegant establishment, which is nicely situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 58th Street, always comes up with windows that have a great WOW factor. This year was no different. The holiday theme centered on Swarovski and celebrated the crystal maker’s 120th anniversary. Each window had a different theme (Glitterati, Crystal Ball, Hidden Gem, Treasured). More than seven million Swarovski crystals were used to create this display.
Bergdorf’s colorful Christmas window for 2015 was titled “The Crystal Ball”
BARNEYS
Barneys, at Madison Avenue and 61st Street always has windows that become the talk-of-the-town. They’ve done it again with a very original concept called “Chillin’ Out”. Window #1 was labeled “Ice Castles” and sported a custom-designed ice locker (5-15 degrees) that showcased creations in ice. Window #2 had a bundled-up REAL PERSON creating an ice sculpture. Spectators were awestruck.
The Big Chill: Barneys celebrated Christmas 2015 with this brave soul who created an ice sculpture
BLOOMINGDALE’S
Located at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue this retailer (Bloomies as we all call it) missed this year and I believe it was because of the theme: “Sound. Sight. Touch. Scent.” It seemed as if it was trying too hard – there was a lack of unity. The windows featured faceted-mirror sculptures by Jeff Leatham that were beautifully executed but failed to generate viewer excitement.
MACY’S HERALD SQUARE
The Macy’s at 34th and Broadway really knows how to party. At 5pm on November 20th their windows were revealed to the world with a big splash of music and song. The windows celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Charles Schultz’s creations with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. A huge, cheering crowd really got into it when The Big Reveal rocked with an ear-splitting countdown of:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
My very favorite of all six windows (drum roll, please) was MACY’S HERALD SQUARE!
Lots of excitement as Macy’s unveiled its 2015 Christmas windows at 5 pm on November 20th
Charlie Brown in Macy’s 2015 Christmas window
MAY WE SUGGEST…
First, it’s a brand new 2016, so let’s take stock of our wardrobes and see where ADEA can help freshen things up. Second, we’d like to wish all of our customers (past, present and future) A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick
Comments will be approved before showing up.
October 22, 2020
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
October 14, 2020
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
October 06, 2020
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.