Wednesday, November 29, 2017

MAKING A SENSATION

Well, at least that's what I try to do. Since being back to work and getting acclimated to a new store location took about a month. Now almost four months later your Mistress has settled and has really made my mark in my new location. The store is much bigger that the one I was in for 11 years.  In case your a new reader, I'm a visual stylist for a pretty iconic department. Which means we are the ones you do most displays, mannequins, windows, floral arrangements, shop concepts and treatments, holiday décor and store signing, and have also  do the set ups for store events. This week and last have been extremely busy with holiday installations, as we're one store who generally waits till after thanksgiving to start the big things. Here's some of what I have been up too since being back.

This year our Christmas trim is a mixture of white and silver décor and huge lit balls, and other elements like our fashion for the mannequins is tied in with the forthcoming movie, The Greatest Showman. This is the main aisle in cosmetics.
Trees on ledge in fine jewelry and cosmetics.... both of these were labor intensive to work on . all the branches have to be bent just so.
My main floor mannequins turned out very nice I must say. One day a little boy stood , just staring at the mannequin in red, with his jaw open. And it reminded me of why I enjoy what I do. I can remember seeing things in a store when I was little and still remember them. These two mannequins took about three days to do from beginning to end. With exception of the boots and bodice's everything you see was made by hand, then rigged to hang. The mannequins also had to be sprayed gold. Much work. My boss was like, "Have a said before I like having a ex- drag queen on staff?" I loved the tie in with the movie, because any excuse to use plumes.....and I'm there!!!!


This was another moment in another area. This whole statement took about a day.
A small interior display window...
The hat is actually from my own collection I made!
This is an example of a little shop enhancement I did for another designer....
My biggest undertaking has been this shop, FSC Clothing, which is an urban streetwear brand. The colors, fixtures, layout, merchandising, and décor were all me. Probably the biggest one I have ever undertaken. Another plus to help me is my degree in interior design I think
A men's focal wall I did with cut paper snowflakes and silver stars I filled with LED cool blue fairy lights. Friends joke that the mannequins looks like the way I dress.....tight jeans!!!! Between painting the wall, installing elements dressing and styling the mannequin....a whole day.


Another day and a half. This window...with a party theme! And yes...the guy hanging from the chandelier was a royal PAIN IN THE ASS!!!! My ideas sometimes drive me nuts. I actually have dark wire around the neck and one arm, to the ceiling, and a thick wire around his waist tying back to the wall for further reinforcement.
And have I mentioned I'm more than happy we got a Tom Ford counter???? But do you think he showed up? HELL NO! I love his scents.
After seeing this, now you understand why after two or three gin and tonics in the evening, I sleep so well at night.

Thanks goodness I had those 4 months off this summer.

37 comments:

  1. Your talents have left me speechless. Your job has always fascinated me.

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous, though I always knew you loved big balls.

    And, while I am no longer a little boy, I'd stop and stare at that vision in red myself!

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  3. Creative minds like your have always blown me away. Thank you for sharing these and your work. You can tell it's reflected in your work that your glad to be back in your element.

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  4. THAT IS AMAZING!!!!! So THAT is what you do all day. You's got talent dear. That acrobats in red and feather head dress are jaw dropping.

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  5. It's because of you that we enjoy such a fun and memorable shopping experience when shopping. These are all truly fun and amazing.... so full of life! I admire your mind Mistress. Your next stop will be NYC.

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  6. *left in awe* Truly.

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  7. Wow! That was A LOT of work and turned out super! :-)

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  8. Outstanding work and style, Mistress -- but we expect nothing less from you!

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  9. OMG I love the styling and choices for mmaequins and the walls and window is amazing, let alone those acrobats. Stunning! I love your style and creativity.

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  10. I'm sorry, but THIS is a disappearing art. I glad your able to still do it and bring it for us to enjoy. Beautiful!

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  11. so that's what it's like inside your head?????

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  12. I wouldn't even know where to begin. Even your male mannequins have bulges in all the right places.

    I have seen your work in person, and it's always been inspiring. They are so happy to have you I bet.

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  13. What a talented person! because of people like you, you make shopping and four walls ... more interesting.

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  14. NO WONDER you need all those vacations!!!!! These are truly amazing to see. The energy and creative and talent to do this boggles.It also explains way your in good shape!!!

    I may add I can see that the red feather ensemble will be coming home to the Casa?????

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  15. What happens to all the costumes once the season ends? I imagine rummaging through the skips at the back of the store come Spring would be a wonder in itself... Jx

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    1. It is dear. So things are remade and used again, some things tossed, and other we end up selling for very low prices.

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  16. disco balls! feathers! men in tight pants! maddie brings the casa atmosphere to her store! all that's missing is naked houseboyz...

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    1. Hey, you have no idea as to what goes on in the prop room!

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    2. oh lawdy (fans herself vigorously)

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  17. In the "Greatest Holiday" it could take hours just to get those pants stuffed just right. Amazing work.

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  18. Just beautiful darling! I did a window once. It got letters of complaint! I was thrilled.

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  19. You are a very talented individual. And so original.

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  20. Spectacular displays!!! Very unique and elegant. I love them all - it's difficult to pick favorites (the guy hanging from the chandelier is amazing). Bravo!!!!

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  21. You are amazing! And i'm not in the least bit surprised. That's what I call BALLS!

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  22. Wow, that is incredible. You sure don't see anything like that around here. They are certainly lucky you are back. I love see what you do for a living.

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  23. I've long thought that would be a interesting job. Your the first person I know that does this.Very cool.

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  24. M dear, I had no idea. One of my best friends does this for Saks in New Orleans. He worked up to being manager and hated it. Finally, he got them to make someone else manager and he went back to doing the work, which he loves, but also loves to complain about. "It's so difficult being a genius amongst fatheads," I console him.

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    1. Yes, some of my previous bosses have said the same, and I too was asked if I ever wanted to move up....and I said no thanks. And went back to my plumes and mannequins.

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  25. Oh my God, this looks amazing. And let me say this before anyone else does... NICE BOOTS!

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  26. No wonder you're so in demand! Another set of beautiful seasonal displays. I'd love to spend the day wandering around your store, gawping at all your handiwork!

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    1. But which handiwork are you talking about!!!!!!!

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  27. You never cease to amaze me Mistress......

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  28. Oh Mistress. your work is impeccable. I sooooo need that red plume ensemble for a drag show!!!!!!!!!!!

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  29. Truly beautiful work. Sure beats our boring office jobs.

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  30. Your work is all beautiful. How you come up with these things is incredible. I too am a huge Tom Ford whore. His scents are like aphrodisiac.

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  31. That is amazing!!!!! Such talent in that pinky of yours.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!