CHRISTMAS PIGEONS!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a detail from yesterday's post from the stunning windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Was it Tundra Bunny who mentioned where were the NYC rats??? The windows were an ode to NYC landmarks, and long-standing intuitions and characters. alas, there were no rats. But leave it to Bergdorfs to ALWAYS tie in a lovely little detail, that most passer by miss. The windows are always filled with details. Every peer in, and the more you study it, you will find more awesome little revels and bits of surprise and delight. While not rats, it's the next best thing in NYC....it's pigeons! So let me not forget to mention the dozens of sparkling and bejeweled couture pigeons created by Burke & Pryde. They're sprinkled throughout each window, and no two are the same. Each one is adorned with colorful sequins and unique patterns.

How do I get my mits on one after Christmas? One of those would look amazing in my Christmas tree that features many birds? I also think the Dame's shop kitty that he puts food out for would love the pigeons...although, Priscilla didn't seem to care, but more pissed I was snapping her picture.

And I mentioned that clan member Preston is now working at Bergdorfs..... HUMMMMMMMMM. That may be my in to capturing one of those birds. *evilly rubs hands* Meanwhile he took these amazing photos early before the store opened. I had to share them. Even closed it still looks elegant, but way more haunting. I adored these.

When I worked at Bloomingdales, all those years, I always loved the early mornings before anyone was in. Haunting, peaceful, and something special about it.

BERGDORF GOODMAN GEMS

Last Friday found me in New York City for my annual pilgrimage with some of my ex co-workers from Bloomingdales to spend the day in NYC to have lunch and view what is left of the fine art of Christmas windows, let alone, the world of department stores. As always and by far, Bergdorf Goodman blows the lid off with creative concepts, and such detail, in these small spaces. This year I was able to see clan member Preston, as he is on the inside now working full time in the Men's Store. And I'm happy to report the store is still bustling with activity. I don't think this store is ever quiet. One of the things I eagerly anticipate every holiday though is their windows, which always feature stunning artistry and craftsmanship and elegance. There's just something magical about the way they glow at night too. Did you know that the planning for these windows starts almost right after the current holidays windows come down? Yes...a year planning and then finally a month spent on each window, by a team of about 100 people. This year the theme was "Toast of the Town, a fascinating theme as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Fifth Avenue and highlights the vibrant role in NYC's character, with windows celebrating the two well-known parks and park system, the fabled cabs, the shopping district, the library system, and another the famous landmarks along Fifth Avenue like the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and the Plaza. Amazing. Take in the details if you can!!! The Green window was my favorite.

I saw my friend Preston inside briefly as he was working. 

Couldn't resist these two fun displays.

So much so that they inspired us for what to have for lunch!!! 

Right at the Goodman's Bar!! Cheers!

Stay tuned for the pigeons...

MAGIC IN THE MAKING

 
This week has just spun out of control. I had forgotten that I'd be doing another showroom opening this week down toward Gettysburg, but luckily that will mean another three-day weekend as I'll have Monday off. This week started off with two days in New York. While not doing visual display to the extent I used to, that doesn't change the fact I still need to keep my hands and head in that game and head off to see the infamous windows in NYC. There was a bit of shopping, the clan and myself had a late night in the West Village Monday night, with copious amounts of stiffeners, and caught the drag show of Brita Filta, then milled about Tuesday around the city. I have always enjoyed NYC at Christmas. Nowhere like it, the feeling and glitz if offers. Of course, for newer readers, I always headed to New York at the holidays to view the windows, as I used to do visual display and window for 15 years for Bloomingdales. Some days I do miss it. And one of the most treasured holiday activities in NYC is visiting the famous department stores still left. It's where you will see the most gorgeous, whimsical and festive Christmas windows ever. And no surprise as is tradition on this blog...the most creative and opulent again...Bergdorf Goodman!!!

I don't think Bergdorf's has anything to worry about or the risk of extinction. The store is always bustling. As one of NYC'S most luxurious department stores, Bergdorf's is regarded as the store that is chic, clean, and an exquisite interior, not to mention the most extraordinary and fashionable windows of the season. Unlike other stores which feature animatronic characters, Bergdorf's have no moving parts. But what they lack in motion, they make up for with extravagance. Nearly every part of their windows' is filled to the max with elaborate props, many handmade, and intricately painted background scenes, and such fine little details and surprises that I would guess that most passer-by never even notice. This year the theme was Magic in the Making and paid tribute to artisans of all kinds. Artist, florist, jewelers, fashion designer, architects, musicians, upholsterers...and are depicted with the tool of their trade in the most fabulous ways. My friend on the team said planning and executing begun last February, and takes 8 months, a staff of 100 visuals contribute to the design, production and eventual installation, which takes another four weeks.

The rhinestone dachshund and the sewing machine are two details I bet most won't catch

This whole window is actually installed coming out from the back wall, giving the illusion that you're viewing it from the top-down in. Truly amazing.

If you get to the city, be sure to go to Bergdorf's. You won't be disappointed.

BERGDORFS

One of my most favorite things to do every year with my visual display career with Bloomingdales was to go with our team into New York every holiday season to view all the department store windows. If I wasn't in the mood for Christmas by then I would be by the end of the trip. Seeing the windows and the city finery was always fun and mood setting. Of course, last year was a wipe out, with the pandemic, and many of the stores cut way back because of time constraints being closed for several months. Last year was the first year I hadn't featured any windows on the blog. Two weeks ago, I had my first holiday party to go to in Weehawken Nj, so the next day I went into the city to meet up with MM#1 Fan... to just get some hot chocolate, walk around and take in the city. And If I need to see one store because of time, I knew it would be Bergdorf Goodman. It did seem weird to see so many stores and department stores now gone, since 2019, including my beloved Henri Bendels. But as always David Hoey, Bergdorf's senior director didn't disappoint. For decades, Bergdorf Goodman has done these spectacles, and have been New York staples. This year's theme was In The Present, which were a sense of triumph after a year of separation and struggle. Each window celebrates a different mood, including adventurous, harmonious and frisky. If you haven't seen their windows, they are truly amazing. The level of detail and all the elements in such a small box is mind-blowing, as they have made all these items. The longer you stand there, you notice more and more little surprises. They have returned to their usual maximalism windows, which is their trademark. These windows are generally worked on starting in February and take about the whole year to complete. My visual nerd self just goes nuts over this place. And the inside was as magical as ever too, and I may have blown a little fortune on a pair of burgundy velvet pants. Wait till accountant sees that!!!!

A night view from Weehawken.