THE BERGDORF SOIREE

While I didn't get to see the legendary windows of Bergdorf Goodman in person yet, my blog in the field correspondent Mistress Maddie's # 1 Fan left Brooklyn with another clan member and sent some snaps. I will be heading to New York for a two-day visit at weeks end for a jolly, and I'm told some of the best cream of potatoes soup I'll ever eat.

While I don't have a fortune, I love me some Bergdorf Goodman.  I think everything I ever got there, I still have. The store itself is an extraordinary array of luxury brands from the trendy but also caters to the timeless classics. The store itself is absolutely stunning, a marvel, and caters to discerning shoppers who value quality over quantity. The store's ambiance and their exceptional customer service is unappareled to any other I have experienced. This year's windows titled, The Bergdorf Soiree, which celebrates New York's party scene, (something I was familiar with)...the windows are elaborate, handcrafted displays showcasing couture, creativity and glamour, and feature the likes of Costume Party, Party Animals, and New Year's Eve Countdown. The women's windows appear to be colorful and decadent, while the men's store windows are sophisticated monochromatic scenes. They are yet again the toast of town. I have had friend's past and present on the windows team. As always, each window offers much detail, from small 2" mice to large pieces and so many intricate details, dimensions and objects, yet appears seamless. But first hand knowledge from friends says it's still the same, a year of planning, around 6,500 hours of creating and another 2,000 to install. But it why us visual display people love doing it and sadly another dying art.

And the fun men's shop windows...

Special thanks to my field support for the pictures!

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.