SPECIAL REPORT CHRISTMAS WINDOWS: NEW YORK
New York is undoubtedly the US’ Christmas capital! With its legendary tree and ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center, the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular and its numerous open-air holiday markets, New York knows how to set the scene when it comes to the festive season.
Part 2 of our annual special report on the world’s best Christmas windows see us head to the snowy big apple to explore the unmistakable displays in Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Bergdorf Goodman
This year the department store channels “Bergdorf Goodtimes” featuring a holiday themed fete with a twist. The windows are a celebration of all things festive, conceived by Senior Director of Visual Presentation, David Hoey, and more than 100 artisans worked on the special project. Each window features a distinctive colour palette ranging from neon explosions to subtle monochrome composition and even a glittering green forest. It’s all about high fantasy, dramatic surprises and compelling storytelling this Christmas. See how they were created in this fun video!
Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s wishes you an “Out Of This World Christmas” this year. The spaced themed windows are inspired by the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing and pay tribute to the excitement, romance and imagination of space travel. Iridescent and holographic materials feature heavily and create a festive cosmos which contrasts against the store’s famous art-deco awning. Keep an eye out for the futuristic Christmas tree which, over the course of 30 minutes, is decorated by 4 robotic arms.
Macy’s
In 2019, “Believe In Wonder” is the theme for Macy’s six store windows which follow the journey of a very special Santa Girl. Conceived by award-winner designer and national director of window presentation, Roya Sullivan, Santa Girl is joined in her adventures by Willow, the golden retriever. All of the windows feature interactive elements to join in holiday fun including helping Santa deliver presents, making Willow scratch her ear and even turning yourself into Santa thanks to a mechanical kaleidoscope.
Saks Fifth Avenues
The Fifth Avenue store partnered with Disney’s “Frozen 2” to deliver six magnificent windows linked together by magical illuminated trees with the kingdom of Arendelle projected onto the building’s facade. The star of the windows is Elsa as she learns to control her powers through the natural forces of wind, fire, water and earth, where she’s joined by fan favourites Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. The window display was unveiled with a performance by Queen Elsa herself, Idina Menzel, backed by a 50-person choir.
Fifth Avenue
With the aim of reinvigorating the iconic street, the Fifth Avenue Association hired designer Mark Briggs to create four special holiday windows in its vacant buildings. They represent the romance of the city in winter and capture New York’s festive spirit.
Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards will put on a festive light and music show called Lyra each evening leading up to holidays. With performances, kids’ activities and photo opportunities, shoppers can “Shine On” while visiting retailers including the 188,000 sq. ft. Neiman Marcus.
Stay tuned for Part 3 for the best of the best Christmas windows across Europe!
