NYC Blog: Men's Fashion, Retail and Visual Merchandising | The Bespoken: For Gentlemen

Do You See What I See? (part one of two)

“Said the night wind to the little lamb, “Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see? A star, a star, dancing in the night, with a tail as big as a kite, with a tail as big as a kite.” Unknown, hymn

Do you see what I see? New York City is an international city, a world capitol; where retailer’s windows are like eyes, giving us insights into what going on in the world. What insights do they reveal? I’ve pooled from my collection of about 500 photos of holiday windows, selecting some of the best holiday windows that span a broad spectrum of retailers from ABC Carpet to Zara. I’ve isolated a few trends, and will even venture to make a few assessments. Do you see what I see?

Riddled repetitively throughout many windows you will see is the broad use of paper as an affordable decorative material, in the form of paper Mache, filigreed lace-like panels, cardboard standees etc…the importance of reflective surfaces like mirror and Mylar used to create activity, capture movement and light and suggest activity, It suggests a festive atmosphere, along those same lines are numerous partnerships with Swarovski Crystals to create a glitzy glamorous feel to product that may be relatively moderate in price point and mainstream in appearance, horse motifs, snowflakes galore, images and references to the emerging trend of “Steampunk”, the continual use of oversize graphics, mostly of disembodied faces of attractive people, set against headless mannequins to humanize the stock  poses, and a kind of visual collage, disparate elements that come together to create a story.

ABC Home And Carpet: White Collage, Paulette Cole, CEO and Creative Director,  takes a supreme leap and goes way out on a limb with here all white windows, each and everyone. What she does very well is subtly include a little bit of color into each window, a little turquoise, a little silver, and a little umber. Each window is deftly introduced with a great sensitivity to texture, each window is feathery, crackled, gnarled, slick, or powdery but deeply tactical. Each window includes references to different styles, post-modern, Indian, Victorian or Techno. Each window contains furniture, architectural elements and decoratives. Each window has an unexpected twist, a pup fiction book, a test tube, or a flower made out of Bakelite buttons. You walk by one window and say to yourself that is so pretty, I want that, then you walk by the next window and say, no, this is really so clever and smart, I want that. Its finely executed. ABC always does a great presentation.

 
 
Barney’s NY:SNL Turns 35, it would be difficult to debate the merits of a window display with Simon Doonan, but in this instance I might. While I’ve loved Saturday Night Live since it premiered in 1976, I’m not sold on these windows. SNL is not really that hip lately, it’s sort of in a downward cycle, which like Visual Merchandising has its ups and downs. For me, SNL was an odd choice, despite its 35^thanniversary. Barneys did create fun child like paper mache caricatures which are executed very well, but there is no fashion, no real sense of the holidays. Despite my ambivalence, Mr. Doonon, I still worship you!

 
 

Benetton:Oh! Tannenbaum, Benetton creates a ball gown out of real fir branches, white ornaments and (gasp) spray on snow, granted the chicken coop wire pokes out now and then, but overall it’s very magical, and makes the triangular shape of a Christmas tree into something very feminine, almost like an image out of a storybook. FYI: it’s against the law to have live Christmas greenery in stores due to the fire code, live greenery is incendiary, but my guess it’s that no one at Benetton was aware, and I guess Nicholas Scarpetta (NY Fire Commissioner) doesn’t shop at Benetton.

 

Bergdorf Goodman’s Men’s Store:Role Models, Visual Merchandising Director, Tom Petrovitch lucks out with the actual models from the recently released film “The Fabulous Mr. Fox” which is setting men’s fashion trends. Holiday time on Fifth Avenue is rife with miniatures, but none so finely executed as these. I could spend hours looking into the tiny nooks and crannies. I feel like Alice falling through the rabbit hole peering into this tiny strange little world. While the models are charming, Petrovitch has an immaculate eye for pulling smart clothing that supports the films retro-inspired look. If you’ve never been inside, please walk in. Bergdorf Goodman’s Men’s is one of the world’s top menswear retailers.

 

Bergdorf Goodman’s:A Comprehension of Curiosities, aptly named, and as always brilliantly executed, David Hoey, Window Director, sets the standard for great Visual Merchandising. These windows have won several awards and are the talk of the town. I was on the panel for DDI’s (Display & Design Ideas Magazine) Holiday Window Contest, which gave it top honors! Customers stop and gaze, and even jaded critics who have had the opportunity to walk by Fifth and 57^th are enamored. These windows are artistic achievements. I just can’t say enough about how great they are I’ll let the images speak for themselves.

 
  
 

  
  

Bloomingdales:Dreaming of Gummi Bears and other Hero’s. Visual Merchandiser, Harry Medina, has the formidable task of installing the windows at one of NY City’s top 10 tourist destinations…Bloomingdales. While the main windows were devoted to the theme of great couples, Batman & Robin, salt & pepper and Barack and Michele Obama, I was especially taken aback by a side window where a sleeping child rests in the lap of a giant Gummi Bear. There was an unexpected warmth and comfort which was just lovely. This particular Gummi Bear was doused in a generous bath of brilliantine sparkles, while Gummi Bears dance in the background. Certainly today’s children wouldn’t fritter their time on dreaming of sugar plum fairies, but Gummi Bears are another story altogether.

 

 

  

Burberry:Has the Balls! The new Burberry Brit Store on Madison Avenue didn’t open to much fanfare or acclaim, but the fashion is splendid. Burberry embossed and filigreed its signature plaid on these over-sized red and silver balls. I wish they sold sets for the tree, as I’d love to have a Burberry ornament hanging on my tree. 

Calvin Klein: Smoking Space Dust, always intellectually challenging Calvin Klein created two intriguing windows, one featuring a gossamer silver sheath suspended on a padded rod and hanging over a floor of black sparkly moon dust. I guess if you’re engaged in interplanetary travel it’s the kind of thing you’d wear. In the opposite window, was an actual NASA space suit rotating mid-air against an illuminated constellation. The reflection from the street almost makes it look like the astronaut suit is spinning on Madison Avenue, alas, its not, its part of a high concept art installation that the store is holding.

 
 
Container Store: “Repetition With Variation” is a reply presumably uttered by Vincent van Gogh to his colleague Gauguin, when Gauguin asked how Vincent created his signature brush strokes. The Container Store certainly does not aspire to fine art, but does create repetitive window displays with slight variations in each window. It’s organized with the obsessiveness that we’d expect from Martha Stewart, but it’s bright and colorful, and conveys the message that you can store your things in containers as beautifully as the items are themselves. Kudos for making gift wrap almost stylish, Brian Morrison and Peggy Dougherty the Visual team did an admirable job. My gift wrap is not treated with so much respect at home.

 

Daffy’s: Serious Purple, Daffy’s the discount store (aka bargains for millionaires) takes the standard red and white candy cane stripe and recreates it in a purple and white. This serious male in the shiny dress jacket with hand picked lapel and purple V Neck sweater is sneering like the Emperor Napoleon when he walked into the grand ballroom and smelled cauliflower boiling. Still, the jacket was reduced from 265.00 to 69.00 dollars, making up for any transgressions.

 

Donna Karan:Paper Roses, Like Your Imitation Love For Me, paper, paper, paper, it’s everywhere, including Donna Karan on Madison Avenue (uptown). They’re beautifully produced; the floral pint dresses are apropos, but hardly holiday in spirit. Like the song says, it’s “Oh how real those roses seem to be! But they're only imitation, like your imitation love for me.”I cannot fault Karan who is Barbra Streisand's best friend, the best draper in the industry! There was too much display, and not enough product for my taste, still it’s a perfectly beautiful window and I’m all for just being pretty.

 

Elie Tahari: Golden Sunshine, like their collection, minimalist, architectural and astute, referencing the sun and mirrored surfaces, this window seems more spring than winter. It’s clean, and confidant. Maybe no one sent Elie a Christmas card.

 

Esprit:Aslan and Unicorn Escape from Narnia, the curse of CS Lewis’ Narnia is “that it’s always winter, but never Christmas” The literary reference at Esprit surprised me although I wonder if the average customer even gets it. The Narnia Chronicles was one of my favorite series of books as a child, so I was all on board. The graphics almost capture the beauty of the White Witch, Aslan the Lion King and the unicorn, which is so hallowed in Narnia that not even kings would dare ride it. The headless mannequins and flannel clothing are seasonal,  but not even close to the magical place that seems to have inspired these windows, A for effort, but C for content.

  

Etro:Silhouetted Stead and Stud, more paper filigreed includes a profile of a horse and the fashionably attired equine Etro mannequin. Etro has great looking male mannequins that always dress beautifully. The clothing is flawless; the visual elements add interest, but do not overwhelm. Now I only wish I could afford to step into the store.

 

Ferregamo:Wedgies, (on the company’s side windows) again reflective surfaces included a patinated blue mirrored tile and the iconic rainbow wedgies, a Ferregamo classic. So classic the shoes are elevated sculpture and better placed on a display shelf for viewing. A book was written about these shoes they are so important. The idea that anyone would actually place Ferregamoed foot to pavement seems wasteful. Holiday it’s not, but still worth a gander.

 

Going Out Of Business:Horse Play, these “Going Out of Business!” stores have been going out of business for 50 years now, still tourists, out of towner's and other schnooks take the bait and will pick up a piece of Capodiomonte, Galle glass or maybe a piece of Lladro to bring home. Horse motifs seem evident on the street. While I have no use for a two ton bronze sculpture, nor a McMansion to properly house it. I did appreciate the faux jade flowering tree placed serendipitously behind these horses playing with one another. It’s an accidental collage.

 

Henri Bendel:All That Glitters, its difficult to do a fashion window when your company no longer sells clothing. What do you do with a mannequin? If you are Henri Bendel, you pull out all the stops, and partner with Swarovski Crystals and decoupage every mannequin and surface in sight in your iconic brown stripe and logo. You incorporate glittery holiday accessories and create kind of magical world where everything is bejeweled. Kudos to Jodi Mellman, who accomplishes a lot with little to go on.

  

Hermes:Maps, paper again is the central element in Hermes holiday windows, while not really holiday, they are fanciful, and suggests that there is a kind of childlike wonder in the product. The paper mache elements have a naiveté or juvenile spirit and mixed with a Rube Goldberg kind of mechanical contraptions are a nice diversion to look at. Hermes usually is classic, traditional and sort of safe, so I was delighted to see them incorporate a little humor and something unexpected.  

  

Hollister: A Blind Eye, coming soon to 5^thAvenue is this lower end wing of Abercrombie & Fitch, which is located just a block away. A few years ago when the economy was expanding it would be impossible for this kind of retailer to open up a store on tony Fifth Avenue, the rents were prohibitive. Alas today,  stores like the Gap, H & M, Zara and even tourist traps like Souvenirs ‘R Us are now firmly ensconced where Rolex and Fortunoff used to be our anchors. Granted, this surfer blond is awful cute but I wonder if he’s trying to black his eye before Armani or Hilfiger does.  

 

   

Hugo Boss:Fairies and Flowers, Visual Director, Lisa Chamberlain installed these teacup sized fairies and flowers all over the words “OH OH HO HO HOLIDAYS” in what is now the new Hugo Boss flagship in the Meat Packing District. I loved the recycled tin lettering that I presumed once belonged to some outdoor signing, to me that’s very 14^thStreet. That being said the window is distinctly feminine in appearance, which was confusing for me as I always think of Hugo Boss as being primarily a men’s store that sells some women’s clothing. It was cute, but didn’t read holiday, the florals were so bright and colorful that I was thinking this really should be their spring program.

 
 
Please return soon for part two

With so many retailers, and so much great work, please look in my Holiday photo album for additional images of these great stores, and plenty of other stores that I just didn't have had the opportunity to single out.

The New Truth

The mainstream still tends to dismiss the internet as a credible resource, and as a haven of true intellectual debate or discussion. Granted, Perez Hilton is not likely to win a Pulitzer, but many sites go far to help quell the skeptics and create a new truth, and reveal greater truths about every subject under the sun including, retail and design.

Back in the good old (pre-technology) days it used to be that intellectual life in America was traditionally the property of academics, and august publishing houses. Writers with advanced college degrees, and an “in”, or social entre into the exclusive world of publishing, were paid to research and write on topics that were deemed mutually interesting to both parties. Since the days of the free press (Guttenberg) it has been presumed that intellectual debate was the bailiwick of a small number of people who would do the serious thinking for everybody else, what the mighty and powerful “Wizard of Oz” characterized as “Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth, or slinks through slimy seas has a brain. Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning, where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thought, and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you haven't got: a diploma.” These “experts” had the access to research facilities, and library collections to assist them with supporting their hypothesis, whatever it might be. Their work was cited, scrutinized and placed up to the magnifying glass’ rigors of examination. There was a given set of criteria in which to “judge” work, set firmly in stone. Publishers worked within a tight circle of colleagues who published the writers/experts product, which confirmed the publisher’s view of the world, or at least would help generate money (from advertising) for the publisher. It was an altogether working paradigm.

Ah, but things change, even the Roman Empire declined. Granted, the Romans built roads that bridged the world, creating the possibility for travel and exchange of product previously unknown to mankind. Many of those roads still stand today. Today’s internet has created another kind of path, which access’ information previously unimagined by the best scholar in days of yore. According to Pew Internet and American Life, in 2004, there were already close to three million blogs on the  internet, mostly written by ”average” people, i.e. anyone, people like you and I, degree not withstanding. The medium may not the message after all. Case in point, it would not be unusual for more people to go to www.wikipedia.com on any given day than would go to any paper source in the course of a year for the same information. Bloggers cover the same topics and fields of interest that once belonged solely to former writer/expert. Today’s paradigm elevates anyone with the ability to type to that of “critic”, or “social historian”. The torch has been passed (not is…has) to a new group of individuals with a broader and less specific agenda, driven by a new set of criteria which includes immediacy, instinct and insight. Today’s blogger write (for the vast majority) without remuneration, and from passion and enthusiasm for the topic. Capitalism has not played a predominate role in what we read on the Internet. There is free debate, and work is judged on uniqueness, its ability to engage and to inform. The internet has replaced the library and museum. Those days are receding. We now go to the internet to deliver the message.

So the next time you quote the internet and someone makes a face, or you conduct research for a project and someone tells you that the internet is not a “reliable” source, place their mind at rest and let them know that the new truth rests in information drawn from a broader scope of knowledge, and a greater range of information. Remember you read this on www.thebespokenfor.net first!

Not In My Backyard

I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Two blocks off of Central Park, three blocks off of Riverside Park. The Upper West Side has long been the bastion of the upper-middle class, yuppies, left-wing radicals, intellectuals and therapy-practicing New Yorkers. It is a neighborhood filled with Glatt Kosher Pizza, and even Glatt Kosher Chinese takeout. It’s the neighborhood where Edgar Allen Poe wrote “The Raven,” when he lived on West 84th Street in an old dilapidated farmhouse. Add to the mix an amalgam of the long-entrenched Latino community, Section 8 projects, SROs, hostels for European tourists, and even the “Days Inn”,(a budget hotel) where Governor Patterson brought his mistress. Yes, I fit in just like a glove. We have Starbucks galore, Dunkin' Donuts, Duane Reade, Rite Aid, and so many banks that Ben Bernanke couldn’t decide what ATM to use first. It’s just a slice of paradise.

Well, you hear stories of those snooty neighborhoods where “decent” families don’t want sex clubs, electric towers, homeless shelters or sanitation plants, and you think, “Who do they think they are?” Yesterday the craft paper came down from the building across the street (from my part-time doorman building), which has been vacant for ages, and what is going to be there (gasp!)--a blue tongued Slurpee emporium, also known as 7-Eleven. Not in my backyard! I admit it! I am a snob. I think 7-Eleven is great if you live near the interstate or off of an exit on the freeway, but not on Amsterdam Avenue.

Granted, 7-Eleven has made some concessions, the façade is being clad in white marble tile, and I noted that the ceilings have been trimmed with a faux dentil crown molding as thick and obvious as the molding on the Emery Roth landmarked “Westwind” building catty corner from the new 7-Eleven. Other unexpected flourishes include enhanced lighting (not your standard fluorescent and neon) and better flooring, i.e., not gray linoleum. I’m not impressed. I can already see the “Little Debbie” cake displays artfully framing the auto and adult magazine racks.

7-Eleven is planning on opening up 100 stores in the next five years in Manhattan, either by executing new leases or through its business conversion program. The company is looking for sites from 1,700 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft., in high foot-traffic locations that allow for 24-hour operation.

Gone is “Little Extras,” a charming children’s clothing and toy store that was in the same spot for over 25 years. If I open my kitchen window and smell chili dogs I’m going to take matters into my own hands and secure the next lease opposite Mike Bloomberg’s home on East 79th Street (between Madison and Fifth).

Okay, to be fair and balanced, I did visit the company website www.7-eleven.com and did find their “Fun Facts” page very informative and impressive, but I miss my independent retailers and family-owned businesses. When will America get wise? Coke or Pepsi is not a choice!

Courtesy of www.retaildesigndiva.com where it appeared on December 17, 2009

 

What I Don't Want For Christmas

Yes, I know all the words to the 12 Days of Christmas, but there's little on that that I really want, maybe five golden rings, but frankly, that's a little ostentatious. Maybe 10 lords a leaping...providing they all looked like Sam Champion, Vin Diesel, Aaron Eckhart, Anderson Cooper, Chris Pixley, David Beckham, Tom Jane, Robert Pattinson, Hugh Jackman, and Brad Pitt. Unfortunately, my luck, I'd wind up with eight maids a milking.

That being said, I pride myself on my clever gift choices for others, never count on me for a gift card, scarf or anything so mundane as reindeer sweater or snow globe. If you are fretting over what to get me, here's what I don't want for Christmas,

Men's Underwear Repair Kit, $9.95 from www.stupid.com

Linus had his security blanket, so its no wonder that men in general hold on to the underwear until its so threadbare that the a loin cloth would be more hygienic. If you have a boyfriend or husband who fits that description then you might want to place this in his stocking. The Men's Underwear Repair Kit, which comes with a thread and needle, iron on patches (very Walton's) safety pins, and a roll of duct tape. The kit even comes with a 32-page manual for guys who like reading car manuals. PS: the kit also comes with a bottle of white out...I shudder at the thought!

Golf Ball Life Vest, $7.49 from www.s

tupid.com

Fore! Unfortunately, Tiger Woods wasn't wearing this item when his car crashed. It's an inflatable Golf Ball Life Vest. No, you don't actually wear it, it's really for golf balls headed for the water traps so that it floats to the surface. Granted it isn't approved by the PGA’s strict rules and guidelines. The only drawback, you have to put the jacket on the ball before you swing, but if you're that sure you're about to send your brand-new Titleist into a fish-filled abyss, maybe it's time to reconsider the swing your nine iron anyway. If those Nike endorsements dry up, maybe Tiger can consider being a spokesperson for this product!

Designer Mousetraps, from $3 to $13.50 from www.

mousesnaps.com

Eeek a mouse! Well, I might not be completely turned off by this one. Luckily, I've never seen a rodent in my building, but for those of you sick of looking at unattractive mousetraps purchased at your local hardware stores maybe a "Mousesnaps" with its clever hand-painted designs will take some of the "ick factor" out of catching those wily rodents. Anyway, I love good design! You can order holiday-themed traps, playing card traps and floral-patterned traps. Remember, they can also be used as Christmas ornaments! Cheese cubes are not included!

Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt, $29.99 on www.t

hinkgeek.com

If you have a boyfriend who plays air guitar or Guitar Hero ‘till you can take it no more, maybe you can cure them with a tee shirt with a built in guitar. The tee shirt comes with two magnetic picks, a miniature amplifier and a volume knob. Naturally, the four AAA batteries are not included. If he gets good, maybe you can become a groupie, or tell him to take it on the road. Granted, Bruce Springsteen did not start off this way, but it might be cute playing "Stairway To Heaven" on your boyfriends chest. The sounds were recorded from an actual electric guitar, and it's easy to play because each button corresponds to a major chord. For those of you who really get good, ThinkGeek is joining up with Neversoft, the developer of Guitar Hero to find the "baddest" Tee shirt guitar rocker around. You can upload a video of yourself rocking out on the shirt to YouTube until January 15 to enter the contest. First, second, and third place winners will receive gift certificates to ThinkGeek, and the winning video will be featured on the site's home page. Rock on!

Dress for Dinner Necktie Napkins, $6.49 from www.s

tupid.com

If you're too classy for a musical tee shirt, but are slobs, you can still accessorize your nicest suit with the Dress For Dinner Necktie Napkin, a "high-quality paper napkin" with four different necktie designs, to coordinate with your suits. Each package comes with 20 napkins, which range from blue polka dots to classic black. Or, as the website recommends, you can wear whichever option most closely resembles the food you're eating, to minimize the appearance of spills. The next time I go to the Spagettitorioum, I'm grabbing the red-striped tie for my companion. He slurps like Tramp from "The Lady and The Tramp" Trust me it's not romantic!

Dog DNA Testing Kit, On Sale for $99.95 from www.

dog-dna.com

 

In an era when mixed-breed dogs have evolved from "mutts" into posh "hybrids" with adorable names like Puggle, Cockapoo or Labradoodle, knowing your dog's heritage is more important than ever. After all we all want to impress our neighbors at the dog walk. Who knows Paris Hilton only thinks Tinkerbell is a full breed Chihuahua. So what better gift to buy your favorite dog lover than the Dog DNA Testing Kit, which can identify more than 100 potential hybrid breeds? You'll receive a nylon cheek swab brush to collect a sample from your pooches mouth (thankfully, no blood samples are necessary,) and a tube to submit the specimen. Once you submit the sample, wait four to six weeks, and you'll receive an official certificate that includes your dog's genetic makeup, as well as a picture! Don't worry we won't tell him he's adopted.

Knife and Fork Lift, $24.95 a set from www.k

nifeandforklift.com

Do you overeat during the holidays; don't have time to get to the gym until January 2nd? With the Knife and Fork Lift, that's no longer a problem! These industrial-sized utensils are attached to 1.5-pound weights, to remind people to watch what they eat. By lifting these heavy utensils, even a dumbbell gets the message that what you eat puts weight on, according to the product's Website. And for those of you who were planning to switch to foods that only require a spoon, the jokes on you the company also manufactures spoons too. They've also considered adding chopsticks to the lineup" now that's just sick!

Swine Flu Plush Microbe, $7.99 from www.t

hinkgeek.com

If the Zhu-zhu is out of stock at your local toy store, maybe this will become this decades "Pet Rock" While most people are trying to avoid the Swine Flu this winter, why not give it to someone you don't like! A new addition to ThinkGeek's plush microbe line, which already includes stuffed versions of the mononucleosis (kissing disease), chicken pox and malaria, the company has enlarged the H1N1 specimen 1,000,000 times, transforming it into an "infectiously cute" cuddly plush toy, according to their website. An informational card, as well as a picture, also accompanies each microbe, making the product both educational and fun. And while you're at it, why don’t you pick up a flesh-eating disease or like mange, for that re-gifter that gave you a Chia Pet last year.

Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap, $6.99 for (one bar) from www.t

hinkgeek.com

Tired of spending 5.00 on an espresso latte? you get the jitters before the coffee pot percolates? Can't wait until you're out of the shower to enjoy a hot cup of coffee? Them have I got the stocking stuffer for you, the Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap, a bar of peppermint-scented soap infused with 200 milligrams of caffeine that is released each time you bathe, because caffeine can be absorbed through the skin, this novelty item will give your day the immediate kick it needs, without requiring you to bring your coffee cup into the tub. And with each 4-ounce bar of soap good for 12 showers, it's a much cheaper way to feed your caffeine addiction than waiting in line at Starbucks. There's here's also a more feminine option for women, the Shower Shock Body Wash, for only $12.99. And benefit who can kiss your loved one without the drag of coffee breath!

Blacksocks Subscription, $89 a year from www.b

lacksocks.com

 

I already have a subscription to Martha Stewart Living, but here's a subscription that might do in a pinch if I wasn't already laden with socks. How many times have you gone to grab your favorite pair of socks from the dryer, only to discover a lone, orphaned stocking? Now, you can order a sockscription through Blacksocks, a company that mails you three pairs of socks every four months to ensure your supply never runs thin. Laugh if you want, but Blacksocks has sold more than 1 million pairs of socks in 74 countries. The socks are made in Northern Italy, with the "highest quality yarns with long fibers that pill less and are more durable," according to the company. Sockscribers can choose from calf, knee and cashmere silk socks. The company also manufactures tee shirts via subscription.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This Year’s Mannequin: Are Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up? (part four of four)

Now on the flip side…Not all is great in Glocca-morra.

Make of it what you will, for me it was not a great experience at Lifestyle/Trimco, which has a “NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED” policy. I did manage to get one photo from Lifestyle/Trimco before a gentleman, well, lets be real, lets just say a man waved his finger in directly in my face and told me that I couldn’t take photos, and he would appreciate it if I leave the premises. (Insert intimidating hostile voice.) I understand that there are industrial spies, but sincerely. espionage was never my game; I’m more of a “Trivial Pursuit” kind of guy. Rest assured, I had given my business card, indicating I was a College Professor, and my business card indicating that I had my own website. I had mentioned that I was there to help promote good work, and possibly post something nice on my site, but it was to no avail. I even mentioned that I knew the company’s Creative Director, Sal Lenzo from the days when he worked at Burberry’s. Anyway, like Madame Chiang Kai-shek I was escorted to the door. Did I mention it was raining that morning…my luck! I beseeched them, and anyone who knows me, knows I’m a great beseecher. Well, my horoscope said it was going to be an off day. Still, I welcome you to visit...www.lifestylevisuals.com

Mondo Mannequins/Selloutions by Econoco

I presumed that my visit to Mondo would be better. I know the company well, was associated with them from several prior positions, know the principals, and office staff, and are fond of several key employees. In fact, I was treated nicer, offered a pink cupcake and glass of wine, (not a combination I have an affinity for, but was informed that they too have a “NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED” policy. I wish I had images to share, but I elected to be a good little solder. It’s a shame really as there was great product that I’d love to share with you. It pains me to tell you, but Mondo had one of the best male mannequins I’ve ever seen, it’s an older man, almost life like, with a weathered face, handsome, with character lines, as sexy and smart as can be. Alas, bereft, all I can do give you a pen and ink sketch. But I would urge you to invest a few moments to see a collection called "Tomane) (not to be confused with tomain poising) It's a great male collection. Mondo reps for Euro Displays and I believe it’s a part of one of their collections. That’s all I know. www.mondomannequins.com

Rest assured both companies were handing out catalogs and collateral, both companies have a detailed website with product images, both advertise, and certainly promote itself. In this digital age, where Creative Directors, and even Ashton Kutcher use their camera’s and phones to instantaneously record the world and to better communicate. I was surprised with this antediluvian policy. Lest I cast stones, historically, albeit not presently, both companies do have a history of ripping off other peoples work, and other companies customers by underselling their colleagues which struck me as hypocritical, (but I guess it's the American way) especially in light that every other company involved in the NADI Show encouraged guest to take photos.

While I wouldn’t characterize my past as checkered, I elected not to go to Goldsmith/Fusion/Windows or RHO, two perfectly popular and perennial showrooms where there is always great work. Both are companies with an august history. and talented and creative staff, have lots to see. They are certainly worth a look. Suffice it to say that my presence would only make it uncomfortable for certain people there. As a gentleman, I really don’t kiss and tell, and let’s just say that like an old boyfriend or ex-husband, I hold no animosity, and wish them well. As Ms. Tiger Woods says… “No comment at this time”. www.goldsmith-inc.com and www.rho.ca

There were conspicuous absences from the NADI show, most notably Ralph Pucci, who’s recent book “Show” is a must read! Pucci sets standards, and was grandly missed, although I understand that they were entertaining privately. If you do not know their work, on bended knee I ask you to visit www.ralphpucci.net

My assessment is just one man’s opinion, it is not gospel. I hope you will visit all these companies online and judge for yourself how much great product is out there. I hope I’ve introduced you to a few great resources and as always eager to here from you gentle readers.

Please vist my NADI  Photo Album for other images that I simply did not have space for.

This Year’s Mannequin: Are Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up? (part three of four)

Patina-V With what was a too small showroom for all the product shown, a serious detriment to viewing their product, never the less, good work, Patina-V seemed to generate a great deal of excitement, introducing mannequins in exercise and dance poses, athletic, toned and graceful. If that seems an odd choice please note that “Dancing With The Stars” is one of America’s top rated TV shows. Dressed in bleached out jeans and shown shirtless, if I was Bruno Tonoli I give them a 10 and growl like a panther (or is it a manther?) The arms on the male mannequins were so extended that hands close up looked like claws, and were inviting you to do a Pasodoble.

     
 
Other male mannequins were detached like a gigolo, come-hither, ponderous, and seeming to survey the humans with disdain. That might sound like a turn off, but they were presented as part of a story, interacting with the females, creating solos, duets and odd triads. Just the kind of collection that makes an ordinary window a potential standout. Again with sensitive European sculpting American firms look like old fogies when compared to our overseas cousins. www.patinav.com

 

   

  

   

 
Universal Display and Design has undergone significant changes this year. Only recently Anthony Lombardi, formerly of DK Display, formerly of Saks, was brought in as its new Creative Director. Bill Conklin, formerly of Patina-V, formerly of Goldsmith was brought on as Sales Director. (Two nicer people would be had to find in this industry. Trust me, I’ve looked!) Between the two of them, and with less than a few months, have recreated the sartorial point of view of the company. Kudos! This is an accomplishment that deserves attention.

 

My photos only are evidentiary, a kind of forensic to help tell the story, but unlike every other showroom (the vast majority with their standard titanium white eggshell walls) was painted in a rich impressionistic blue. Brilliant! A real color. An actual choice. Universal gets an A for making an artistic statement, also known as a decision, and standing by it, and a relatively daring choice in our world of cowardly vanilla. Blue can be a difficult color, it’s complicated, but a color when understood, and chosen correctly that Monet valued for its sereneness and depth. The Universal Showroom blue is a warm blue that was further enriched by generous amber lighting. A blue that grounded the second floor showroom, and was watery and warm as lilies in Giverny. (I might repaint my bedroom that color!)

 

To temper the femininity of the blue, rough hewn jute cord with its fibrous fly away strands were meticulously strung like harp strings from floor to ceiling creating demi-walls and backdrops. (I once read an article in that old “Flair” magazine about two bachelors in Greenwich Village who did the same thing in their studio apartment. What can I say, it‘s a classic!) It’s a great example of what can be achieved with a minimal budget, and a bit of creativity. It looked smart. I’m surprised that my favorite store, Anthropologie hasn’t done it yet. Creating more with less is a challenge that many Visual Merchandisers are trying to accomplish these economy angst ridden days. Universal pulled it off.

 

Getting down to brass tacks…the mannequins were shown in a nice mix of grey, natural (read: Caucasian) and gloss white finishes. Also present was a great collection of mannequins artfully collaged in inspired Chinese newsprint donning teeny weenie bikinis (very hip), and peppered into the amalgam were a few masculine wood tones with coordinating props. Oversize bowling pin props with their pear shaped derrieres were a covert contrast to the femenine hourglass shaped mannequins.

 

The fashion was all RTW, but a nice mix of optimistic colors with neon pops of color, and this year’s fashion trend, classic soft flannel plaids and tartans. One of Lombardi’s bailiwick at Saks was fashion merchandising, and clearly he still excels at it. The fashion  consisted of excitingly layered colors. He can shop for me anytime. I also appreciated the artful use of dramatic lighting befitting a broadway production. Alas, so many showrooms rely on hot white spots and merely call it a day. Universal used light and shadow to help tell a story. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I vividly recall when retailers like Bonwit Teller and B. Altman used to create intense psychological moods to enhance the garment through the use or lack of light. Lombardi and Conklin are too young to recall those retailers, still the showroom invokes the ghosts of Visual Merchandisers who used to labor or constructing lighting scemes.

 

Universal also introduced great mini-mannequins (just 95.00) which were perfect for caselines, counters and props and reminded me of Lester Gaba’s gorgeous 1930’s soap sculptures. (Sorry I didn’t get a great photo of Universal's, but you’ll go online to view them!) My only criiticism was that I wish more was made of them, but this is a needle in a hay stack.

While there was an array of mannequin styles running the gamut from abstract to hyper-realistic, unlike other showrooms that were overwhelming, and tended to appear like things were being thrown at you, there was no sense of schizophrenia, or chaos at Universal, the collection was presented cohesively, confidently and demonstrated how great a diversity of product could look in store. If you are in the New York area, I can only encourage you to visit. www.universaldisplay.co.uk 

  

Please return soon for my final installment

This Year’s Mannequin: Are Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up? (part two of four)

Bernstein Display/MC To me, Bernstein is one of those manufacturers that have had good years, and not so great years, still the arch of their history is remarkable with consistent and respectable work. Indeed, they are a “mainstay”.

 

This year I was introduced to Stephen Candelino, their Senior Account Executive. I don’t know Mr. Candelino, but was thoroughly charmed. He has a warm and affable manner that projects well for the company at this juncture. I presume he is new to the company. A company that I know fairly well, but again it’s just a presumption. Regardless, he was informative, followed through with our e-mail correspondences and engendered a genuine renewed good will for me in the company. (Note to company executives, give this young man a raise!)

 

Bernstein as always had a few great offerings. I was very enamored with some very sexy females in blunt haircuts and pouty lips that could pass for vamps, flappers, flower children or even sophisticated ladies out on the town. They are chameleons. An attribute for a retailer who needs a mannequin to be many different things. Unfortunately they were remanded to the back of the showroom, but well worth searching out if you visit (which I hope in all earnestness, you do). They had nice figures and were feminine, but strong. Shown in a grouping of two, they seemed emancipated, and I thought would make a terrific mannequin presentation for juniors or executive dressing. Head to head slightly craned, they seemed to be conspiring. 

   

Creating good male mannequins is especially difficult. Bernstein shied away from the standard uniform soldiers, males standing at attention like agents working at the DEA or on the Secret Service detail, their males were contrapposto, off the hip, relaxed, swaggering, preening, posturing, and totally male! Bernstein also had a get set of semi-abstracted mannequins in the front window, with the male mannequin with his arm draped over the shoulder of his female partner, which looked great from the front and equally great from behind. An attribute that distinguishes what great sculpting is about. In fact, they worked 360 degrees, and looked sublime every which way.

There was a very strong single male mannequin (part of the same collection) as you entered casually straddling the wall, he had a come hither pose, and seemed to exude a kind of cockiness that I found quite attractive. A great pose for a window presentation, especially if the mannequin had a garment with a nice sleeve or dramatic silhouette, as the right arm was outstretched to the wall, as if he was stopping you, daring you to penetrate his boundaries. If you have in the in the industry for any length of time you know a mannequin is designed well when you can toss on a white Henley and a pair of drab olive green cargo pants, and the mannequin still looks sexy. I won’t say I saw anyone touching his ass, but I’m certain it crossed a few minds. (Not mine!)

Bernstein also had great plexi props in bright colors with silhouettes of handbags and attaché cases. Perfect for a handbag or scarf presentation, and far more interesting that some dopey vase. With the importance of handbags and accessories in the marketplace today I thought it was an ingenious choice! Bernstein you are captured my attention. My eyes are peeled. www.bernsteindisplay.com

  

 

     
 

 
DK Display A company that I have mixed emotions about, but I won’t delve into my ambivalence, and tell you that DK has several great collections, male mannequins as cute as can be, great male wigs, which are a rarity.

 

Mannequins were presented with modern art, which was such a pleasure to see real paintings in a showroom. I wish retailers would invest in art. I remember when they used too. The paintings created a nice counterpoint.

 

The DK showroom also personifies great taste. The showroom is filled with decoratives and props that work in unison with the mannequin presentations or independently. DK as always reps for Schleppi, an important manafacturer that was barely present in the showroom. They also represent for the new John Nissen, a truly great mannequin manufacturer. One mannequin at DK is always a stand out, I’m not certain what collection he comes from, but has the deepest soulful eyes, and pouty lips that if DK placed him behind a counter in a kissing booth, I’m half certain the secretaries on 25^th Street would line up with their Starbucks money for a few smacks. www.dkdisplaycorp.com

 

Manex/France Display/Siegel & Stockman I must confide I have intimate working knowledge of this company, which may temper my view. So be it! One of my dearest friends works for the company, Ms. Kathy Flannagan and if you ever need to rent a form, please call her!. I know, albeit not well, the CEO, Philippe and as always was happy to run into Representative Lucia Luis at the showroom. I have a background working in dressmaker forms and love a great fabricated torso, of which Manex produces many. This year there was a small sampling in a Union Jack flag motif with a mod herringbone print reminiscent of Carnaby Street, and the 1960’s. Hello!

   
 
There was the company’s classic vintage line. The company is over a century old, a French firm, with a factory in Sunset Park Brooklyn, and has a superior line of classic vintage males and females that are authentic 1930’s to 1950’s in look, and always fun when dressed in vintage, but remember that Mad Men is also vintage, and strangely contemporary, hence its frequent forays into Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers windows this year. A reproduction vintage mannequin, or form in this years revivalist suits goes along way. Even a vintage female in one of January Jones’ party dresses would be a refreshing change from the uniform white headless mannequins that we are acclimated to seeing.

 
 
One note of interest is that Manex is repping for Hans Boodt, while only two mannequins were included in this years showroom, it was a romantic couple in a close embrace. It’s a nice grouping that was distinctive, and made you stop to ponder. While intimately close, they were not sexualized, or groping, they seemed protective, cute, and cuddly. Mannequins in love? I’d place that in my window…if I had one!

 

Manex, which is an amalgam of several companies, showed their Siegel and Stockman line in a temporary showroom off site from their regular showroom, was this a great strategy? I’m not certain, but they did have adorable half scale mannequins in bright colors and perfect for accessories, as decorative, or props. They were abstracted, stylized and almost Art Deco inspired. I thought they were a refreshing option. I wish that there were more of them.

    
 
My only criticism of Manex is that they hide their light under a bushel, there’s not enough fashion or visual excitement to exploit what could be a superior showroom. www.manex-usa.com

  
  

Please return soon for part three

This Year’s Mannequin: Are Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up? (Part one of four)

Each year the National Association of Display Industries (NADI) www.nadi-global.com holds an annual event in New York City during the first week of December where mannequin, fixture, decorative & props and holiday trim manufacturers open up their showroom doors to the public to share their newest lines and best product. They lavish great attention to make their Chelsea showrooms as attractive as possible. Discriminating retailers and fussy Visual Display Directors from around the tri-state area, the country and the world come in to participate in the festivities. In addition to seeing many manufacture’s work in one fell swoop, there are cocktail parties galore, (hypothesis: the more you drink, the better my showroom looks) the dry white wine and micro-waved hor d’ouvres flow, there are ample opportunities to “network”, conferences on the state of the industry are held, industry leaders present lectures on trends, nail biting holiday window contests are held, and a dressy gala sponsored by (PAVE) www.paveinfo.org on Friday night is to held at The Metropolitan Pavilion to cap off the three day event. All in all, it’s quite a “to do”.

That being said, this year thirty companies participated. Not a bad number by any stretch of the imagination, except, “If you are as old as I am my dear, and I hope that you never are!” Stephen Schwartz, from “Pippin”, you will recall the glamour ridden days of the 1980’s when hundreds of companies participated, so many vendors, that Pier 42 and 41 were filled to the rafters with manufacture’s vying for your dollars. What happened in the last 25 years? In one word…CHINA. While many manufactures made tiny fortunes producing overseas, the consequence was that the industry sort of imploded, instead of a broad diversity of idiosyncratic product, the mannequin industry moved towards high volume, low cost generic product, I.e.: sameness. Now many companies in order to merely survive have merged into hybrids where several companies co-exist, and even rep for overseas entities. At the risk of sounding nostalgic, I long for the days of Provost Displays, DG Williams, De Stephano, Wolf & Vine and even L.A. Darling, but then again I miss the horse and carriages and Croton Reservoir on 42^nd Street.

A few general observations concerning trends, this year I noted that many showrooms were showing poses far more active mannequins, many striding, walking, turning, moving, reaching out, reaching up, in short, lively. Another demi-trend…mannequins that were embracing, arm over arm, affectionate and familiar with one another. I thought they were sweet, romantic, and with two guys sort of “buddy-buddy”. A nice trend for a young men‘s department! I also noted that as per usual a predictable preponderance of all white tableaus, and black and white tableaus, so perfunctory as to say, I’m too frightened or busy to come up with and idea. Adding to that mix I did notice a wealth of neutral grey mannequins, leaden, techno, cement and concrete colored throughout the showrooms as a color option. I guess if you can’t make a choice it’s okay, but with “Bye, Bye, Birdie” back on Broadway I hope that like the economy, those “Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up” Mannequins as robots are all dull as dishwater.

Lest I be called a curmudgeon (a role I aspire to) here are a few showrooms that I visited and a synopsis of what you missed. I’m illustrating my review with my own photographs, but invite you to visit each company’s website for further elucidation.

In almost alphabetical order…

ADCO GROUP WORLD is a company I am very proud of, and if they are under your radar, you need to fly lower. I was introduced to them a few years ago shortly after they were trying to break into the American market. They are a Canadian manufacturer. Their US Sales Director, Antonino Libasci is a treasure, and unlike many Sales Directors, he’s a bonified human being, as opposed to the prevalence of Sales Directors that I swear are escapee replicants from “Blade Runner”. That being said, each and every year the company expands its line, grows in sophistication, and offers something that is a surprise. They grow better and stronger each year. Note to the industry…watch out, I smell a winner! It’s one of the few companies where some mannequin collections smile, and express joy. What a delight it would be to see that on your sales floor, as compared to the dour and haughty mannequins that are all too forbidding.

   

Amongst other things of note, the company introduced a new line called “Ophelia”. She’s very tall, sleek, serpentine and striding so far that she seems to be running across the aisle to pick up some cute dress on the other aisle that just went on sale. It’s just a beautifully executed collection.

   

I also loved the faux vintage head forms available in a few varieties, but artfully painted maintaining their vintage heritage; yet still retain a genuine contemporary feel. As soon as I saw them I thought these would be perfect in Bendel's, Bergdorf's, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, but then I said, no, these would work anywhere. Anyway, if ADCO ever did a TV commercial and needed a spokesperson, not only would I do it, but I’d do it for free. www.adco.ca

  
 

 
Adel Rootstein If I die today and go to heaven, (big if) at least I can say I saw this decades best mannequins, best lighting, best fashion design, best makeup, and best overall execution of a showroom ever. If Rootstein were a baseball team, they would be the Yankees, if they were a car, they would be a Rolls Royce, and they were caviar, they would be Beluga, but thankfully they have been, they are, and perhaps will always be the best mannequin manufacturer in the world. (Or maybe the universe. I can’t imagine that’s there’s anything better on Mars or Saturn). If you could take every other showroom and melt them down into one super showroom it would still pale in comparison to Rootstein. Directors, Michael Steward and Kevin Arpino consistently elevate craft to artistry. Perhaps it’s the high concept and unexpected presentation, like this year’s “American Indian” theme that catches us off guard. Granted, it’s not a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of the America Indian, downtown on Commerce Street nor is it meant to be. It’s the glamorized over the top American West, as (if they were alive) Vincent Minnelli would conceive and direct it, with costumes by Adrian, shot in Technicolor, choreography by Bob Fosse, makeup by Max Factor, and starring Johnny Deep, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and maybe Cher in a cameo.

 

If you’ve never fallen in love, you won’t get Rootstein, but they understand how to make a mannequin sexier than a real person. Fully dressed, they look naked. They appear to have a secret life. I’m certain that if I were to sneak into the showroom at 12:00 pm (the witching hour) they all come to life and engage in debauched abandonment. If I could be reincarnated into a Rootstein mannequin, I’d be perfectly fine.

 

Rootstein prides itself on creating poses that are dramatic, theatrical (not stock) they take you (the customer) on a magical journey by virtue of their body language. Not only are the mannequins sheer sculptural monuments, but every item of clothing and accessories on them is constructed, designed to fit with a manic obsessive attention to detail that the couturiers touch of Christian Dior would be envious. Rootstein understands that costume is character, even, the turquoise shredded leggings with feather tassels and pink beads on a comely young brave with war paint and glitter radiate a strange masculinity and seem like something you would want to wear out, (but where?) I’ve seen Rootstein mannequins dressed in straight stores, and they dress beautifully in suits and (gulp) fleece jogging suits.

 

Entering their showroom is like entering another world, a stage, a soundest on the back lot of MGM. There's always a strong homoerotic sub-text, and an overt homoerotic text played out, but that being said, Rootstein understands design, they “get it”. Rootstein mannequins are designed to tell a story.

 

Rootstein has confidence; therefore their mannequins have faces, beautiful faces, some with hook noses, or silver eyes, some with generous cheekbones, other gaunt and tough. Please note I’m not a paid spokesperson, and I don’t really think based on my prior work experiences with other mannequin manufactures (all respectable in their own right) that Rootstein, high on the hierarchy of manufacturers, even knows who I am, in fact, they sort of dismisses me, it’s no wonder, I’m not an A list “mover and shaker“, I’m low on the echelon scale, and not a part of that social scene to which they belong. Still while I may be pretzels and beer, to their champagne and caviar, I must beg you to do whatever you can to visit their splendid showroom. A million times over…Brilliant! www.rootstein.com

   

   

  

  
 
  

Please return soon for part two of four

What A Freudian Wants For Christmas

 

Down in what once was New York City’s Meat Packing District is a district of smart shops and showrooms, which include Stella McCartney, Earnest Sewn, Jeffrey’s, La Perla and Moschino. It is the kind of destination neighborhood where the fashion conscience convenes to find the trendiest merchandise around. I seldom shop there. That being said, I was on 14^th Street, just past 10^th Avenue and spotted what I felt was one of this years most clever holiday windows.

New Yorkers are said to be neurotic. While I may bare little resemblance to any characters in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan”, I will admit that at times I too can, on occasion, be high strung and obsessive. New Yorkers are said to be self-absorbed, and prone to indulge in the therapeutic practice of therapy to help ease their over burdened consciences. There are all kinds of therapy, Jungian, transactional, short-term, cognitive, behavioral, and even Freudian for New Yorkers to choose from, and Indeed therapy is as much a part of New York as is yellow taxicabs and soft pretzels.

Even if a therapists couch is foreign to you, rest assured the pressures of the holiday season could drive even the most sane to consider some form of analysis. Most people describe this time of year as exhausting, both physically and emotionally, what with gift buying, standing on lines, dealing with crowds, over indulging in foods, increased alcohol consumption, seasonal affective disorder as the days are shorter, the desire to conform to inane holiday practices at the office, the intensity of traveling to visit with our dysfunctional families, and the fear of over extending ourselves financially when our jobs and the economy are precarious at best.

Well, granted, that is just one view of the holidays, but it is a view that Moschino visits in their inventive windows. Unlike most retailers who have created a Currier and Ives view of the holidays, Moschino brings us a genuine slice of urban life. Te window is dressed like a quintessential Upper East Side therapists office, with perfunctory post modern furniture, a clock to remind us that our 45 minute hour is up, tastefully astute decoratives, on the back wall are the litany of degrees suggesting that that all the proper credentials are in place, the therapist is donning generic black horned rimmed glasses, and dressed to the nine in a Moschino uniform consisting of a sharp grey blazer with piping, and pencil thin black pants, notepad and number 2 pencil in hand, and with as serious and severe a look one might expect from an PHD. She is sitting at the end of a couch looking away from her patient with the detachment that would make Sigmund pleased. On her couch is none other that jolly St. Nick. He has removed his boots, lest any snow or chimney soot got on the Bauhaus chaise. He appears distraught, overwhelmed and in a state of agitation. You can practically her him boo-hoo-hoo, and not ho-ho ho! Where is the Kleenex? Gracious he looks like me last week when I went to see my therapist. And the big pay off is a small dog sitting beside the couch chewing up Santa’s Christmas list, perhaps because there are too many naughty boys and girls on his list.

The window is divisive, sharp, acerbic and stylish. It has a point of view that is disturbingly refreshing. I just loved it!

A Holiday By The Schorr

Dear Readers,

A holiday by the shore might be very nice as winter arrives. Indeed, many people head to Cozumel or Cancun right after the gifts have been unwrapped under the Christmas tree. For those of us without the means to travel far beyond our desktops, I'll offer a different kind of trip, I'm posting images by Sindi Schorr who has captured the spirit of the holiday as personified by one of America's finest retailers, Bergdorf Goodman.

Coincidentally, I was recently a guest judge for DDI (Display & Design Ideas) Magazines Annual Best Holiday Window Competition. Approximately 30 great retailers entered their windows for consideration. For the second year in a row Bergdorf Goodman won the top (Platinum) spot. While there is a great team of Visual Merchandisers involved in their execution, kudos to Director, David Hoey for his superior work which elevates craft to art.

As evidenced in Ms. Schorr's fine work I'd much prefer to stroll on Fifth Avenue than on the boardwalk on the French Riviera. They say that "God is in the details", if so, then Ms. Schorr's and Bergdorf's work, which both focus on the details should be a religious experience.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

The Bespoken For Gentleman

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 All photographs copyright © Sindi Schorr 2009