Today I took my daughter Fallon (right) and her friend Theresa to the city for a day of capturing the holiday spirit. It’s a ritual to visit the Christmas windows in New York City, but I do not recall ever being there when it was 59 degrees like today. Here we are are on New Jersey Transit making the 50 minute ride from home, kids ride free on weekends! And those wicked cool Vans? They are mine, ready for a full day of walking.
First stop, Bergdorf Goodman to see what Linda Fargo conjured up, pouring her fertile imagination into brimming vignettes under glass. The first two photos are from a Twin themed scenario. I wish I could have captured every little detail to show you as it was simply breathtaking, clever, and utterly handsome. Two of everything from the paired mannequins to the top hatted doves holding miniature old fashioned cameras. The double vision phrenology heads was genius. The black and white really lending itself to the discovery of the many nuances within. Picture 3 is a glimpse into the series of circus windows rounding the corner. Love this performer in her top hat and starry eyes. Last photo showing a winged bust amongst a plethora of rusty, decaying, perfectly imperfect toys and memorabilia.
Within the store was this magnificent bird – perhaps an albino peacock or large pheasant. Not sure I was welcome to shoot photos so I hastily snapped these two and legged it for the door. The last is a view from the outside…..no detail overlooked here.
Another set of photos from a Gingerbread wonderland window. You could almost smell this as you stood in amazement. Check out the sepia architectural print of the elaborate frosted home (photo 3).
Around the far side at Bergdorf’s there are much tamer windows. But I had to show you this one……remember when Fallon and I had our Gotham day in November? I was wishing I could have popped into the open window for a quick shot of ME sitting on that loveseat. Second picture shows you the photo I took when the access door was open. Third is another Fargo window….not too Christmas-y but over-the-top in fabulousness. Fourth shows you what we first saw when approaching the Barney’s windows…..their theme this year: Happy Andy WarHol-idays. Can you stand that gigantic Fornasetti face on a tray?
Andy and his prints, and quotes, covering every spare inch in these Barney’s windows. Since I was carrying my soup bag I had to pose. Should have been wearing my soup shoes too. Terrific tribute to this icon, although not so Christmas-y. Still – I wouldn’t have missed it. The girls didn’t quite get it, had to explain who he was.
Between Bergdorf’s and Barney’s we made a little side trip into Tiffanys. Well, it was going to be a little side trip….simply because Fallon recently saw Breakfast at Tiffanys and fell in love with Audrey. But – we were stopped at the door by a terrific salesman who handed the girls a catalog, gave them a little speech about Tiffanys being a classic, and even would be stylish for a girl who was into Goth, as he notes Fallon’s skull and crossbone bangle she’s wearing. He sent us up to the third floor where the girls could try on bracelets and fondle the silver charms. I’m amazed I didn’t cave and buy something as it was such a sweet little excursion.
We skipped Bloomingdales as I was worried the little legs would tire out so we headed down Fifth Avenue to Saks. Didn’t get any good pictures because there were too many people around. I can’t stand people in my pictures! Next to Saks is the American Girl store. Definitely a great place to visit (we even had a birthday party there) but it’s crazy in there at this time of year. We merely went in so Theresa could say she’d been there. Next – Rockefeller Center and the famous tree overlooking the skaing rink. Massive crowds in this section of town and all the way down to Times Square. The photos above are taken at the Royalton Hotel. 44 W. 44th Street. What a great address. Graham and I stayed here the weekend we got engaged and I took the girls in to show them it’s coolness. I mean, look at the guest hallway! The walls and ceiling and carpet are all royal blue and it makes you feel like you have to whisper. A wonderful 15 minute respite from the bustle….plus they have a lovely restroom off the lobby. You need to know where you can make pit-stops when you’re on foot in the city.
Here we are in a bicycle-driven rickshaw. Fun night to be riding in style down Broadway. Our destination was Union Square to see Bright Nights, a light and sound event sponsored by Target, featuring artist Tord Boontje. You’ve seen his awesome paper cut decor all over Target this year, and his graphic elements don all holiday labels this season. The coolest stuff. This presentation was hard to capture as it’s an interactive light show that moves and reacts to you as walk through the space. I did get some video of it and may try to upload it to YouTube. Very cool. Edit: Someone already has a flip clip to see HERE.
All through the city there are holiday fairs – small marketplaces set in booths surrounding parks. Terrific artist offerings – lots of jewelry, felted bags, handmade scarves. I think next year I’ll come earlier and do my shopping in the city. Last stop of the evening was Trash and Vaudeville on St. Marks Place. Fallon had to show her friend the cool rocker shop. Not a place to buy stuff, but fun to look. We had hoped to see 11 Spring Street where there was an entire building that had it’s interior covered in Graffiti Art…..but the line of people was long and it was supposed to close at 5. The girls didn’t know we missed it but I was a little heartbroken. Here’s a link to see what I’m talking about: SEE HERE
It was a grand day. You could say…..visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
Edit: For a grand book on Linda Fargo and her Bergdorf windows, SEE HERE. And for a fun book about Barney’s windows and Simon Doonan, SEE HERE.
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