Barney's has sole!

To commemorate 20 years in business and a new book, Barneys windows featured an homage to Christian Louboutin.

Our pictures and words don't do this window justice. Check out the video detailing how these magnificent windows were constructed. Amazing, beautiful and highly artistic-swing by Barneys and see them for yourself!

Here's to 20 more years of red soles.

Last Holiday Hurray!!

It's been a busy season so I decided to put up a last round of festive photos to show you what else you may have seen (or missed).

More glitter and sparkle at A/X - sometimes appearing silver, sometimes like a rainbow, strips of plexi added a bit of drama.

Love these mini sweater ornaments! (though a bit unclear of the message or tie in to store)

Oversize light bulb strands - seen here at Kate Spade but noted in many windows (see Banana Republic blog entry earlier in month)

More natural elements but this time done in gold as seen in this tall wrapped stick trees. Note the outside window boxes that add another layer to window.

A bit of whimsy - seen here at Paul Smith in these festive window vitrines but noted all over - did you get to Barney's or Bergdorf's? Love the white scroll window cling border.

The branding on the wall....

Seen around town ....artistic wall collages meant to express something about the brand's personality.

Old ads and a collection of photos at Levi's show the brand's roots. Art and representations of culture are meant to speak to the "real J. Crew man". And a cleaver mixed wood sculpture is the backdrop for Stella McCartney at Barney's.

Where else have you spotted these feature walls? and what DO they say about the brand?

Does this hat make my @ss look fat?

Remember as a kid when there would be "crazy hat day" in school? Well I use to love to come up with silly creations to wear but sadly mine were never THIS good. You need a strong shoe to balance out these hats!

Kidding aside, here's another example of windows as art and this was a real show stopper. Obviously there is too much detail to capture in a photo but you get the idea AND it can be recreated and reinterpreted in a million ways. The fun is up to you - now get to work!

Be Square!

The black and white square "lattice work" used here is an 'out of the box' twist on an iconic prop. Using lattice work (usually seen in green or white) as a backdrop to convey spring or summer is a classic window dressing. Refigured here into squares with one slat taken out and painted black turns the whole idea upside down, much like this tumbling display. It's graphic and bold and somehow manages to convey rain.

The red and white window is seen at Barney's but they are all highlighting Burberry's spring line. It's hip to be square!

For the love of menswear

Growing up, as the daughters of a haberdasher, who was the son of one, menswear is in our blood. Exposed to the business at a young age, we helped our father by folding sweaters on Sundays as he wrote up his orders. From there, my fascination with the business grew and I especially loved the notions and trims that filled the tailor shop.

So this window caught my eye yesterday at Barney's. Highlighting the 'Made to Measure' offerings with the various threads and supplies needed to complete the garments, I love the layered look of this window. Which reminded me of another window seen back in February, juxtaposing the classic trench with office files and a filing cabinet. The window on the left has the back story reference of how the clothes are made, while on the right, it shows where the clothes are worn.

Is it a coincidence that "office" files are the same color as the classic "business" trench coat? I'm not sure, but I do know, it's true what they say about the clothing business..."when the lint gets in your blood, it's hard to get it out".