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'tis the season
December 5, 2019

See New York’s Sparkling Holiday Windows

By Zoe Juanitas
Photo: Bill Waldorf for Macy’s

December is here, and with that, lights are up, snow has begun to fall, and New York’s biggest stores are decked out to the nines with extravagant holiday displays. ‘Tis the season to throw on your warmest coat and hit the streets to check out all the new sparkling window decorations.

This year Macy’s urges us to “Believe in Wonder” with larger-than-life characters lit up by thousands of LED lights, while Bloomingdale’s leads onlookers on “An Out of This World Holiday” through the cosmos. Saks Fifth Avenue brought the world of Frozen 2 to life with a live performance from Idina Menzel at its opening event last week. And Bergdorf Goodman unveiled an indulgent ode to nostalgic games like pinball, musical chairs, and scavenger hunts.

The Cut caught up with creative directors and window designers to learn more about the displays. Scroll ahead to see the windows from Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, David Yurman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Hudson Yards, Louis Vuitton, and BCBG.

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Bergdorf Goodman's windows were inspired by old-fashioned games and other forms of fun. Photo: Mike Vitelli/BFA.com
Bergdorf Goodman. Photo: Mike Vitelli/BFA.com
"It is our privilege to be able to bring out our show-business side, producing these windows with as much detail and pizzazz as we can fit into t... "It is our privilege to be able to bring out our show-business side, producing these windows with as much detail and pizzazz as we can fit into them, and then to raise a curtain on them in the center of New York City,” says senior director of visual presentation and longtime window dresser, David Hoey. Photo: Mike Vitelli/BFA.com
Macy's display is called "Believe in Wonder." Photo: Bill Waldorf for Macy’s
"Macy’s 2019 holiday windows combines tradition and modern technology with gorgeous visual elements," says Roya Sullivan, Macy’s national di... "Macy’s 2019 holiday windows combines tradition and modern technology with gorgeous visual elements," says Roya Sullivan, Macy’s national director of window presentation. "We are following our hero's, 'Santa girl', imagination as she takes a fun journey to embody Santa’s spirit of giving. The windows include thousands of LED lights and neon ropes, rotating characters accompanied by an extraordinary interactive game, and a selfie moment where the viewer will appear in the iconic Macy’s windows.” Photo: Bill Waldorf for Macy’s
Macy's. Photo: Bill Waldorf for Macy’s
“Winter creates a new world. It’s a place of beauty, magic and wonder, inspiring us to feel like children again” says David Yurman of the inspiration ... “Winter creates a new world. It’s a place of beauty, magic and wonder, inspiring us to feel like children again” says David Yurman of the inspiration behind his eponymous jewelry brand's new holiday campaign. Photo: David Yurman
“Encountering ice in nature is a magical experience," Yurman says. "The transformation of water into solid form creates exquisite patterns a... “Encountering ice in nature is a magical experience," Yurman says. "The transformation of water into solid form creates exquisite patterns and captivating translucence. Whether it’s a frozen stream or icicles covering a tree, ice encases a world of beauty – crystallizing a moment of enchantment.” Photo: David Yurman
David Yurman. Photo: David Yurman
Saks Fifth Avenue was inspired by Frozen 2. Photo: Courtesy of BFA for Saks
"The powerful imagery and themes from Frozen 2 lend themselves perfectly to Saks’s iconic, theatrical-like window displays and holiday lightshow,... "The powerful imagery and themes from Frozen 2 lend themselves perfectly to Saks’s iconic, theatrical-like window displays and holiday lightshow,”says Ken Potrock, the president of consumer products, Disney parks, experiences and products. Photo: Courtesy of BFA for Saks
Saks Fifth Avenue. Photo: Courtesy of BFA for Saks
At Bloomingdale's, it's “An Out-of-This-World Holiday.” Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA
“This season, Bloomingdale’s looked to the stars for inspiration to create ‘Out of This World Holiday Windows,’" says John Klimkowski, the senior... “This season, Bloomingdale’s looked to the stars for inspiration to create ‘Out of This World Holiday Windows,’" says John Klimkowski, the senior director of visual merchandising and store windows. "The windows take onlookers on a journey through the cosmos with interactive features including selfie stations, show stopping robotics, holiday karaoke and futuristic fashion.” Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA
Bloomingdale's. Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA
At Hudson Yards, the theme is “Shine On.” Photo: Photos by Karen Sterling/Courtesy of Hudson Yards
"I was inspired by Greek mythology, particularly the lyre of Orpheus which was played with music that was so beautiful that even inanimate object... "I was inspired by Greek mythology, particularly the lyre of Orpheus which was played with music that was so beautiful that even inanimate objects were charmed," says installation designer Christopher Schardt. Photo: Photos by Karen Sterling/Courtesy of Hudson Yards
Schardt goes on: "When I discovered that, I knew that I wanted to have a display of multiple star shaped panels in Hudson Yards. I created 5 star... Schardt goes on: "When I discovered that, I knew that I wanted to have a display of multiple star shaped panels in Hudson Yards. I created 5 stars and one hexagonal piece with each accompanied to classical music and a visual sequence for a true immersive experience.” Photo: Photos by Karen Sterling/Courtesy of Hudson Yards
Louis Vuitton. Photo: Ricky Zehavi for Louis Vuitton
BCBGMAXAZRIA's windows feature crystals from Swarovski. Photo: Courtesy of BCBGMAXAZRIA
BCBGMAXAZRIA. Photo: Courtesy of BCBGMAXAZRIA
BCBGMAXAZRIA. Photo: Courtesy of BCBGMAXAZRIA
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Tags:

  • gallery
  • holiday 2019
  • 'tis the season
  • fashion
  • shopping
  • style
  • bergdorf goodman
  • david yurman
  • saks fifth avenue
  • hudson yards
  • macy's
  • bloomingdales
  • More

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