Holiday Windows, NYC Style, 2014

Over the years I have tried to get out there and brave the hordes and freezing temps to photograph holiday windows around NYC. It was easier when I lived on the Upper East Side, when I could walk down Madison Avenue and click away at the elegant boutiques and their Christmas decor, stopping at Barney's, then make a right on 57th to Bergdorf's and a left on Fifth Avenue down past Saks and if I had any energy left fighting the crowds, to my final destination, Lord & Taylor. Adding Macy;s to this list involved energy I never possessed, and even L & T was a stretch. Bloomingdale's holiday output is uneven from year to year so I don't always bother with them, but Barney's, Saks and Bergdorf's are always worth the effort.

Here are some pictured from this year's trip. The crowds are pretty crazy but at least it's not as cold as it was last year (not yet, anyway).

I took these at Barney's a few weeks ago on my way to an appointment with my iPhone, in a rush, so I couldn't stop for as long as I usually do. These windows were designed by Dennis Freedman, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin and are called "Baz Dazzled."

Some text has been copied from the Barney's website here. (this explains the different type used)

Front of Barney's with candycanes and gold.

I shot a short video but don't know how to transfer it to this blog, so if you go to the link above, you will see Barney's videos of their windows in glorious motion.

The Spirits of the Snow star in this window, realized by Washington-based artist Anthony Howe and voiced by Pentatonix. These handmade kinetic sculptures, previously only seen as outdoor wind machines, come to life within the window—the first time Howe’s work has been shown in an interior space. The movement of these spirited characters is entirely generated by wind machines, which sets them into mesmerizing motion.

Artist and sculptor Chris Cole has created an 8-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide steampunk talking owl which gravely speaks his words of wisdom, scored to Pentatonix’s version of Madonna’s “Holiday.”

LOVE

A magical corner of Central Park is the mythical setting for the first window, which depicts a forest of 9-foot chromed mushrooms in a rainbow of colors. Elphresh the elf contorts and dances in and around his 14-foot-wide gold and bejeweled boom box, in pursuit of his impossible love, Elfemeral.

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I was fascinated by the live skater in two windows who performs at certain times during the day. Yes, there is a woman skating in a very small space for hours on end.

"Celestina the ice princess, imprisoned for eternity in her ice cave in our mythical tale, skates forlornly in the last window while dreaming of freedom."

The lighting changes color as she skates.

Next, Lord & Taylor's windows....tomorrow.