See New York’s Sparkling Holiday Windows
Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Here’s some actually good news: holiday season is here! Thankfully, New York’s retail giants are on queue to light up (and cheer up) the city’s streets with a glittering lineup of holiday window displays. This year Henri Bendel has 30,000 paper butterflies and an Instagram wall, while the windows at Macy’s feature one-of-a-kind cityscapes with animated snow-filled skies. Bergdorf Goodman re-created wintry scenes from seven cultural institutions as a love letter to New York, including the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the New York Botanical Garden. And Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled a Disney-themed display with the help of Snow White, Naomi Watts, and Neil Patrick Harris.
The Cut caught up with creative directors and window designers to learn more about the displays. Click ahead to visit Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Bulgari, Gucci, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel, Hermès, and Tiffany & Co.
*This slideshow has been updated with the latest window displays.
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” "This holiday season we partnered with 20th Century Fox’s new film, The Greatest Showman, to crea...
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” "This holiday season we partnered with 20th Century Fox’s new film, The Greatest Showman, to create the 'Greatest Holiday Windows' on Lexington Avenue," says Leigh Ann Tischler, Bloomingdale’s director of window design. "We drew inspiration from the film’s soundtrack and P.T. Barnum quotes to bring the movie to life in our windows."
Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFA.com/Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” "Swarovski crystal–encrusted circus oddities star in each window scene to illustrate the powerful...
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” "Swarovski crystal–encrusted circus oddities star in each window scene to illustrate the powerful messages of inclusion and following one’s dreams that are prevalent in the film and drew us to the partnership," says Tischler.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFA.com/Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” The windows feature more than 7.6 million Swarovski crystals.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFA.com/Joe Schi...
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” The windows feature more than 7.6 million Swarovski crystals.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFA.com/Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Bloomingdale’s: “Greatest Holiday Windows” Photo: Joe Schildhorn /BFA.com/Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” "This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Holiday,' a tribute to the 80th anniversary of Disney's Snow Whi...
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” "This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Holiday,' a tribute to the 80th anniversary of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," says Mark Briggs, chief creative officer at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” "For the first time in Saks' 94-year history, we have animated all 14 of the windows along Fifth Av...
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” "For the first time in Saks' 94-year history, we have animated all 14 of the windows along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 50th streets," says Briggs. "Each window depicts a different scene from the film, and as you stroll down Fifth Avenue, the classic fairytale unfolds before your very eyes!"
Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” Designers Alberta Ferretti, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier, and Marchesa created one-of-a-kind gowns for ...
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” Designers Alberta Ferretti, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier, and Marchesa created one-of-a-kind gowns for the display.
Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: “Once Upon a Holiday” Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
Cartier The animated windows relate different New York stories.
Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Cartier Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Cartier The display features skating on ice, a panther sliding down a hill, a rotating Ferris wheel, and more.
Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Cartier Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Bulgari Wishing Campaign Bulgari's windows feature their designs and precious gems.
Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Wishing Campaign Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Wishing Campaign A rendering of the holiday windows.
Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari Wishing Campaign Another rendering.
Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari
Gucci: “Gift Giving” Here, the windows as seen at Gucci's Milano Montenapoleone flagship; the Fifth Avenue store will feature the same designs.
...
Gucci: “Gift Giving” Here, the windows as seen at Gucci's Milano Montenapoleone flagship; the Fifth Avenue store will feature the same designs.
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci
Gucci: “Gift Giving” The displays are a part of Gucci's Gift Giving campaign, which features the work of Spanish artist Ignasi Monreal.
Photo: C...
Gucci: “Gift Giving” The displays are a part of Gucci's Gift Giving campaign, which features the work of Spanish artist Ignasi Monreal.
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci
Gucci: “Gift Giving” The text here is pulled from the famous Renaissance poem by Lorenzo de’ Medici, "Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna" (&quo...
Gucci: “Gift Giving” The text here is pulled from the famous Renaissance poem by Lorenzo de’ Medici, "Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna" ("A Song for Bacchus").
Photo: Courtesy of Gucci
Gucci: “Gift Giving” Photo: Courtesy of Gucci
Macy's: "The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" "We wanted to capture that bustling energy and magic of New York City during the...
Macy's: "The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" "We wanted to capture that bustling energy and magic of New York City during the holidays, filled with special moments with family and friends," says Roya Sullivan, Macy's national director of window presentation.
Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s
Macy's: "The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" "The windows combine the wonder of modern animatronics with miniature visual ele...
Macy's: "The Perfect Gift Brings People Together" "The windows combine the wonder of modern animatronics with miniature visual elements and a dose of holiday tradition," says Sullivan.
Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "The six Broadway windows will showcase one-of-a-kind cityscapes, countless custom-designe...
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "The six Broadway windows will showcase one-of-a-kind cityscapes, countless custom-designed characters, handmade costumes, and interactive games — all accented by hundreds of LED lights," says Sullivan.
Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "Nearly 80 percent of the installation is foam, with sculptures carved and treated to rese...
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "Nearly 80 percent of the installation is foam, with sculptures carved and treated to resemble a wide variety of textures and effects, such as the snow-covered city streets or our majestic hawk overlooking the city park," says Sullivan.
Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "In addition, spectators will be able to watch the animated snow-filled skies in four wind...
Macy’s: “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together” "In addition, spectators will be able to watch the animated snow-filled skies in four windows with the assistance of high-definition video monitors," says Sullivan.
Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” “While exploring this theme, we knew the windows had to be dynamic and multilayered to evoke the excite...
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” “While exploring this theme, we knew the windows had to be dynamic and multilayered to evoke the excitement of New York today, while simultaneously celebrating the city’s past," says David Hoey, senior director of visual presentation at Bergdorf Goodman.
Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” "Our institutional partners provided an array of subject matter to inspire us, so we crafted a com...
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” "Our institutional partners provided an array of subject matter to inspire us, so we crafted a completely different type of window for each organization. And since we love putting on a show, we have made the windows kaleidoscopic and entertaining," says Hoey.
Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Bergdorf Goodman: “To New York With Love” Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com/Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "Haas for the Holidays tells a story that celebrates diversity, individuality, and inclusiveness through th...
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "Haas for the Holidays tells a story that celebrates diversity, individuality, and inclusiveness through the playful and unique lens of Haas environments and characters. The colorful and fun nature of the concept appeals to both kids — who are what the holidays are really about — as well as adults, through the themes they express," says Matthew Mazzucca, creative director at Barneys New York.
Photo: TOM SIBLEY
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "During these complex times, people want something that is simple and joyful. We are creating ideas and exp...
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "During these complex times, people want something that is simple and joyful. We are creating ideas and experiences that are accessible, shareable, and important to everyone at this time of the year," says Mazzucca.
Photo: TOM SIBLEY
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "I hope that anyone who sees this work will leave feeling just a bit happier than when they came in," ...
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "I hope that anyone who sees this work will leave feeling just a bit happier than when they came in," says Simon Haas.
Photo: TOM SIBLEY
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "We wanted very much for children to love it, so hopefully all the kids will love it and be inspired to cre...
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "We wanted very much for children to love it, so hopefully all the kids will love it and be inspired to create something of their own," says Haas, "Or even come away with a positive saying that means something to them."
Photo: TOM SIBLEY
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "If it makes environmentalism just a little more appealing to a child, I will be more than happy with what ...
Barneys: “Haas for the Holidays” "If it makes environmentalism just a little more appealing to a child, I will be more than happy with what we’ve accomplished," says Haas.
Photo: TOM SIBLEY
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "This holiday, we are celebrating fearless creators in all forms. Our design approach is 'more is not enou...
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "This holiday, we are celebrating fearless creators in all forms. Our design approach is 'more is not enough' and the decor at the flagship reflects this theme," says creative director Pina Ferlisi.
Photo: Eugene Gologursky
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "The main window is a dream sequence inspired by the quirky imagination of our iconic hat box. Inside the ...
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "The main window is a dream sequence inspired by the quirky imagination of our iconic hat box. Inside the window is a tremendous display of flora- and fauna-inspired 3D cutouts bursting out of a Henri Bendel signature hat box," says Ferlisi.
Photo: Eugene Gologursky
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "When you walk inside the flagship, you are greeted by 30,000 paper butterflies exploding out of hat boxes...
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "When you walk inside the flagship, you are greeted by 30,000 paper butterflies exploding out of hat boxes and rising up five stories high," says Ferlisi.
Photo: Eugene Gologursky
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "For our Instagram wall, we have a colorful art installation surrounded by our signature brown and white s...
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” "For our Instagram wall, we have a colorful art installation surrounded by our signature brown and white stripes, quirky animal motifs, and neon signs. The impact is playful and fun, bringing a touch of magic to Henri Bendel this holiday season!" says Ferlisi.
Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel: “Fearless Creators” Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Henri Bendel
Hermès: “Object Sense” Hermès continues its artist window program with French artist Le Gentil Garçon, who designed this ye...
Hermès: “Object Sense” Hermès continues its artist window program with French artist Le Gentil Garçon, who designed this year's holiday window installations. His design draws inspiration from the world of cinema (like the homage to black-and-white film here) and this year's theme for the house itself, "Object Sense." Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Hermès: “Object Sense” Other windows feature 3D versions of classic movie posters across romance, musical, detective film, science-fiction...
Hermès: “Object Sense” Other windows feature 3D versions of classic movie posters across romance, musical, detective film, science-fiction, comedy, or horror.
Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Hermès: “Object Sense” Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Hermès: “Object Sense” Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” This year's windows feature the famed Tiffany Blue Box. Designed by Gene Moore, the displays find woode...
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” This year's windows feature the famed Tiffany Blue Box. Designed by Gene Moore, the displays find wooden drawing figures ice fishing, sculpting ice, and more.
Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” The silk backdrop features more than two million stars, made from hand-cut paper snowflakes weaved into...
Tiffany & Co.: “The Tiffany Blue Box” The silk backdrop features more than two million stars, made from hand-cut paper snowflakes weaved into the fabric pattern.
Photo: Ricky Zehavi
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "Our theme is 'The Best And The Brightest' and this year, each window boasts a unique scene,...
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "Our theme is 'The Best And The Brightest' and this year, each window boasts a unique scene," says Roe Palermo, divisional vice president of merchandise presentation and store visual.
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "The windows have been transformed to take onlookers on a whimsical journey as seen through ...
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "The windows have been transformed to take onlookers on a whimsical journey as seen through the lens of enchanted snow globes," says Palermo.
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "We consider our Fifth Avenue holiday windows to be a gift to the city as they never include...
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” "We consider our Fifth Avenue holiday windows to be a gift to the city as they never include commercial product, making them extra special," says Palermo.
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor: “The Best And The Brightest” Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor
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