NYC Fashion Window Displays
Martika McCoy
September 30th 2014
Martika McCoy
September 30th 2014
Oniomania is a
smart sounding word coined over a century ago in Germany that refers to
shopping addiction. Phase 1: obsessively window shop. Phase 2:
obsessively shop store. Phase 3: obsessively purchase more than you can
probably afford.
My version is a tad different. I'm stuck at Phase 1. Instead of getting high off of register rings and bat wings of bags, I panic at the realization that I left my good camera at home and feel hopelessly lost. I wander the NY streets alone in the dark. A shadow with only the Charlie-Brown-teacher-esque chirps of strangers to interrupt the fear of not being able to capture a gaggle of coy mannequins posed like "whatever". Or, a brown leather bag on a haystack surrounded by stuffed farm animals that make me want to buy a brown leather bag... and a farm.
Granted there are significant obstacles: physical dangers, weather, crowds, and Elmo's, to name a few. But the fact remains, I am captivated by the compelling space behind the glass. Intently gazing, piercing through, an experience guaranteed to initiate theory. Just add booze, and it becomes a spiritual journey.
It was thousands of images ago when I first started keeping a record. Initially, aimless: eventually obsessed. But always completely fascinated by the innovative use of materials, messages without words, pattern play, and brand identity. These are the parameters I use to focus the narratives that swirl through my head.
I'm here at Bloated Hippo to share with you a select few of my favorites. I hope my perspectives will encourage others to critique the intent, contemplate the effort, and not simply look, but take time to see the evolution of visual display in the fashion industry.
My version is a tad different. I'm stuck at Phase 1. Instead of getting high off of register rings and bat wings of bags, I panic at the realization that I left my good camera at home and feel hopelessly lost. I wander the NY streets alone in the dark. A shadow with only the Charlie-Brown-teacher-esque chirps of strangers to interrupt the fear of not being able to capture a gaggle of coy mannequins posed like "whatever". Or, a brown leather bag on a haystack surrounded by stuffed farm animals that make me want to buy a brown leather bag... and a farm.
Granted there are significant obstacles: physical dangers, weather, crowds, and Elmo's, to name a few. But the fact remains, I am captivated by the compelling space behind the glass. Intently gazing, piercing through, an experience guaranteed to initiate theory. Just add booze, and it becomes a spiritual journey.
It was thousands of images ago when I first started keeping a record. Initially, aimless: eventually obsessed. But always completely fascinated by the innovative use of materials, messages without words, pattern play, and brand identity. These are the parameters I use to focus the narratives that swirl through my head.
I'm here at Bloated Hippo to share with you a select few of my favorites. I hope my perspectives will encourage others to critique the intent, contemplate the effort, and not simply look, but take time to see the evolution of visual display in the fashion industry.
Anthropologie 2014.
Looks like Lady Anthro got dress print all over her house paint, again!
Dolce
& Gabbana 2014. After Sinbad's journey he finally gets Princess Parisa back to size. Size 2 that is.
Prada
2014. Morning to do: practice my French with l'oiseau while maid cleans the cage, choose dress, pack bag. I love weekends!
Coach
2014. "Wild Things" campaign. Fun Fact:
Absinthe will actually make their heads look more human. (Like I said just add booze = spiritual journey). Seriously folks, this is one of the more adventurous displays I've seen from Coach and is part of a major re-branding initiative for 2014.
J. Crew 2014. Thanks for taking
my landlord Larry's foot fetish problem to a whole ‘nutha level. I found this display rather disturbing and uncharacteristic of J. Crew.
American
Apparel 2013. Kittens
and Rainbows are so passé. Puppies and Balloons, now that's fresh. For 2015, Unicorns in Paper Airplanes, please?
Black
& White 2013. The real dangers of climate change: more bad
hair days. Also an example of a lovely Kate Spade artist collaboration with Paper-Cut Project.
Louis
Vuitton 2014. Don't see, hear, or speak of the wild charges about to swing onto your Visa.
Bergdorf 2014. prêt-à-pedigree.
Saks 2012. The legendary holiday window at Saks, and oh do these girls
know it. One of the few retailers who
utilize ethnic mannequins.
