Moore Displays

"In response to a question on the current use of realistic mannequins, he says, 'I don't think they are very realistic, because I never see people taking positions that mannequins take. I'm tired of seeing girls looking like they're spreading their legs to take a piss. It's dreadful. There's such a lack of elegance that I can't bear it.'" -Gene Moore, in Windows by Michael Emory

The window display artist Gene Moore (1910-1998) designed over 5,000 windows throughout his career as Tiffany's display director.  Although he was trained as a fine artist, he regarded his displays as a form of news reporting, a reflection of the times in which they were made, too disposable to be "real" art. I hope Mr. Moore was just being modest. Because I BEG TO DIFFER!

Wikipedia says that Moore lived in a United Nations Plaza apartment designed by Robert Denning (For whose designs I have an extreme affection.  See here and here.). Could it be true?

There's some Dali influence in the disembodied, floating arms, isn't there?

From Windows by Michael Emory

Windows in Wonderland

I love the mad hatter quality of holiday windows in NYC— these, I photographed at Bergdorf Goodman.

Lots to take in visually, they're almost as overwhelming and jam packed as the city itself during this season.

Lick These Windows

The French translation of "window shopping" is "lèche vitrine," which, incidentally, literally means "window licking." I've always thought this was a little bizarre, but sometimes, I can see where they're coming from.

There are few things more inspirational than a well done window display. A beautiful window is like an engaging, voyeuristic snippet for the gossipy Betty in all of us— a 3-D interpretation of surrealism, a fabulous dramatic set without the boring play. Inventive use of materials? Check. Bizarro nightmarish hellbeasts? Check. Gorgeous Clothes? Of course! Something about the medium just lends itself to so much more inventiveness than most people would ever tolerate in an interior.

1. If it weren't a long gone holiday window, I would consider moving into this texture filled white-on-white fantasy for Bergdorf Goodman, under the direction of Linda Fargo.

Photo by Rudy Pospisil, anothernormal.com

2. Another holiday window from Bergdorf Goodman, under the direction of Linda Fargo.

Photo by Rudy Pospisil, anothernormal.com

3. Windows for Barneys, under the direction of Simon Doonan. The way that Doonan incorporates the most unconventional objects (read: trash) into his creations always amazes me.

From Confessions of A Window Dresser by Simon Doonan

4. Windows for Barneys, under the direction of Simon Doonan.

From Confessions of A Window Dresser by Simon Doonan

5. Windows for Barneys, under the direction of Simon Doonan.

From Confessions of A Window Dresser by Simon Doonan