Holiday Windows: Traditional To Abstract

Scenes ranging from the far-out and funky to those of Christmases past are taking shape in the windows of Manhattan's department stores as the holiday shopping season gets under way.

One of the stores taking a less-traditional approach is Bergdorf Goodman, which in five windows surrounds mannequins wearing designer fashions with all-white depictions of the four seasons plus the holiday season.

"It's a little like a fantasy washed-out natural history museum," said David Hoey, the store's senior director of visual merchandizing.

Nearby at Barneys New York, which is also known for its modern art twist on the season, the display plays tribute to the counterculture of the 1960s and includes a Volkswagen Beetle with a one-of-a-kind paint job featuring peace signs, flowers and other symbols of the decade.

Over at Bloomingdale's, the windows are inspired by singer Tony Bennett's new holiday CD and are done in a kitschy, vintage style reminiscent of the 1950s and '60s.

"It's sort of like a pop-up greeting card," said Joe Cotugno, the company's operating vice president and creative director for visual merchandizing. "It's really cute. They're done in a flat manner, but are exquisitely detailed with moving parts."

Those taking a more traditional approach include Lord & Taylor, which this year created scenes of Christmas treats, toys and songs.

The windows at Macy's, set to be unveiled Sunday, feature touch-pad technology and a behind-the-scenes look at the magical ways the elements of Christmas such as snow, stars, tinsel and ornaments are created.

At jeweler Tiffany & Co., designers used light and artificial ice to create a winter wonderland that highlights its trademark Blue Box and diamonds, while Saks Fifth Avenue's display features a series of snowflakes inspired by the new children's holiday book "A Flake Like Mike."
By Bree Fowler