Nothing says Christmastime in New York like department store holiday windows—the fanciful works of art and creative whim, always months and months in the making. This year, the team behind Barneys amazing displays has allowed Racked photographer Daniel Krieger to go behind the scenes, capturing their work in a four-part photo essay. We're excited, you're excited; let's begin. Below is part one: the final stages of prep.
Part 1, 10/14/2008: In a quiet, warehouse-like space, Barneys team of window dressers, led by creative director Simon Doonan, have been working for twelve months to finish this year's store displays. The theme is peace and love; the tagline: "Have a Hippy Holiday." The scene is hodge-podge: records, mannequins, paint-spattered stools and all matter of tools lay about, while the small staff puts the finishing touches on the groovy, retro displays. On the pick of peace and love for this year's theme, Doonan states that it has less to do with the current political climate (though that is a nice coincidence) and more to do with it being the 40th anniversary of the peace sign. "It is a nice post-election sentiment, but also, there's just lots of interest in everything counterculture right now." The windows are set to be unveiled to the public this weekend; Doonan's already looking ahead to 2009. "The theme of next year's windows will be great wits, from Oscar Wilde to Tina Fey. It's a good time for humor."
Check back on Wednesday for Part 2 of A Very Barneys Christmas, "The Pack Up"For more stories from Racked, go to racked.com.
