-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Wedding windows at Kleinfeld, NYC

Goals bridge a gap between "now" and "then," translating the cost of want into will. In practice, people become programmed to believe that Dreams materialize through futuristic aspirations of "If I do this, then..." scenarios. Unfortunately, the ends don't necessarily justify the means as unexpected (mis)fortune may meet even the purest of intentions. Life is unpredictable. Enjoy the journey. Love life in the "now." Keep reading to see more of this week's windows at Kleinfeld...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Guess which storefront? // Fifth Ave. NYC

Even after 3 decades, the quips that surface on account of race haven't ceased (and still cease to amaze). "I know you-- you're that actress"--No, but I'll take it as a compliment. "Are you related to Bruce Lee?" Ha!Wishful thinking! "Your English is so good!" I hope so; Born and raised in the US! Unbeknownst to some, subconscious bias is baked into the day-to-day. Selected to participate in a "Connect to Success" program at work, the premise of promoting "equality" and "diversity" in the workplace unfolds through a pairing of "minorities" with Management "Mentors" (most of whom happen to be white). The message straddled embarrassing and insulting, "This program exists to give you a leg up, because diverse staff are often overlooked because of the way they look or their cultural background." Yikes. Something to reflect on--Where do your subconscious biases lie? 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Seeing Through The Material" windows by Benjamin Shine at Bergdorf Goodman (nice play on words!)

Fashion's formidably elite have found favor in the floating faces of Benjamin Shine. In 2013, Riccardo Tsici collaborated with Shine to create a series of sweatshirts--Madonna and Madonna & Child--for Givenchy's S/S 2013 collection. A collaborative piece--Face Coat--was recently commissioned by John Galliano for Maison Margiela's Artisanal collection this past Paris Fashion Week. Until August 3rd, "Seeing Through the Material"--Shine's latest endeavor is on display in the 5th Ave. windows of Bergdorf Goodman. The magnificient oeuvres d'art require 40 - 50 hours (eyes open = up to 100+ hours!) of handiwork, 20 yards of tulle, many needles, thread and an iron. Keep reading to see all 5... 

GALERIA MELISSA NYC

Galeria Melissa's new Soho NYC Flagship at 500 Broadway, complete with dynamic LED displays

Part boutique, part gallery and fragrantly bubble gum infused, Brazilian shoe brand Melissa re-opens in a larger, more prominent Soho NYC flagship this week. Galeria Melissa NYC--third (behind London and Sao Paulo) in a series of conceptual endeavors by multimedia designer Muti Randolph--is an exponentially impressive display of artistry, mixing digital and physical to create a visually interactive retail masterpiece. Having infused aspects of local (Soho, NYC) and native (Brazil), the symphony of natural and baroque elements marry the many facets of the Melissa motif. Keep reading to have a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Simone Rocha at Saks Fifth Ave.

While shedding seconds off sleep time, the longer morning ride becomes a buffer between rest and reality (and conversely downtime between spreadsheets and sleep). Between dreaming of greener grass and brighter days, the wear and tear of the day-to-day invites change. Some days the "what if" scenarios become a fleeting fantasy. Truth be told, while I continue to admire the creativity of "fashion," the evils of the industry remain a barrier to return; in reading about a fast fashion purveyor (article here), it doesn't take much to decipher the pros and cons of the retail marketplace.  Keep reading to see this week's windows at Saks, featuring Simone Rocha...

CUTTING EDGES: ISRAELI FASHION & DESIGN

Cutting Edges: Israeli Fashion & Design at the JCC Manhattan

Once stricken by civil unrest and a variable identity, Israel's political rhetoric has come to the forefront of design on fashion's global stage. As Israeli sentiment progresses, growing interpretations of nationalism are powerfully evident in the materials and methodology adopted by Israeli designers. Drawing from inspirational themes "Nature," "Free Form," "Craftsmanship," "Beauty and Brutalism," "Urban Jungle" and "Challenging Identity," Cutting Edges: Israeli Fashion & Design presents a view into the diversity, community and identity of contemporary Israeli fashion. Thirty designers are represented in the bifurcated display, curated by Keren Ben-Horin and set in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Keep reading for more...

-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

 Banana Republic Rockefeller Center

Semantics sell... 

How much more enticing is 'a mouthful of silky decadence' than plain 'chocolate candy.' Similarly, 'generously proportioned' and 'fun sized' seem more palatable than "big" or "small." While attending a charity fundraiser Tuesday night, young philanthropists speak about giving to the 'poor' and 'marginalized.' The targeted generosity to those "less fortunate" is commendable, but what would make it more dignified? Sympathy or sharing? Are we equals or are there 'lesser'? Keep reading to see Banana Republic's Rock Center windows...

INSPIRING BEAUTY: 50 YEARS OF EBONY FASHION FAIR

Opening wall of Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at the George Washington University Textile Museum

At a time when society supported segregation, Ebony Magazine founder John H. Johnson and wife, Eunice W. Johnson, afforded people of color an unexpected gateway to fashion. Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at The George Washington University Textile Museum summarizes five decades of Fashion Fair, the cultural extravaganza that brought designer clothing to African American audiences. The exhibit, with stunning life-like mannequins donning relatable pieces by still-relevant designers, highlights how the essence of black beauty fared in the challenging climate of a Jim Crow society. Keep reading to see more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Moschino + Transformers capsule collection

Happy Birthday, USA. Another year, another president, another archive of memories made. With symbolic vigilance, Americans align around women, LGBT equality, refugees, and immigrants. Solidarity sings a shared song of acceptance and 'freedom.' This week's windows at Moschino showcase the Moschino + Transformers capsule collection; to me, it's  representative of modern-day Americana--the drama, the plot, (the product placement!), love + loss + lies... man vs. machine... and the entertainment industry--all in one franchise. Keep reading to see more of this week's windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Moncler, Soho // Preview of the Fall/Winter Collection: Moonray

Robots are re-fashioning retail. From the spray painting robots on Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 1999 runway to Chanel's chic model-bot mannequins, technology has embedded itself in fashion. Beyond tech wearables (think Google Glass, fitbit, Nike self-tying sneakers) and innovation in manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing and laser-cutting), Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly tapped to trend customer behavior and create competitive advantage. Videos, thermal imaging software and accelerometers are part of a new crop of retail technology that capture and analyze consumer cravings. Creepy or creative--what do you think? While you debate, have a look at Moncler's F/W Moonray windows--Remember when the moon landing was technology's next big thing?....