-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Color of the year in Chanel's Soho NYC windows

"It's not the same"--the thought crosses my mind as I look across the Hudson at the office I moved from last week. Trading Tribeca for Newport, commercial coffee and chain restaurants replace local coffee shops and boutique bar-restaurants. "But it could be worse"--I am aware. This week's windows at Chanel in Soho, NYC are not quite the same as the blockbuster Paris Fashion Week closer (click here to watch), but makes for a quick click nonetheless. Keep Reading to see all the windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Chanel - Paris, France

A chorus of chaos as ambulances race past, during an otherwise mum morning commute. Somehow--NYC as compared to Paris--boasts a greater sense of urgency and heartier soundscape. The rustic beige buildings lining Parisian boulevards contrast the prismatic buildings with heaven-grazing heights in NYC. Differences in external architecture manage not to impede standard store interiors. Keep reading for a look inside Chanel, Paris... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Dior Soho

Time is of the essence as "Meeting waste" becomes a matter of the moment at work. Elimination of excess time spent as a passive participant is the path to efficiency in execution. Seemingly the concept of 'Fashion Week' can be categorized as a realm of rationalization. With a shortage of time (especially time spent traveling between shows), the high cost of revelry and an abundance of technology, is the hype and hoopla worth it? Especially as "exclusivity" has evolved into social pervasiveness? Your thoughts? Keep reading to see a the bags in Chanel's soho store... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Public Factory concept store in Soho, NYC designed by Yazid Aksas and featuring 12 designers in residence

The concept of 'public' conveys acceptance by limiting the air of arrogance that exclusivity afford. This week, the windows of the Soho Grand hotel feature #publicfactory--an innovative concept in co-retailing featuring next-generation brands. Unlike a pop-up, the space is staged for long term partnerships and conducive for building a shared brand and marketing strategy. Having opened late October 2015, 8 Lifestyle designers share a specially designed space in a prime retail location, without the risks of a traditional lease. Something to keep an eye on in 2016!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Stacked at Chanel Soho

Diverting disaster, diligent dialog delays delirious dayreams. Trapped in a 3-day "executive" offsite, I'm a bit behind in posting this week's windows at Chanel, Soho. As the weather turns chilly, warm weather wearables fade into winter woolens. 'Backyard brunch' becomes replaced with 'a beer at the bar'. Keep reading to look into Brasserie Gabrielle...

FASHION WEEKEND #NYFW2015

NYFW HQ at 451 West 14th St

Wrought with wardrobe wonders, this weekend signifies the peak of Fashion Week in NYC. While brands, buyers and media outlets acclimate to core changes (e.g. new management, live streaming technology, limited show access, etc.), select sponsors pop up in venues that welcome both show-goers and the general public. Set in the Meatpacking District, NYFW HQ launches a lounge and event space serving sips, hosting event series and housing art installations. Across the street, Chanel debuts its Boyfriend watch via white-walled exhibit. Other NYFW pop-ups this weekend include 29 Rooms, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Refinery 29, and Tumblr's pop-up at Lightbox. Keep reading for more on the events...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Chanel, Soho

Striking scenes of Post-Apocalyptic Paris come to mind when passing Chanel's Soho storefront. Somber, heather-hued patchwork paired with sueded booties provide pacifying comfort in the aftermath of an alien armageddon. Minimalist furnishings magnify the no-frills futuristic fashion of Chanel this Fall. Keep reading to see more of Chanel's FW 2015 collection...     

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Chanel, Spring Street, Soho, NYC

This Wednesday, a bi-polar combination greets guests peering into Chanel's Soho storefront. While the weather outside remains roasty, the mannequins preview fashions for a frosty Fall. All around, summer sales wane as fall floats to the forefront--grab your last minute summer steals! In the meantime, have a look at this week's windows...

#SAKSGLAMGARDENS PART 2

Miss Dior at #SaksGlamGarden

Over 100,000 Luxe Bloom flowers are spread among 30 windows in perhaps the most beautiful botanical installation at Saks this season. While the blossoming has ceased, the creativity continues. Stay tuned for a set of stylishly sensational windows this Wednesday! Until then, savor the sights ofl Part 2 of the #SaksGlamGarden... 

CHANEL No.5 IN A NEW LIGHT

No5 In a New Light exhibit by Chanel popping up on 14th Street, NYC #N5NY

A fascinating fragrance of "5" and floral becomes the focus of Chanel's new sensorial pop up endeavor. On the heels of Karl Lagerfeld's Cruise 2015 presentation in South Korea, New York hosts No.5 in New Light, a temporary pop-up promoting Chanel No.5 Eau Première. The lighter, fresher, flavor of decades-old Chanel No.5 is deconstructed into 5 display areas: Creation, Cultivation, Composition, Abstraction and Revelation. From May 7-17th, visitors can stop by 461 West 14th Street to experience the core of Eau Première at #N5NY. Keep reading to catch a glimpse inside the exhibit... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Chanel gals at the cemetery

Fauntleroy, Plastic Beach and Gay Ponies Dancing in the Snow eclipse Essie's Ballet Slippers in my new springtime polish regimen. Created by Dineh Mohair, founder of 90's brand Hard Candy (since acquired by LVMH), Smith & Cult is the new kid on the cosmetics block. Defiantly devious, yet sharp and sophisticated, the suite of Smith & Cult nail colors lend to the duality of human nature--submissive and subversive sides. This week, glamorous gals in front of big black gates fill the windows of Chanel's Soho store, straddling the line between edginess and elegance. Colorful hues against somber silhouettes reveal rebellion while perfect pleats and textbook tailoring project the traditional sense of Chanel's style branding. These ladies embody the essence of Smith & Cult's  provocative polishes! Keep reading to see all of this Wednesday's windows...   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The Cool Girls parading Parisienne chic at Chanel, Soho

In the wake of the week's activity in Paris, the mannequins in Chanel's Soho store promote a sense of style and solidarity, draped in red, white and blue. Carrying Chanel bags in place of "Je Suis Charlie" signs, these ladies have already proclaimed their allegiance to a certain type of acceptance. Where do you stand on freedom of speech? Figuratively and literally--join the 'identity' by downloading the "Je Suis Charlie" ap here. Keep reading to see the rest of this week's windows... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Harney & Sons Teas in Soho, NYC glams up their window with an angelic mannequin

Tea parties are much more enjoyable as an adult. These days, a pot of fragrant jasmine (green tea), a couple friends and a comfortably chic caftan set the stage for a relaxing escape from the daily grind. Over at Harney & Sons, Soho, glitter and glamour pave the way for a celestial tea ceremony in the store window. Visitors who step inside can sample an eclectic variety of traditional and unique teas. Chocolate Mint, Tower of London, African Autumn and White Christmas--the choices are endless (oh--and the scones are to die for!)! Definitely one of my top 5 tea spots in NYC--have you been? Happy Wednesday and keep reading for more Wednesday Windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Chanel's Sporty Soho windows

Solitude remains an innocent instigator--of thoughts, of deceit, of serenity… What do you do when no one's watching? The ladies in the windows of Chanel, Soho quietly contemplate next moves. Will it be a brunch date? a quiet night? a shopping spree? Have a look at all the 'looks' this week...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Chanel, Spring Street Soho

Third quarter earnings have been released, but the 1.8 million making news for Chanel has little to do with balance sheets. In fact, the sizable flock of followers attributed to Chanel's Instagram debut Monday proves the popularity of the brand's "cool girl" style. This week, midriff-bearing, tweed jacket wearing mannequins show that comfort comes in choice colors. Keep reading for a look at this season's sporty-chic styles and Chanel's signature tweed wrapped sneakers...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS

Chanel, Spring Street, Soho

With daylight savings time ambling around the corner, the dim days of winter are slowly melting into a sunny spring. Looking forward, the ladies of Chanel show a little skin in sassy, spy-girl chic attire. Darker and spicier than the sequins, sneakers and subdued spring colors that strut down the catwalk at Paris Fashion week, these sunglass wielding ladies steal the show in Chanel's Soho windows!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Peter Gerakaris' Rappaccini Origami Terrarium for Bergdorf Goodman's Art Matters windows at 58th and 5th (curated by Grey Area)

Fashion is wearable art… or so it's been said. Artists and designers have long debated the fine line of where fashion ends and "art" begins. For designers, fashion becomes "art" once a piece crosses the line of wearability. For artists, the sky's the limit. This week, Bergdorf Goodman and Grey Area unite around the theme "Art Matters," showcasing both wearable and viewable art, with a definite distinction between the two.

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Chanel on Spring Street, Soho NYC

Campsite or séance? Stark, snotty or suspicious stare? Find the opposites embodied by the lovely ladies in Chanel's Soho windows--winter wool versus sleeveless sundress...long versus short dress...necklaces versus bracelets... looking behind versus looking ahead. And yet, note the similarly red lips, the color of the dresses, the polished nails and the surprisingly anatomically correct arms on both. Mysticism, mystery or merely mer-maidens of fantasy?

FASHION JEWELRY : THE COLLECTION OF BARBARA BERGER at the MAD

The back room gallery space on the 2nd floor of the MAD

Set in a fantasy world of bountiful bijoux, visitors are struck with bejewled brilliance as they enter the second floor gallery space of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). With the opening of Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger, the MAD has on display nearly 500 pieces from Berger's personal collection spanning from vintage 1920's to modern day and representing both contemporary and established designers. With over 4,000 pieces in her personal collection, Berger comments "It's a LOT of work to put together a show--each piece is hand-picked!"

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Louis Vuitton at Brown Thomas, Grafton St., Dublin

Spring flowers sprout new beginnings this April. At the LV boutique on Grafton St., Dublin, a sly spider has spun a floral surprise. Soft shadows stretch across the space and add depth to the display. So, now the important question--white or beige?