NEW DAILY PAPER FLAGSHIP ON DELANCEY ST

First Daily Paper Flagship in the Lower East Side of NYC on the corner of Christie and Delancey Streets

Survival of the fittest transforms the NYC retail landscape as a pandemic, civil unrest and a hotly contested election trigger store shutterings, job loss and an overall sales slowdown. Amid the chaos, a ray of hope has sprouted on the corner of Delancey and Christie Streets. Daily Paper, a brand founded by Dutch friends Hussein Suleiman (whose family is from Somalia), Abderrahmane Trabsini (whose family is from Morocco) and Jefferson Osei (whose family is from Ghana), opened its New York Flagship in the Lower East Side on October 24th. This is the first store outside Amsterdam for the Black-owned fashion brand. Keep reading for a look inside the captivating space...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Heart "vault" at Kleinfeld Bridal

What transpires from a malady of the heart proliferates the power of "love." Some believe love is borne from luck. Others see it as a state of mind requiring definition and refinement. Where some act on account of love, others act in defense against its resulting emotion. Between episodes of 90 Day Fiancé and the second season of the Netflix series "You", the concept of "love" becomes subject to serious scrutiny. In both tangible and intangible forms, love results in both the highest and lowest points in life. As the new year inches in, remember those you love and take a moment to reflect on the reasons why. Have a Happy New Year and Keep reading to see the windows at Kleinfeld... 

HOLIDAY WINDOWS 2019: BERGDORF GOODMAN

"Good Times" Holiday Windows @Bergdorfs, 5th Ave. // "Jackpot" window

Classic games and classy clothes combine to form a curated celebration in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Festive, game-themed windows set the stage for fantasy, drama and spirited "Good Times." With less than a week to spare, Christmas peeks around the corner. Beyond the praise and presents, don't forget to pass along a healthy helping of holiday cheer. In the mean time, have a look at the windows of Bergdorf Goodman...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Nordstrom, Short Hills Mall, NJ

With Martin Luther King granting a day off this week and Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day on the horizon, thoughts swirl towards the turbulence ahead. "Another year" leads to recalibrated priorities and cautiously curated considerations. What will 2019 bring? With one eye on experience, I'm optimistic so far. Cheers to an unparalleled journey and tangible progress. Keep reading to see this week's windows from Nordstrom at The Mall at Short Hills...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Saks Saves Summer" -- The windows @Saks Fifth Ave., Fifth Ave. NY

I don't remember what it was like to be 25--or even what I was doing 25 days ago. What I can relay is the difference in mindset, abridged circumstances and the journey to maturity, from then to today. 25 was a conflicted age for a now-neutral place in history. With a hard re-set, change has become the catalyst of confidence in 2018. Looking at this week's windows at Saks... take a minute to ponder... Who do you surround yourself with? Who has "saved" you from the trials and tears, and lifted you back into the light? Keep reading to see the spread at Saks....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Alice & Olivia, Soho NYC 

The past metaphorically alters one's perceived reality, recklessly rewarding risk in a world of popcorn jargon. Choices, choices... mixed amid victories and vices. Beware while appropriating assumption; sometimes "winning" is merely a fleeting moment, bestowed by chance. This week's windows at Alice & Olivia made me smile--a cheeky reminder of the tireless temptations lining shelves at the grocery store. Stay dry and Enjoy! 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Mulberry, Soho NYC

Off to an action-packed start to 2018, with daily adventures and a successful surgery; 1 week down of an unknown convalescence. As of now, my 'bikini-ready' bod has been replaced with bloat and bruise; mundane tasks have become major milestones. Funny how life intervenes, forcing the issue of healing and self-awareness. 2017 was spent "living Plan B" and to that end, I'm grateful to friends for their endless support and the readers of this blog for keeping me motivated! Cheers to an astounding 2018! In the mean time, have a look at Mulberry's Soho windows, laden with isolated contemplation as the holiday season draws to a close...  

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Holiday Windows @Kleinfeld

The spiral of sadness secures its share of survivors--cancer patients, Holocaust detainees, middle school bullying, forced slavery, domestic abuse. The Holiday season marks another milestone in logistical longevity and purposeful tenacity. Celebrate the reasons for this season with fervor, and in remembrance of those who have gone before their time. Take a moment to reflect and have a look at this week's windows at Kleinfeld Bridal...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Harney & Sons -- Always a solid windowscape! Rootstein mannequin and window dressing by Polar Buranasatit

At first glance, fashion is creative, clothes are necessary, style is impressionable and all (of the aforementioned) are representative of an individual or idea. Weighing the dichotomy between a designer's creative vision and the large-scale ills of fashion's forcible footprint, where lies the balance of trend vs. ethical, sustainable and affordable fashion? This week's windows at Harney & Sons showcases stylized sophistication--made from tea bags! Look inside for a detailed shot... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Pre-holiday windows at Bergdorfs on Fifth Ave, NYC

Over lattes and laments, an epiphany of sorts. "Success" has long been a definitive black or white, with grey branded the disgraced 'in between.' Yet, as age amasses, maturity amounts to an acceptable medium--graceful acceptance of criticism prevails over perpetual "right"-ness and rapid recovery triumphs over perceived failure. Context crushes assumption, absolving insecurity. Keep reading for this week's windows at Bergdorf Goodman and reflect on the figurative seats on which we sit... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 David Fielden dresses in the windows of Kleinfeld Bridal

The steady stream of Star Wars sounds followed by a persistent whir and an occasional jagged rocking likens the MRI experience to a mild roller coaster ride. The 40-minute ordeal presents a digital-device-free dreamscape, devoid of distractions and mindless mental stimulants. It becomes apparent how idleness and forced internal reflection can present an unpleasant experience, for some. Retreating to a safe space, personally, the excuse to exit reality--if even for the lesser part of an hour--is rather relaxing. Happy Wednesday; enjoy the remnants of Bridal Fashion Week in the windows of Kleinfeld, NYC...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Spider's Parlor by Janet Nolan at Bloomingdale's 59th St.

Workplace wardrobe teeters on the edge of sartorial feat and fashion faux pas. For men, corporate America abides by the uniform of shirt + tie + pants, leaving little room to deviate beyond cut and color choices. For women, clothing combinations and cautious calibration moderate between trendy and conservative, creating a new class of 'corporate chic.' Sleek style spawns to combat workplace weariness. Take a look around this week--what do you see? Are you runway ready or struggling with style? Enjoy this week's windows  at Bloomingdale's, featuring installation art by Janet Nolan... 

-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-

 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?....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Anthropologie, Rockefeller Center

A mini skull scepter rests between the jaws of a jeweled salamander, serving as the silver handle that transforms an ordinary "bag" into a Masterpiece. My recent bargain basement acquisition--a Spring 2015 Red Salamander Alexander McQueen knuckle duster--satiates a decade-long curiosity of what it would be like to own a high society handbag. Beyond the 'brand,' product design and craftsmanship commands as much elitist discernment as the targeted clientele. Luxe products have long fascinated--with lavish embroidery on bespoke dresses, deep interpretations of thought applied onto wearables and bulletproof hardware with extravagant detailing. While impeccable styling + fast fashion works just fine, there's an embedded 'extra' in luxe product, apparent on even the simplest of pieces. Having grown up in an era of hand-me-downs and the side-hustle, I respect both the artistry and the price associated with exclusivity. Keep reading for this week's windows at Anthropologie, showcasing the balance between art and style...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Ralph Lauren, Fifth Ave.

Netflix has a knack for tugging at threads of thought. The series of choice this week--13 Reasons Why--sheds light on the psyche of a high school girl and the 13 reasons leading up to self-destruction. 13 episodes later, the lingering issue of suicide and rape among youth leaves sentimental residue. This week's windows at Ralph Lauren Fifth Ave. capture the school style cool of a group of faceless young men. It begs the question of how best to nurture morality and better decisions in the next generation. Keep reading for more snaps of this week's windows... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

LLLLLLLLLLL... Louis Vuitton (Fifth Ave)

Oogling at the obvious, news and numbers initiate a rigor of unavoidable regularity. This week, fracture innate tradition and transform nuance into narrative; synthesize silence to reveal a breakthrough in moral adversity for informed decision making. After all, it's the untouchable and intangible that offers the greatest impact. Adding a bit of fun to Grecian sculpture, Louis Vuitton's Fifth Ave. windows illustrate the sunny side of straddling a line-- and stepping a pace beyond. Keep reading for a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci Fifh Ave

What... happened? Though fairly general (and yet fiercely specific), the question begs for a descriptor of a subjectively positive or negative, intentional or accidental occurrence. This week's windows at Gucci, Fifth Ave. present a view into a luxury brand at the brink of breakthrough. A year after Alessandro Michele replaces Frida Giannini as Gucci's creative Director, the drama of the moment has been eclipsed with sweeping moderninity, bohemia and "romantic androgyny." Staid style has transitioned into a street-meets-Renaissance amalgamation where Michele confirms, "creativity has no rules." While still recognizable, the brand grew attitude and started taking stylistic limitations a little less seriously... and that's "what happened" at Gucci. Keep reading to have a closer look...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 #MacysFlowerShow at Macy's Herald Square

Spring is "in!" Corseted ladies (in fishnet stockings!) and brilliant blooms garnish the windows of Macy's Herald Square. This year's carnival-themed flower show makes for a memorable moment in Macy's repertoire of flora festivities. From fluorescent manes in "Weird & Wonderful" to exotic plants in "Rare and Remarkable," Macy's has manufactured a media-worthy mix of moving marvels. Inside, over 5,000 flowers and plants frame familiar fair favorites. The Macy's Flower Show is free and open to the public until April 9th. Keep reading to see all the windows...