MODELIZING: the art of window shopping

Prada, Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta

2012-01-27T00:07:00.001-05:00

Finishing off Madison Avenue for this week, the heavy weights.
Prada has moved into different colouring, which I shot on Wednesday night--so say goodbye to these, they will be missed but the revamp is awesome.

Lint brush?

Nom nom nom.

Tom Ford and Bottega after the cut!

I really need the New York Tom Ford store to get their lighting together, the mens was switched with the womens--therefore in pitch black. If LA can light properly, you can do it too, no excuses.

And finally Bottega! I'm a huge a fan of Bottega, so the double dosage is great but yeah, some of the products need to be switched up so it's not overlapping with the 5th Avenue flagship.

Finishing off with this thing again...I kind of like it but it's kind of ridiculous. Thoughts?

xxv

Jil Sander

2012-01-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

This is the second time I've singled out a shot like this. The first time was with Jil Sander as well. I was going to include it in yesterdays post but it really just needs a moment alone to shine. Perfect.

xxv

Oliver Peoples, Lanvin, Reed Krakoff, Akris

2012-01-25T00:05:00.016-05:00

Olivier Peoples seems to have stopped trying? Nothing is centered :\ What?

Errrr

Oh Lanvin.

You are a mess.

Reed Krakoff!

And finally some Akris because there can never be enough Akris in the world.

xxv

Cavalli, Roger Vivier, Hervé Léger, Zanotti

2012-01-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

Roberto Cavalli really stepped up the shoe game, I love these.

FLORAL FOR SPRING, YOU GUYS, BRAND NEW TREND ALERT!! You read it here first, don't even bother picking up a magazine. Roberto Cavalli and I got you.

Roger Vivier pulled inspiration from Piet Mondrianfor their latest display. I love it, I'm a huge fan of the artists and any time fashion can incorporate fine art into the mix, I'm usually fangirling it.

I played with this shoe at Saks last weekend, I loveeee the matching yellow rubber bottom. Such a fantastic touch.

Oh.

Time for some serious shoe porn...after the cut!

I mean.

I saw 12 year old girls trying these on at Bloomingdales...so disturbing.

I'll just leave this here...

xxv

Hermes

2012-01-23T00:03:00.001-05:00

Hermes breaks out the fancy scarves, hikes prices 9%, continues to make me feel poorer than usual. Oh Hermes, someday, someday.

THE MAGICAL KELLY scarf.

These mannequins are pretty fantastic.

We need to discuss this outlet business, I get why it's there but idk...can we make a pretty cover for it or something Hermes? Omg imagine a fierce scarf print for the Petit H line--people would totally buy it! [You're welcome Hermes, you're welcome]

Oh hai, you're cute.

The lighting isn't wonky, this was a human error on my part of over exposing.

Mmmm so good.

The shoes though :\

I love these pants, I'm really into printed pants right now.

So chic.

These remind me of Stella McCartney, just me?

Especially these.

So good.

xxv

Barneys

2012-01-22T00:04:00.001-05:00

Barneys is really working it with recycled props from their storage space and a very clean approach to a chaotic backdrop. I must say the lighting was less than ideal for the Marni or Lisa Perry windows [omg it was tragic, let's just say it] but overall a great start to the New Year.
Each window featured full looks from one designer, starting with The Row.

Celine

Sad Marni :(

Lisa Perry

Stella McCartney

xxv

Miu Miu, Dior x Anselm Reyle, Calvin Klein

2012-01-20T00:23:00.002-05:00

Miu Miu continues with their holiday window backdrop, I'm ready for something new.

I can't decide if I like or hate these shoes but if you're into the glitter that is Miu Miu, just get something from the current season that is already deeply discounted, instead of waiting for the newer glitter stuff to go on sale. Because the new looks are soooo expensive!! Ah.

Onto Dior x Anselm Reyle

What the coke ring is this?

So...how long do you think it'll be until Vuitton screams WE DID ARMY PRINT ON LUXURY DESIGNER GOODS FIRST!!!! [which isn't true but you know how these houses are: see Louboutin vs YSL]

If you haven't noticed, the mannequin have trendy hipster hair that is ombre from black to pinkish.

Goth chic.

Nice.

CONTINUING WITH THE ORANGE THEME...Calvin Klein also kept their holiday props up and well...I wish they hadn't.

What the 90's is this?

The lighting on these shoes is so amazing! That's the thing about Calvin, even when I'm questioning things in the windows, they are at least presented flawlessly.

Speaking of shoes that should have stayed in the 90's...

Yuck.

ALL ORANGE EVERYTHING.

I don't get it, it reminds me of like Dance Dance revolution or something.

~they like the way I be leaning~

Please return to the 90's with the other shoes, thank you.

xxv

Bergdorf Goodman Mens, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Burberry

2012-01-19T00:09:00.002-05:00

A quick shot of Bergdorf Goodman Mens store, all the windows looked like this, so I didn't feel too bad for fleeing without properly documenting them.

As LV is about to kill their circus theme, I was finallllly able to shoot the monkey in the window that either has no light or when it works, I don't have my camera on me. If you've missed the full circus experience, click here and paste the images together in your mind.

OMG YSL, THIS IS GETTING SO MUCH BETTER. I will Kanye caps for as long as I need to show my excitement that YSL is trying and succeeding on some level. Mazel tov YSL, it took a lot of me going GRRRRR and throwing my hands in the air in front of your store [omg security cameras must have the best footage of me shooting, ever] but you did it.

If I lived on a chic farm, I would get this Muse 2, it's so major.

Manni needs a paint job or a scrub, something...

The tiny side windows still need work/effort, the lighting is shit and the products don't lay the right way. Womp womp.

And Burberry...which just should stop whatever it is they think they're doing because they're doing it wrong.

xxv

Bergdorf Goodman

2012-01-18T00:08:00.002-05:00

Bergdorf Goodman did not disappoint, not surprising, I preferred these to the overstuffed Holiday Windows of 2011. Well not these but the main windows you'll see in a few seconds. I think it's interesting how every January a typewriter comes out and so do post it type displays. I wonder what the meaning behind it is for David Hoey and co. I could get cheesy and philosophical about it, but let's not kid ourselves, it could mean absolutely nothing and I'm projecting. Maybe next January the team can put up projectors and projections.

RETURN LETTERS FROM SANTA? Or just love letters for the grossness that is Valentine's Day. [Which always hilariously falls during Fashion Week, obviously fashion doesn't believe in Hallmark marketed love.]

Onto the main windows! Because they gave me LIFE!

Mmmm Givenchy. I kind of wish that all white outfit was next to it, wouldn't it be major? No? Just me...? Impossible.

Nom nom nom.

Meh.

Everything that should happen in life is happening in these windows.

Except for this, this needs to be aborted.

Loewe continuing the trend of pink and orange.

If nothing else in life, Bergdorfs always has perfect lighting.

I mean.

The return of the surely to be overused Stella print, but I still love you.

Flawless, who knew Ralph did orange so well? He's the king, the end.

Ugh colour porn.

MORE GBV IN THE WINDOWS! Two major department stores in a week? I feel some what victorious. I don't know why, but let me gloat for a moment.

VIONNET VS. RALPH, WHO WINS THE ORANGE PANT BATTLE?!

xxv

Tiffany and Co

2012-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

A quick Tiffany's post. I'm on the fence, in person I really loved these but I don't think the cuteness transferred via photo. It could just be me, it usually is.

Damn.

xxv

Bottega Veneta, Pucci, Gucci, Prada

2012-01-16T00:16:00.002-05:00

Bottega ditched their candles and pink obsession for some naturals and stripes!

What?

Oh Pucci, they're taking over the old YSL space on Madison Avenue...so this space will hopefully get better in the future?

At first I was like...ugh Gucci.

But then...THIS HAPPENED. Omg this is so brilliant!

Baby Gucci!

xxv

Gant, Versace, Zegna, Fendi

2012-01-15T00:15:00.005-05:00

Gant makes me long for spring, right now please.

Versace seems to be as confused as I am by what's going on.

And finally Fendi, they totally got my hopes up when they covered up their windows to redo them. I thought to myself...2012, we're finally going to get a new theme. THIS THEME HAS BEEN DRAGGING SINCE 2010. LOOK AT YOUR LIFE CHOICES KARL AND COMPANY, THEY AREN'T WISE....naturally my hopes were dashed. Sigh, Fendi suicide watch 2012, form your prayer circles now. The entire team needs to be fired, starting with whoever is making those shoes and handbags...what the 9west is going on?

WHY ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH PAINT AND PAINT ON THE GROUND AND A FAUX STUDIO SETTING? WHAT IS THIS?!

xxv

Saks 5th Avenue x Dior x Anselm Reyle Collection

2012-01-13T00:13:00.001-05:00

I finally had a chance to shoot on Wednesday night. I miraculously finished right before it started down pouring, literally one of the fastest times I've ever shot [sadly had to skip Bergdorf Mens store because I thought it was going to rain sooner but I finished literally just in time by Ralph.] But I digress...I started at Saks, where I was surprised by a few things [in a good way!] first and most importantly to the point where nothing else actually matters... the lighting has improved! ...onto the first windows of 2012 from NY!

I really liked this fun way of writing out brands vs. just sticking stickers on the window, it's very ~old school aim~ chats.

Can we discuss digital prints? I love them but this is what makes me cringe as a photographer and a person that plays with pixels/prints all day. WHY IS THIS PIXELATED? I don't even recall the brand, it's not relevant, but it's something I keep seeing and don't understand. If it looks gross like that, don't make it. Find a higher quality image.

Some GBV love in the windows.

See, print done right, granted it's not a digital print design but it's most likely digitally done and doesn't look like a Blackberry took the image and then had it blown up the size of a dress.

I love this Stella so much but it's every where already. BG has it as well.

Now time for main windows featuring Dior x Anselm Reyle...I shot it rather abstractly because poor Saks is plagued by too many lights reflecting into their windows.

xxv

Santa Monica Beach and Rodeo Drive

2012-01-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Some final photos from LA, I was going to post my Disneyland adventure but I'd rather focus on the latest windows in NY. I was uptown the other evening and all the stores were getting ready for their holiday cleanse. I'm hoping to be able to shoot them as soon as the weather is decent next week. It absolutely perfect this weekend but I doubt many stores are finished setting up. Today's post will have palm trees [my obsession in LA], Santa Monica beach [to torture you with if it is cold in your area], and some final images from Rodeo during the day time. Lots of photos ahead, there will be a cut.

I'm mildly obsessed with The Georgian, I've never been inside but I love the art deco design and that Tiffany's blue.

If you've never been to Santa Monica or Venice, there is an incredibly large homeless population that hangs around and enjoys the beautiful weather. I didn't shoot them, didn't really want to get into another huge debate over homeless/fashion/this blog, but I did shoot this mess one of them left behind.

I stumbled across these crosses, which represented the American's killed or wounded during the war. It's beyond moving/chilling.

Obsessed with this shot.

The next day I was back on Rodeo to actually try to shop. What tortures me the most at night, aside from not being able to afford 99% of the stuff I shoot unless it's on sale, is that I can never go inside and shop if I need to. Day time shots are often a hassle or I'm not near a store during the day since I work so much, but I digress...here are some day shots of Rodeo. I still can't believe someone at Chanel thought this was acceptable/a good look. Gross.

Michael Kors finally did something right, granted these were in the NY stores as well but they work so much better with palm trees reflecting!

Valentino opened up a new boutique after I posted the ugly shoes last week. Hopefully this fresh start will help them suck less. Fingers crossed for the brand.

I never realized Tom Ford wasn't in a grey building, funny how night time really changes ones perspective of what colour things are!

Something else I can never shoot at night is how great the wall at Missoni is! The sunset reflecting only made it better.

More palm trees! This time in Beverly Hills.

And finally, the most random image to end all of this on...Randy's Donuts.

xxv

Prada x Rodeo Drive

2012-01-06T00:06:00.002-05:00

Let's discuss my insane dedication to Prada this season. I believe the term "flawfree" could be found in at least one of my posts [followed by pointing out a flaw but still standing by the great windows.] I think from the collection to the presentation, Prada just did everything splendidly. The idea of using pink and green, not making it look like a rejection from a prep school class project, and creating wi
Prada store like theirs.

My first day shooting the store, I found this 4ever alone mannequin and thought my dreams of shooting my beloved open space were dashed due to this being the new layout.

I then inquired about the door and was told that it was just for the day, they had technical difficulties. Whatever it was, glad it's gone, my open space and I were reunited in a fit of passion. I couldn't get as close to the display as I wanted with my camera, something about not being able to shoot on the actual flooring of the store, which is still considered to be the sidewalk but not in the land of Prada [loved that tourists with point and shoots and gross flash made their way up to the displays...ugh rude] but I'm happy with what I could get. I think Prada has become my favorite non department store display, remember the days of Valentino being my favorite? I hope Prada and I never fight, it would break my heart.

xxv

Los Angeles Gun Club

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Something I enjoy in my downtime, especially while visiting in La, is going to the LA Gun Club. I started last year during my first extended visit here out of the thought process that if I can shoot a good photo, I can shoot a gun just as well. I know the correlation might seem a bit off, but I basically hunt and wait for my photo to be exactly as I want it to be using a camera daily, so why wouldn't it be the same for target practice? New York has strict gun laws, even for just going to the range and shooting for a bit. I hope to get a gun license so that I can shoot more often/freely but for now, I get my kicks with a 38 special and moving the target along further each time to get better. I usually don't shoot with my camera [outside of my Blackberry] but I wanted to document my hobby and share it because I think it's interesting how I've picked up this sport.

So for those wondering what I do to relax, it's basically this and perhaps yoga now that I've started it during my vacation as well. I'm going to learn how to relax more this year.

The targets--a man in a suit? Really though?

Usually the gentlemen showing how to load a gun don't point it at themselves, not sure how I got this moment but I'm into it.

A lot of celebrities go to LAGC, Gosling included.

Some window shopping, because you know, I can't stop myself.

I held a glock for the first time, it felt weird because the handle isn't that cusiony.

Target before:

Up in the shooting space, I had booth 13.

During:

I loved seeing all the shells from other people piled into a corner, it was kind of beautiful.

I think I did alright for a new further range for me.

And that's it! There will be more random posts from my Adventures in LA. I hope you liked a little break from the windows.
xxv

An ode to Paul Smith

2012-01-04T00:04:00.001-05:00

Something I'm obsessed with in LA, besides shooting pieces of paper with a 38 [more on that tomorrow], is the Paul Smith store. I don't even know why, I'm not a big pink person but gosh, this wall? I can't stop myself from shooting it every single possible way.
A few days after I shot this post, my dear friend Jazzi and I shot an outfit post of her against it. You can see previews on BBV 1, 2.

I must say that one of my biggest regrets in the last 4 years of running this blog is that I haven't documented how incredible the Paul Smith windows are. I've said it before and I'll say it again, most stores don't deserve an ounce of attention that I give them and yet I just can't seem to have my camera around whenever I pass the 5th Avenue store. The SoHo store is always different than the mind blowing 5th Avenue one, it's the mecca of Paul Smith stores. The 5th Avenue one is close to Parsons and far away from all the other stores that I've become a slave to. Long story short, I love Paul Smith and they put even my favorites to shame most of the time.

The way the light changes/plays with the wall is incredible.

Currently the window says WARM SALE in black and white, seriously could the team be any more brilliant?

No filters or trickier, this wall is epic.

xxv

McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Kiki de Montparnasse, Vivienne Westwood

2012-01-02T00:02:00.001-05:00

Cruising down Melrose for some favorites in the daytime.

Marc Jacobs LA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> New York.

Brilliant.

I love Ports 1961, it's so underrated.

After obsessing over Melrose, I stumbled into the Fairfax flea market.

Obsessed.

Then I waited until night fall to stalk Kiki and Viv Westwood.

The entrance is divine, I've never seen it open before but I just want to stand there all day.

There's my obsession with pink showing up again!

A quick shot of my flight from SF to LA, I went for the day to visit my grandparents.

xxv

Saks 5th Avenue x Rodeo Drive

2012-01-01T00:01:00.005-05:00

Happy 2012! Finishing off my Rodeo Drive posts. Some day shots are coming up soon, promise.

Omg the Men's Saks store is SO SO GOOD. I can't get over it, Saks needs to fly this team out to New York to see what they can do, because they are doing something major.

This is so brilliant for any menswear store. It's like Ralph meets Gant.

So good!

Look at that flawfree lighting from Saks. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? SAKS! FLAWLESS LIGHTING.

My circle shoe display obsession, cemented.

Donna Karan needs to reconsider this necklace, it's still not too late to pull it out of stores.

Incredible, I think I have a nailcolour super similar to this McQueen clutch.

Oscar de la Renta gown to close off the great Saks Holiday Windows for LA.

xxv

Valentino, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren x Rodeo Drive

2011-12-31T00:31:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm still in LA and these are still the Holiday Windows from Rodeo Drive.

I didn't realize that Valentino was making things that Williamsburg Hipsters steal from their Grandmothers. I can't even.

WHAT IS THIS WRITING BUSINESS? Send this to the press room or something, gross.

Pretty...if this was Marchesa.

Hermes is a full 180 from New York.

What?

Scarf party.

Armani is currently under construction in NY, so I've been missing the collection a lot lately. I was a bit surprised to see this...maybe it's for the best I'm missing these because I have some not so nice things to say.

Why so many trends? Who authorized this.

WHAT THE VALENTINO IS THIS ARMANI? IT DIDN'T LOOK GOOD FOR VALENTINO, IT'S NOT A GOOD LOOK FOR YOU EITHER.

Modern Judith Leiber?

Ralph seemed boring, I don't know, it didn't really do it for me even though it's incredibly detailed and well thought out.

That mannequin and that dress = no bueno.

xxv

YSL, Prada, Bally, Tom Ford x Rodeo Drive

2011-12-30T00:30:00.000-05:00

YSL is definitely trying and I'm so happy with the improvement, I'm not alone in noticing this, right?

Prada across the street from Tom Ford is just beyond incredible, I could shoot this forever.

Now for incredibly bright Bally. Can New York get some of this? Damn.

But then the mens section really got sloppy.

WHAT IS THIS?

Oh Tom Ford, so much better lit than the New York store. It kind of breaks my heart that I don't get to see this detailing every time I walk by.

Forever will reshoot this.

So Tom Ford for YSL of him, no? Just me?

xxv

Tiffany and Co, Versace, Lanvin, Dolce and Gabbana, x Rodeo Drive

2011-12-29T00:29:00.003-05:00

This is Tiffany and Co outside of the magic of New York. Similar pieces but cutouts vs. the 3-D model.

Reminds me too much of my favorite star from H. Stern.

The lone horse.

Spinning/shooting at night is not fun but I did it!

The Versace store allowed me to really look at their new mannequins, I'm in love.

No, not these.

These! Look at this fantastic detailing.

Blinged out Rodeo Drive sign for the season, so good.

Lanvin was a disaster, I can't. Same as New York but two windows of no lighting, ugly chairs, and looking like Express.

Dolce and Gabbana destroyed my happiness for them this season. They used some of the new detailing with the same food display grossness for the last for years. WHY? WHY? WHY? The food needs to not come back ever again, anywhere in the world. Losers.

xxv

Louis Vuitton Circus Rodeo Drive Holiday Windows 2011

2011-12-28T00:28:00.001-05:00

Vuitton continues to pull off their pink and orange Resort Circus. Some questionable bag choices [The Speedy? With that look? Really?] but I think it was to be more commercial, if that's possible for LV.

I love seeing how they choose to display the jewelry, NY doesn't get that.

Love taking this shot, all the mens shoes should be shot like this [and by me. lol]

WHAT IS THIS?

Hanging mannequins are officially my new favorite.

A 39 for me please.

So good.

xxv

Prada, Tod's, Miu Miu, Dior Homme, Dior, Zegna x Rodeo Drive

2011-12-27T00:27:00.004-05:00

Prada as usual was locked down, more for the daytime shots! But I was a bit surprised that they didn't feature Resort underground.

Tod's always does something different in LA, it's a totally different store or something than New York. I'm so over the fall theme in NY and love this one.

Is Tod's going to go into furniture making? I'm so into it.

I'm so into the circular table/shoe display, Saks did it with their Louboutins [more on that soon!] and I'm totally sold.

Miu Miu is exactly the same as New York, not too much detail porn because I've shot it to death.

Ugh I love Dior Homme on Rodeo Drive so much more than NY. Look at how photogenic it is!

DIOR JUST CANNOT PUT THEIR PRODUCTS UP RIGHT, REALLY THOUGH? I just don't understand. Someone explain. Dior, email me, seriously, I want an answer.

Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo, Fendi, Gucci x Rodeo Drive

2011-12-26T00:26:00.003-05:00

Oh Chanel, such a tragic tale. The only redeeming quality is this roof detail that I haven't noticed before.

WHAT IS THIS LIGHTING? I CAN'T EVEN.

A pleasant surprise was Ferragamo having a different theme than the NY store.

So shocked by these shoes!

Fendi is 4ever boring. WORK WITH ME FENDI, WORK WITH ME. So rude.

Looks like swatches of marble...wut?

Really though, give this painter thing up please Fendi.

No surprises here, Gucci probably did this worldwide.

This whole section is really nice, I wish the NY store had nicely lit instore displays too.

Forever love that Tom Ford reflects into Gucci.

xxv