One of the fringe benefits of being in retail is being able to design and execute our storefront window. It speaks not only of the mood that we want to set but can also inspire, intrigue, and in some cases maybe even engage some of its viewers.

Holiday Window 2008

We have done windows that are completely monochromatic and we have done windows that require sunglasses. Windows with beautiful antiques, collections of 19^th c. top hats, rugs, ironstone, and our most powerful window to date, our Hunger Month window that inspired the community around us to help feed those in need.

This time of year I embrace my inner fashion designer and create the holiday window.

2009 Holiday Window "Mimi"

Almost every one of our holiday windows has involved a dress or dresses presented on vintage dress forms and mannequins featuring a dress that I’ve fashioned from something from the store. A rug, a tablecloth, vintage fabric pieces, and in this years case, a gold embroidered cloak with beaded fragments of trim and silk. Hair made from moss and pheasant feathers and just the right amount of taxidermy, in my opinion.

We are often asked what inspires our displays and I certainly have my favorites. The Garment District in NYC with its trim shops, button shops, gaudy jewelry stores, and fine antiques stores. I love wandering the halls of The Frick museum as much as I love walking around my own property and our barns. I love rummaging around antiques stores and auctions as much as possible and can often be found rummaging through books in the library for hours on end.

There is always a story behind each window, which I start to think about the second the current year’s window is completed. I see a photo or a magazine spread and my mind starts to buzz. How can I hang that or suspend this? I start to drive Jeff crazy with bizarre notions of how I can pull things off.

People that are close to us at the store start asking by September…”What’s her name THIS year?” Well, this year her name is Genevieve and here is her brief story:

Holiday Window 2010 "Genevieve"

Genevieve loves to attend parties during the holidays and shower her hosts with gifts. This year, she is preparing for her next event by dressing in her hotel room. You can see all of the gifts lining the shelf above just waiting to get carried off and presented to the lucky recipients. Her jewelry, fine treasures, and yes, her favorite brandy, all travel with her. With her dress zipped up tight and the final touches finished on her hair, she is ready to face the evening chill. Her room is cozy with all of her personal comforts awaiting her return.

I hope that you enjoy the store and the window this holiday season. As always, we love hearing from you.

-Larry Ruhl

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