I usually start thinking about the next Holiday window as soon as the current one is complete. I go into the new year looking, watching, listening to see what grabs my attention. Inevitably, I am asked what inspired the window.
Divine Inspiration
- Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Spring 2011
This year there were many things that inspired me. The first thing that comes to mind was the Savage Beauty Exhibit honoring the work of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. I went alone and was so moved by what I saw that many images and feelings stayed with me. It is by far one of the most memorable trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Florence and the Machine Ceremonials Album. Fall 2011
I am also inspired by music. It’s would be a rare occurrence for you to come into High Falls Mercantile and not hear Florence and the Machine, Jordi Savall, or Nina Simone. As a matter of fact, during this years installation we kept the new Florence and the Machine album, Ceremonials, on repeat. It was a fitting title.
- High Falls Mercantile Design On A Dime vignette Spring 2011
One of the highlights for me in 2011 was doing a vignette for Housing Works Design on a Dime event. I covered the walls of my “room” in the pages of an old tattered Encyclopedia. As I added layer upon layer the entire feeling of the space changed. I remembered the feeling of working with old paper and wanted to create something new. Why not a dress? The pages of an old volume that had seen better days, is torn, and falling apart could get a new life. I set about thinking of how this structure could come to life.
The Details Of The Fine Print
- Giving old pages new purpose.
- The curtains and gilded crest start to take shape.
- Creating the structure that will become the skirt.
- Carefully filling the structure with the paper.
Armed with pages and pages of old books, I began creating “flowers” .I sat for hours in that hot window making those things fit into the small holes of the chicken wire that would help form the skirt.
- Tightly packed the pages take on the look of flowers.
- A detail of the antique trim that creates her bodice.
- I love the contrast of the paper to the beaded deep red trim.
- A favorite roll on antique trim in my collection.
Beatrice Comes to Life
The rest happened so fast…I wrapped her in 19th Century gold and silver upholstery trim and used some of the same for the streamers floating above her.
- He’s not as mean as he looks.
The crown was suspended in the air waiting to be placed on her head while her woodland creatures were causing mischief.
Here you can see my collection of 19th c silver and gold trims.
So, what does it all mean? Is there some hidden agenda within our windows? I leave that to you. Look carefully and you might find a few surprises. Even within yourself.
All Content Copyright 2010 - High Falls Mercantile INC - 800.687.6707 
9 Comments
Larry, It’s just gorgeous. I LOVE all the elements. They remind me of collage: the whimsy, the mixing together, the old tattered stuff (paper) becoming the new. Can’t wait to come by and see it. You are an artiste extraordinaire.
So sweet Miriam thank you! Can’t wait for you to stop by.
Fantastic!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Thank you Michele
LOVE it…So chic and mysterious!
Can’t wait to see you at #Jingletweet in your fabulous outfit. And bring Beatrice as well if you like!!
))
Thank You! So excited to see you as well and I might just have to bring her along.
Beautiful, you are so talented! I love Her, thanks for sharing how she was created. I will have to take a ride to see her in person.
Happy Holidays!
Great post! Love construction of dress. Whoa, the squirrel is scary.