Bergdorf Goodman got into the holiday spirit Thursday night with the unveiling of its windows, this season titled “The Bergdorf Soirée.”
The nine Fifth Avenue windows depict an extravagant fete unfolding scene-by-scene across the luxury retailer’s facade. The celebration kicked off with a live musical performance by New York’s High and Mighty Brass Band and popcorn given out to guests, followed by a visit by Santa and a countdown to the window reveal led by Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman’s senior vice president, fashion office and store presentation.
“It really won’t be holidays on Fifth Avenue until that star is lit and these curtains are pulled back,” said Fargo, who stood alongside Santa, whom she said was wearing her favorite color and needed no introduction. “We host a lot of events and parties at Bergdorf’s, but honestly this is without a doubt our favorite, favorite party of the year.”
She said this year they needed a theme that was very upbeat. “The theme is all about parties and soirees,” she said.
“Masquerade Ball” window at Bergdorf Goodman.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
They hand-make everything for the windows and don’t use production houses. “It’s really made with a lot of love,” said Fargo.
Each window scene showcases an imaginative holiday celebration brought to life through craftsmanship, intricate detail and luxury fashion. Spanning both the women’s and men’s stores, the displays seek to transform the avenue into a tableau of artistry, capturing the joy of a night out in New York. Fargo noted that these windows take 6,500 hours to produce, and another 2,000 hours to install.
“Party Animals” window at Bergdorf’s.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
“Each season, Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday windows showcase the ultimate display of artistry and craftsmanship, bringing the holiday season to life through an unparalleled spectacle of immersion and opulence,” said Fargo. “The beloved holiday windows are brought to life by a team of 100 artisans who work meticulously over the course of nine months to create handcrafted cinematic portraits that celebrate the art of the soirée. Our windows are a love letter to the creative process itself, infusing various artistic mediums from paper sculpture, soft sculpture, mosaic to more. This year’s theme is especially joyful, an invitation to celebrate together.”
“Mad Hatters’ Bash” at Bergdorf’s windows.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
The women’s store features five colorful, fantastical scenes — each one a display of revelry. For example, there’s “After Hours at Bergdorf’s: A Mad Hatters’ Bash” that imagines a whimsical after-hours takeover with partygoers wearing sculptural hats, including one inspired by the store’s famed chandelier. “Masquerade Gala” presents a one-of-a-kind vignette surrounded by intricate paper sculptures representing creative professions from clockmaker to poet. “Game Night” unfolds as a surreal celebration of animals and games, while “Holiday Glow Up” captures the exuberance of a holiday block party illuminated by LED lights and hand-painted neon signage. The series culminates in “New Year’s Eve Countdown,” a mosaic of clocks, crystals and movement marking the final moments of the year.
“Holiday Glow-Up Party” in Bergdorf’s windows.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
Fashion also plays a key role. Looks from such brands as Tom Ford, Givenchy by Sarah Burton, Diotima, Brandon Maxwell, Balmain, Christopher John Rogers, Altuzarra, CD Greene, Issey Miyake, Sergio Hudson, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung, Valentino, Libertine and Zomer are featured in the windows.
“New Year’s Eve Countdown” in Bergdorf’s windows.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
Across the street, the men’s store provides a striking counterpoint in black and white, offering four party scenes: “A Frozen Fete,” a soft-sculpture winter banquet; “Surprise Party,” a split-scene of anticipation and charm; “Game Night,” a nod to sport and celebration, and “House Party,” a witty study in handcrafted detail.
Together the Bergdorf’s windows create a unified yet distinctive holiday narrative — color versus monochrome, exuberance versus restraint — all bound by the spirit of craftsmanship and celebration. Fashion brands that are featured include Tom Ford, Willy Chavarria, Valentino, Burberry, Kiton, Mordecai, Rick Owens, Marni, Attolini, Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, and Fendi.
Bergdorf Men’s holiday windows reflect the party scene.
Courtesy of Ricky Zahavi
The windows are created through Bergdorf’s visual team, which operates as its own design and production studio. The team handcrafts each element in-house, often repurposing materials from previous installations.
The windows will be up through Jan. 5.
