Every Christmas, New York City is tree-mendous! There are many reasons why, beginning with the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center — the most recognizable symbol of the holidays in the Big Apple.
The breathtaking 94-foot tall Norway spruce Christmas tree uses over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star to make the tree “Twinkle Twinkle.” It took a few weeks to spruce up the holiday bush. The tree will stay on display until January 7th, 2017.
The second reason New York City is TREE-mendous, is my personal favorite, Bergdorf Goodman’s iconic holiday windows. This year’s theme “Destination Extra,” thanks to David Hoey, the department store’s Senior Director of Visual Presentation. His inspiration taken from the paintings of Henri Rousseau and trips to the American Museum of Natural History attribute for some of the larger-than-life scenes.
While strolling along Seventh Avenue, I happened to look down to gaze upon a bronze plate reminding us of the smart city of Manhattan is still the undisputed center of American fashion since the mid-19th century.
As you may know by now, I love museums, especially fashion exhibits. Our itinerary continued with a visit to The Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Black Fashion Designers Exhibit located Seventh Avenue at 27th Street.
Immediately I was reminded of the work of unknown but recently noted African American dressmaker Ann Lowe (1898-1981). Ann Lowe made the 1953 wedding gown of Jacqueline Kennedy.
The free exhibition is a sampling of the many African Americans representing generations in the fashion industry featuring notable designers (that were popular in the 1970s) like Stephen Burrows, Willi Smith (1948-1987), Scott Barrie (1946-1993) and Patrick Kelly. Eric Gaskins trained under Hubert de Givenchy and Tracy Reese among the 60+ designs. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, Street Style and Hip Hop styles received their just due.
My little short story here doesn’t do the Black Fashion Designers showpieces justice. If you live in Manhattan or plan to visit soon, the exhibit doesn’t end until May 16, 2017.
Finally, the last reason why Christmas in New York City is TREE-mendous are the sample sales. I shopped my first ones: Portolano and Adrienne Landau. I recommend not bringing along large totes/bags and coats, you must check to make sure no one is walking off with the discounted goodies.
You look incredible! You make me want to wear blue, which I don’t have much of. And I enjoyed the Christmas window pictures and I got to go to a sample sale (OK virtually). Wonderful post, as always.
Terri,
Hi! I just love wearing this royal blue color. The taffeta cocktail dress is five years old. I updated the outfit with the blue suede booties and an early Christmas gift (the faux fur poncho wrap). Thank you for stopping by The Age of Grace.
Love this post Eugenia! I wanted to get these photos myself, but I did not. I alway feast on BG windows! I am so glad to see the gorgeous work from the FIT museum featuring black designers. I am looking forward to meeting you soon. Love, Elle
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Elle,
Hi! The Black Fashion Designers Exhibit at FIT was my first visit to one of their exhibits. I hope you get the opportunity to visit, the small but meaningful display doesn’t end until May 16, 2017.
I always look forward to a visit to BG! 2017 is our year to meet, I too look forward to that time. Stay well.
Oh, and that outfit, so chic! Very New York and glam, and polished!!!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Elle,
Hello again! The outfit I wore to NYC to walk around and shop when the weather was extremely cold-I look like a Russian Cossack. I much prefer the ensemble I wore for the blog post; I didn’t want to scare any of my followers.