If you had seen, you'll break like me
May. 1st, 2026 11:52 pm
Realizing I hadn't checked out my Manhattan window display stores since March and that the Met Gala coming in a few days might lead to some interesting displays, I drove into Manhattan around 12:30 am. I would soon be very, very disappointed. Bloomingdale's windows still had the same California Love sets I saw in March. They changed the outfits, some mannequins, and some props, but they're the same sets. Surely Bergdorf Goodman would do better! Nope. Still has the minimalist waterfall windows I saw in March. Some of the new outfits were fun and weird so I took some photos.
Saks! Almost half their windows were shrouded, and the others were minimalist and in shades of brown. I might've stopped for a closer look if all the places I'd usually park hadn't been full. What I saw driving by hadn't been good enough to wind my car through New York City Midtown-length blocks to find somewhere else to park, so I didn't.
Kleinfeld! Same. Window. Displays. From March.
I really hadn't missed anything by skipping April!
No Met Gala displays. Manhattan stores used to do amazing things related to the Gala. I still, particularly remember the Alexander McQueen series and punk series! The McQueen windows at Bergdorf had Alexander McQueen ensembles that didn't even make it into the Met's exhibition. (I so wish I had a camera at the time that handled this kind of shooting better.) Lately, the stores don't care. (I hear they're having some financial troubles. Join the club. Creativity doesn't require a huge budget.)
When I have to spend a Congestion Pricing toll just to go see the windows, I have even less patience for getting my time and money wasted by lazy bullshit.
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While using my phone's Map function to find a less trafficked way home, I heard it say I should turn right onto "Bow-eerie." Siri, you have failed this city.
















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