Recently I was asked by the store Blue Tree on the Upper East Side to create a window for their second floor. Phoebe and Ivana wanted to create something eye-catching and different and bring attention to their second floor which showcases some of the worlds top indie clothing designers. More specifically they wanted to highlight the launch of a new clothing line by Irini Arakas of PROVA, famous for her dazzling scarves.
PROVA's bold patterns and playful fringe influenced many of my design ideas. I imagined the kind of woman who would be drawn to them. They would have to be as strong as the patterns, wild and creative, but also sophisticated. Horses for me symbolize beauty, elegance, strength, and also mystery. I imagined this magnificent dress in a minimal setting surrounded by supporting props, all in white, carried by a magic white horse modeled after a vintage toy with tall white cactus framing the tableau. Phoebe and Ivana loved the idea and so I set off to work in my studio to create the white horse.
The project also required that text be added to the wall by the steps that lead up to the second floor, Something that would visually draw people up to see the beautiful clothing on the 2nd floor. I asked my good friend Emily Snyder of Queen Quills Calligraphy (pictured below with a sequined cap) to fly out to New York from freezing Minneapolis and help with the project. She used her killer-quill-skills to create the wall text. Not only did it solve the second floor dilemma but it also looks stunning.
A month later it all came full circle and it was finished. I installed this window with the kind help of Matthew Farina. It will be up through August so...if you are strolling the Upper East Side stop by and check it out. The store is full of wonderful gifts and beautiful treasures to behold!
Blue Tree
1283 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10128
A big Thank You to Phoebe and Ivana and the staff at Blue Tree for being so wonderfully creative and fun to work with!
Photos by: Ruth Mckerrell
