Henri Bendel's window on Fifth Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets.
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and here in NYC the shop windows are bedecked and bedazzled with displays aimed at pulling shoppers in from the bustling sidewalks. At Henri Bendel, the windows feature a take on the work of legendary illustrator Al Hirschfeld. Display artists have made three dimensional versions of some Hirschfeld doodles. While it's wonderful that Mr. H's work is still such a part of public consciousness, it seems to be the prevailing opinion (amongst those who know his work very well) that the display doesn't trust the art. I agree. But even so, it's really nice to see art and an artist that I admire get such a lovely tip o' the hat this holiday season.
Now, if you're in NYC and you really want to see a fantastic display of Hirschfeld's work, go visit the fantastic exhibition , The Line King's Library: Al Hirschfeld at The New York Public Library now through January 4, 2014! Happy Hirschfeldian Ho Ho Ho!