Few things capture the spirit of New York City during the holidays quite like the Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Avenue windows. This year’s theme, “Toast of the Town,” is a sparkling homage to the iconic city itself, celebrating its landmarks, energy, and the glamour that makes NYC the capital of dreams.
Unveiled to the public on November 21, the windows pay tribute to Fifth Avenue’s enduring legacy, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of this legendary thoroughfare. Each of the nine windows on display is a masterpiece in itself, crafted in-house by Bergdorf’s visionary design team over the past year.
New York City Reimagined in Fashion
From a giant, glittering yellow taxicab to jeweled pigeons perched throughout the displays, every window is a love letter to the city’s most recognizable icons. One window is bathed in vibrant red, honoring the lions of the New York Public Library and the literary history they symbolize. Another, lush with green, is an ode to the parks and leafy havens scattered throughout the city.
One of my favorite windows featured a look from Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2024 collection. The life-size doll concept took me back to Martin Margiela’s Fall/Winter 1994 collection, where he famously scaled doll clothes to fit adult proportions. It’s a brilliant nod to how fashion continually plays with proportions and the surreal.
The men’s windows also held treasures, like a look from Alexander McQueen’s Resort 2025 collection. Seán McGirr’s designs for the house continue to impress, and seeing this piece displayed so thoughtfully felt like a sneak peek into the bright future of his creative direction at McQueen.
Peering Into Each Detail
Bergdorf’s windows are always a feast for the senses. This year, I found myself lingering at the layers of design, from the subtle textures on mannequins’ garments to the surreal elements, like oversized clocks and sequined animals, that bring the displays to life. The meticulous attention to detail invites you to step closer, peer longer, and uncover something new each time.
The themes this year, from the yellow taxis to whimsical park scenes, are tied together with Bergdorf Goodman’s signature aesthetic—a balance of high fashion and theatrical storytelling. Designers like Valentino, Michael Kors, Thom Browne, and Prabal Gurung lent their creations to these windows, making them a true celebration of artistry and craft.
Why the Windows Inspire
For me, seeing these windows is an annual ritual of inspiration. They remind me how art, fashion, and storytelling can merge to create something unforgettable. Each display feels like a small world—one that captures the essence of New York City while also transcending it.
If you’re in the city this holiday season, don’t just walk by—take a moment to lose yourself in the details. From the jeweled pigeons to the lavender-hued homage to Bergdorf itself, these windows aren’t just about fashion; they’re about imagination and the magic of possibilities.
What’s your favorite Bergdorf holiday memory? Let me know below—I’d love to hear what inspires you during the season of sparkle.
“Toast of the Town” runs through the holiday season. Don’t miss this iconic display of New York glamour!