Inspired by native New Yorker Shawn 'JAY Z' Carter, visual artist Joanie Lermercier and Barneys' creative director Dennis Freedman, A New York Holiday is a series of windows facing Madison Avenue and an interactive in-store gallery brought to life by the latest generation of Christie digital display technologies.
A New York Holiday premiered on 20 November, benefitting the Shawn Carter Foundation, a charity which awards post-secondary scholarships to students facing socio-economic hardships. Working with artist Joanie Lemercier and Mr. Carter, Barneys are utilising a wide range of Christie display technology, including projectors, Christie MicroTiles and Christie HD flat panel monitors, to create dazzling, multimedia events that completely envelop the customers in one-of-a-kind interactive experiences.
"Barneys New York had an overwhelmingly positive response from customers and designers last year to our holiday windows, which have become known for their innovative use of immersive and interactive narrative with cutting-edge technology that leads people into our store," said Dennis Freedman, Barney's New York creative director. "Last year, Christie was instrumental in the success of our holiday display. With a musical, fashion and business innovator like Mr. Carter, we were confident that Christie's superior technology and expertise could help us bring his vision to light, not just to our store in Manhattan, but also to select flagship locations in other major cities."
Tommy Dobrzynski, vice president of visuals at Barneys New York, added, "Everything that encompasses A New York Holiday - the items chosen, the amazing designers that participated, the windows, the design of the BNY SCC Gallery, the Christie technology and their team's ability to help us leverage technology to achieve our creative vision- represents a perfect example of groundbreaking collaboration that I hope will wow customers and passers-by."
The third floor of the retailer's Madison Avenue Flagship has been transformed into the BNY SCC Gallery, encompassing an immersive 1,200sq.ft space, with a seamless 360-degree projection that utilises projection mapping, exclusive content, lights, and movement, to transport customers in the world of New York. A 70ft long 'hall' with floor projection will guide visitors from the third floor elevator to the Gallery. The BNY SCC Gallery space will showcase limited edition products designed by Mr. Carter in collaboration with various designers which will be available for purchase.
To get everyone into the holiday spirit, one lucky Christie Facebook follower will have the opportunity to win a $1,000 Barneys gift card (redeemable online or in-store), courtesy of Christie and Barneys. Visit Christie's Facebook page from 29 November-3 January 2014 for details.
(Jim Evans)
