In the 1870s, New Yorks Department stores started to display Christmas cheer.
The elaborate displays were loved and appreciated by young and old, waiting with anticipation for the unveiling of Christmas window displays. Many department stores have been well-known for their impressive Christmas window spectacles for generations. The availability of large sheets of plate glass in the nineteenth century led to the concept of using department store windows to attractively display the store's merchandise.
CHILDREN LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS WINDOW OF MACY’S IN 1907.
1920's a child's pleasure.
Wigs display in Paris.
A shop window display of underwear, c 1935.
Photograph showing a display of underwear in a lingerie shop including the 'Body Belt'.
The notice reads: 'For the Slim - We introduce the new Body Belt with a unique graduated all-way stretch'.
The manufacturer appears to be J Roussel. (Daily Herald Archive / SSPL via Getty Images)
Shop in Murano Italy, displaying Murano jewellery. (My daughter Lilli.) 2007
Photos/Text Ts
Old Photos pinterest
Old Photos pinterest
Great focus on the history of a background element of the SS prompt shot. That Body Belt sounds comfortable - NOT!
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky, free of all this torture under garments!
ReplyDeleteGreat to think of looking into shop windows. I window-shop much more than I purchase shop these days!
ReplyDeleteI guess there comes a time when we have what we need!
DeleteThe Malls have done away with the outside display windows along roads. In the Mall one just moves on, the windows have not the same attraction anymore.
ReplyDeleteI still have fond memories of one Christmas season in the 1950s going to NYC and walking around looking at the incredible window displays. Nothing has matched it since then. These days I go to San Francisco and there are virtually no decorations.
ReplyDeleteSo much has changed. Yes, the windows were a highlight especially Christmas- or Easter time. Now they start christmas at Easter and Easter at christmas!
DeleteI love window shopping, and it’s even better from my armchair! The picture of the children looking longingly at the toys, is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe pace was a little slower for everything and Christmas time was a time for gift giving to children. We only received gifts for Christmas, perhaps one or two, for Birthdays one and for Easter an Easter-bunny!
DeleteWonderful shopfront images. We have fancy ones at Christmas but I'm always impressed by the French and Italians who make window dressing an art form.
ReplyDeleteI still sort of enjoy the old village shop displays, all for one and one for all, decorations practical and fancy together. As much as possible stuffed into the window, with time getting lost there, dusty and perhaps never sold.
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