New York: Fifth Avenue Window-Shopping Tour (Part 2)

30 Rock on Fifth Avenue Photos by Theadora Brack (Original by Anne Simpkins for Harper’s Bazaar, September 1943)

Pretzel time at the New York Public Library at 42nd Street (Anne Simpkins, Harper’s Bazaar, September 1943)

By Theadora Brack

Let’s continue our window-shopping tour de force up Fifth Avenue. I’ll also include a few photographs taken by Anne Simpkins for Harper’s Bazaar in 1943. So grab your sunglasses, trainers and spare bills for salted pretzels and soda pops. Meet me at 30 Rock!

What’s new on the Avenue?

Here’s the squeal: Zara’s new flagship at 666 Fifth Avenue recently opened with a hi-tech, futuristic look, while Massimo Dutti will jump to Zara’s former 691 Fifth Avenue location. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Arden Salon scooted to 663 Fifth Avenue, and MAC Cosmetics moved into E.A.’s former digs at 691 Fifth Avenue, across from the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Whew!

This is the very spa where Anaïs Nin wrote, “The church bells are ringing while I sit at Elizabeth Arden’s on Fifth Avenue with my face covered by a mask, and I almost come near God again.” Now that’s a beauty treatment!

1. Henri Bendel 712 5th Avenue (at 56th Street)

First stop! Henri Bendel and its “street of shops” made the Fifth Avenue scene in 1990. Now saddling two historic buildings (the Rizzoli Building and the Coty Building), classic French glass windows by René Jules Lalique were recently discovered during the redo. Commissioned by perfumer Francois Coty in 1908, don’t you dare walk by the three-story Art Nouveau masterpiece without a little glass gazing!

We have the late, great style icon (and store president for three decades) Geraldine Stutz to thank for giving Andy Warhol his first break when she hired him as a shoe illustrator. Stutz was also the first to feature European designers like Jean Muir and Sonia Rykiel.

Schiaparelli and Prada at Bergdorf Goodman

Fit for a king: Heck, even the Duke of Windsor shopped here! He also stored his New York wardrobe in the Bendel’s fur vault. Now that’s regal service!

As Geraldine Stutz would often quip, “What is the difference between mere fashion and true style? Fashion says, me too. Style says, only me.”

2. Tiffany & Co. 727 5th Avenue (at 57th Street)

Golly, gee—glam! Get ready for your close-up because we’re approaching another sweet cinematic backdrop, perfect for your social media profile portraits. Created by Charles Lewis Tiffany and Teddy Young in 1837, Tiffany & Company made the big frog leap from 37th Street to 57th Street in 1940.

Here is where Holly Golightly bid farewell to the “mean reds,” while lingering over sticky buns and window-shopping. Fanatics of Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” book and flick still pay homage, so you might have to wait in line for the picture-perfect shot.

3. Bergdorf Goodman 54 5th Avenue (at 58th Street)

Overlooking Central Park, Herman Bergdorf and Edwin Goodman’s flagship opened during the 1920s. This season its vitrines salute the “Schiaparelli & Prada, Impossible Conversations” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Meet my favorite designer. Mad about Dada and Surrealism, Elsa Schiaparelli worked with artists like Jean Cocteau, Dali, and Man Ray. A publicity maven, Schiaparelli would launch her collections with circus performances, complete with prancing elephants and daredevil tightrope walkers outside her “Schiap” shop at Place Vendôme in Paris, Oh, la la.

30 Rock (Anne Simpkins, Harper’s Bazaar, September 1943)

Film buffs: Do keep your eyes peeled also for the Plaza Hotel at 750 5th Avenue and Central Park South. Located next to Bergdorf Goodman, “The Way We Were” is just one of the many movies to feature the photogenic hotel.

Wiping away the salty tears in my eyes, “Yes, Hubbell, your girl is lovely!” Just thinking of the film gets me all emotional!

After a much-needed crying jag (and pretzel break) at the “Abundance” fountain, let’s now hotfoot it to Barneys. Rebounding just got easier!

4. Barneys New York 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street)

Come hither! After Haberdasher Barney Pressman pawned off his wife’s engagement ring for $500 (with her consent!) and forty discounted suits, he opened Barneys during the roaring twenties.

“No Bunk, No Junk, No Imitations” was his shop’s slogan! A cross between P.T. Barnum and Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., Barney hired barrel-clad gals to give away matchbooks stamped with the store’s logo and address. Talk about a store-wide campaign with legs!

Keep on strolling!

Now let’s wind it back with Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada at Bergdorf Goodman. Created by David Hoey, the surreal vitrines doff a “bachi” to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s springtime Costume Institute exhibition.

Pinching once again from “Schiap,” “If the wind catches your hat and tantalizingly blows it farther and farther away, you must run quicker than the wind if you want to retrieve it!”

Okay, let’s get surreal!

Tags: 1930s, 1940s, Fifth Avenue, New York Shopping, Theadora Brack, Travel, Vintage, Vintage Clothing

50 thoughts on “New York: Fifth Avenue Window-Shopping Tour (Part 2)”

twinklingnorthstar on 23/05/2012 at at said:

Wonderful blog as always Theodora. Would love to hear your opinion on the New York versus Parisian macaron! If you happen past a macaron cafe whilst you are on your travels!

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks for your kind words and assignment! I dig the mission. I’ll check out the new Ladurée sho. It’s located at 864 Madison Avenue (at 70th Street). Stay tuned! Theadora (I’m a huge fan of the black and white cookie. The perfect breakfast!!)
  
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  - ♔ la dauphine ♔ on 01/12/2012 at at said:
    
    fan of the black & white yin-yang bliss of pastries? Add that to the list too!
    
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jessnj on 23/05/2012 at at said:

I love the Stutz quote! A great post – as ever! Cheers Jess

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Jess!! Geraldine Stutz was a character! Ruling the Henri Bendel roost for three decades, she also gave a helping hand to Perry Ellis, Mary McFadden, and Ralph Lauren—just to name a few more! Theadora (The René Lalique windows are amazing. You’d do a wonderful job photographing them!!)
  
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This Sydney Life on 23/05/2012 at at said:

I just love how you weave your quotes and historical tidbits so seamlessly, T. I want to go back and I was only there in October…

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Ah, thanks!! You also have a way with quotes! New York is so beautiful during the crisp autumn months. The sky is blue and the temps are low!! T.
  
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Rob on 23/05/2012 at at said:

That last photo’s your best Reflection so far!

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Rob!! It is a surreal vitrine. I guess she’s vacuuming? Theadora (Have you spotted any interesting window displays in Berlin?!)
  
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  - Rob on 25/05/2012 at at said:
    
    Haha. Funny, that’s exactly the expression I’d have on my face if I were vaccuuming on 5th. And why does the part on the floor look suspiciously like a hat to wear on the beach or at a garden party? (And no interesting window displays as yet, but am back in London and will keep my eyes peeled)
    
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belocchio on 24/05/2012 at at said:

Who but Theadora would begin a tale of fashion and fifth avenue with a quote from Anais Nin. Indeed Theadora you are “A Spy In The House of Love”. You fling reflections of fashion at us as brilliant glass. Cutting edge. Surreal. Each photograph breathless with excitement. Every comment a whispered secret. You make my heart beat faster. Oswald loves it too.Virginia

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Goodness. Gracious. Dear Virginia, your prose is such a treat to read. What a gift!! You always make me smile. Thank you for such a lovely passage!! Theadora (Sending big hugs to Oswald!!)
  
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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Goodness. Gracious. Dear Virginia, your prose is such a treat to read. You always make me smile. What a gift!! Thank you for such a lovely passage!! Theadora (Sending big hugs to Oswald!!)
  
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Rhonda on 24/05/2012 at at said:

Theadora….what a fun post! I absolutely love the nostalgia along with your awesome photos. Such a good read!
Thanks

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci, Rhonda!! I adore vintage rags. I’m always on the hunt for them at the Fleas. It was fun to Mix ‘n Match! Theadora (Thanks also for your positive energy!!)
  
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  - Rhonda on 25/05/2012 at at said:
    
    Oh you are welcome. No one can look through your window without finding something to smile about!
    
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Sisyphus47 on 24/05/2012 at at said:

Some fabulous shots here! The mix is very attractive and so… captivating! 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Well, thank you!! Theadora (By the way, congratulations on your recent awards!! Bravo!!)
  
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Paris Paul P on 24/05/2012 at at said:

I love the idea of making the reflections part of the photos! It’s like looking at mannequins exiting the ghosts of buildings. Très cool!

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Paul!! I always look forward to your thoughtful comments! Theadora (Catching the reflections of the buildings in Paris is tricky because the department stores usually have huge awnings or scaffolding. Have you tried? I plan to give it another shot.)
  
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Animalcouriers on 24/05/2012 at at said:

Great post – well researched too. Love the old B&Ws and the reflections.

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thank you!! The vitrine scene needs more cat and dog props. I’ll keep searching!! Theadora
  
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LeBlogDuSpectateurSentimentale on 24/05/2012 at at said:

theodora, the mix of pictures looks great!

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci!! I now on the hunt for more photography by Anne Simpkins. She worked for Harper’s Bazaar during the 1940s. I like her eye! Theadora (By the way, I loved the photograph of your tailor grandfather. So dashing!!)
  
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  - LeBlogDuSpectateurSentimentale on 30/05/2012 at at said:
    
    Theadora, you have a nice word for everyone. So much positive energy! Big hug.
    
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Jody Thompson on 25/05/2012 at at said:

You made me remember how much I love New York!! Cool pics and oh-so creative. Your blog is a joy to read. Bravo!!

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- Theadora Brack on 25/05/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Jody!! I feel the same way about your site. Your words made my week!! New York has fabulous energy. It’s contagious! Theadora
  
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Martino on 25/05/2012 at at said:

I loved how the old photos and new images (yours) complemented each other–literally “reflecting” across the decades. I’m sure Roman tourists stood on the steps of the Greek Parthenon posed in exactly the same way as in that “Pretzel Time” shot, thousands of years ago. Human nature doesn’t change. Thanks for all your humanity in how you put this and all your other posts together. It’s always a breath of fresh air after a sleepless night.

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Gene Zonarich on 25/05/2012 at at said:

Love your New York Fifth Avenue photos, esp “#20” with the reflection of the coolest 1920s luxury hotel, the Sherry-Netherland in the Bergdorf’s window — layers of fashion and history, timeless, really. Thanks so much for liking my post and blog, too, a very nice complement coming from you.

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- Theadora Brack on 04/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Gene!! By the way, I’m a big-time fan of your silent movie site. I dig your swell bio tagline: I’m the King of Silent Pictures . . . I’m just hidin’ out ’til talkies blow over. Parfait!! Theadora (I almost got to meet Lillian Gish at a silent movie night at the cathedral of Saint John the divine in New York. She canceled at the last minute because of illness. Ah, that would have been a dreamy evening!)
  
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  - Gene Zonarich on 05/06/2012 at at said:
    
    I’m glad you like my site, but I have to confess that my “tag” line is not original. In the 1965 film, “Mickey One,” Warren Beatty, playing a comic on the run and hiding from the mob, has a one-night stand with a woman who afterward pleads with him, “Who ARE you, Mickey One?” I adopted his exasperated response, one of my all-time favorite lines in movies.
    
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susannye on 26/05/2012 at at said:

Theododra – love the photographs – thanks for sharing – Susan

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- Theadora Brack on 04/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Susan! Say, I’m still thinking about your Asparagus Crostini with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto and Goat Cheese post. Drool-worthy! Theadora
  
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  - susannye on 04/06/2012 at at said:
    
    Thanks – Stop by tomorrow for Asian Noodle Salad. Take care – S.
    
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London Caller on 27/05/2012 at at said:

Of course, it’s better than London’s Oxford Street!
You can get almost anything there.

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- Theadora Brack on 04/06/2012 at at said:
  
  AH, but I also love the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street!! T.
  
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lily on 27/05/2012 at at said:

I love your window photos and fashions, Theadora. I’d wear them all, though I don’t have a place to wear the pouf dress of the previous post. So much fun to vicariously shop and view 5th Avenue, and so tastefully, with you. Love your write-up, too. Thank you! ~ Lily

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narhvalur on 28/05/2012 at at said:

Hope to see many, many piccies like this! Wonderful!

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Booksphotographsandartwork on 28/05/2012 at at said:

The old fashioned photos are so nice. Everyone was so polished back then. Too many people look like slobs nowadays.

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dana on 01/06/2012 at at said:

Love this post…Great pictures 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 04/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci, Dana! Your “Woodstock Wardrobe” layouts are always spiffy!! I’ve been trying to track down the “Shop Around the Corner” flick. It looks fabulous. Thanks for the tip! I’m a huge Ernst Lubitsch, Margaret Sullavan, and Jimmy Stewart fan! Theadora
  
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mspining on 03/06/2012 at at said:

Great post! You have such unique articles and a unique blog! It’s very interesting and informative. Having only visited New York once, I don’t know much about the city besides the major hot (shopping) spots. Love the pics in this post too!

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- Theadora Brack on 04/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Molly!! I appreciate your kind words. Ah, I loved your recent nod to Audrey Hepburn. Her “looks” are timeless. Your shots of Charleston were also gorgeous. Enjoy the week! Theadora (Do you have any New York shopping tips?)
  
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  - mspining on 05/06/2012 at at said:
    
    Well I’ve only been to New York once but I read a lot of blogs, websites, and magazines featuring New York shopping. SoHo is best for unique (but expensive!) finds and obviously 5th Avenue is the main fashion strip. H&M and Zara are my favorites for cheap, trendy items. Checkout Refinery29.com for more info about shopping in NYC.
    
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catwalkcreative on 21/06/2012 at at said:

Your imagery is exquisite! 🙂 xxx

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- Theadora Brack on 25/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Well, thank you!! I feel the same way about your funky-retro “Cat Walk Creative” site. Inspirational! I loved that velvet Ruffle Evening Gown by Bernshaw. Enjoy the week!! Theadora (Over the weekend, I scored a groovy pair of “Gina” shoes in green patent leather, circa 1960s. It was good day!)
  
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The World Is My Cuttlefish on 24/06/2012 at at said:

The well-dressed vacuumer is a beauty.

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- Theadora Brack on 25/06/2012 at at said:
  
  Love the skirt. Love to vacuum. It’s a win-grin!! T.
  
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