I’ve been working in retail creative for almost 30 years. Half of those years have been with Ralph Lauren.
The easiest way to explain what I do is that I create the window displays. It’s not a career that I ever dreamed I would have…. or even knew existed…. but it’s the perfect blend of my love of fashion and style, combined with my design and construction skills.
I don’t do any of this alone, I work with an amazingly talented team of people. Together we tell elaborate stories with a few yards of fabric, a carload of barn wood, glue guns, flood lights, garland, spray glitter and always 5 or 6 trips to Home Depot.
We make “retail art”.
Every October through November, for the holidays, the magic is turned up a bit and we really shine.
These are always my favorite windows.
Our inspiration could be Christmas at Colorado cabin, or in an art-deco penthouse, the backstage at the Paris Opera, or even a party for elegantly dressed teddy bears.
I don’t usually show these off.
To me, they’re never finished. There’s something I could always tweak a little more; lighting to adjust, garland to fluff, silver to polish….
But I’m proud of them, and the work that we put into them, and wanted to share some of my favorites from the last couple years….
Hope y’all enjoyed this glimpse….
Merry Christmas.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Your windows are always drool worthy
Aww , thanks Susan.
Absolutely stunning windows art, so happy you shared, Merry Christmas
Thanks for sharing-they are so gorgeous.
Love your work.. sophisticated and intriguing!
Enjoyed the masterpieces! I’m sure seeing in person is even grander. Keep up the great work.
where can we go to see these in person?
Love seeing these. Amazing…
On Sun, Dec 22, 2019 at 7:03 PM THE CAVENDER DIARY wrote:
> James posted: “Iâve been working in retail creative for almost 30 years. > Half of those years have been with Ralph Lauren. The easiest way to > explain what I do is that I create the window displays. Itâs not a career > that I ever dreamed I would haveâ¦. or even knew exist” >
A different kind of “eye candy” for the season; loved seeing them!
As
Scrolling through while drinking my eggnog coffee. These are so evocative, and bring back wonderful memories.
Your imagination is such a mind meal of clothing and set design.
Thanks for this lovely little gift.
Beautiful, beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Absolutely stunning windows. Each one tells such a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing, Merry Christmas.
Really enjoyed the displays, especially the ones with the bears!
Oh my! Every single one is sooooo beautiful. Will enjoy these pics over and over. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent.
Holy Cow! As expected, the windows are absolutely gorgeous. I tried to pick a favorite, but it’s impossible. The scenes with bears are especially adore-bear-able. Merry Christmas.
So elegant, When can we expect the DIY instructions for those amazing barn wood snowflakes?
I know! Weren’t they cool? The hardest part was electrical…..
I certainly see your hand in these. Wonderfully done. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you both the Merriest Christmas and blessing for the New Year!
Wow. Just… Wow.
No words!! I’m so thankful that you shared these images with us. Only wish I could have seen these in person. You are so talented!
You should definitely share more! Beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you for sharing. These are amazing, but then I wouldn’t expect less; look at your gorgeous home, esp at Christmas.
Wishing you both the happiest of holidays!!
On Sun, Dec 22, 2019 at 7:03 PM THE CAVENDER DIARY wrote:
> James posted: “I’ve been working in retail creative for almost 30 years. > Half of those years have been with Ralph Lauren. The easiest way to > explain what I do is that I create the window displays. It’s not a career > that I ever dreamed I would have…. or even knew exist” >
Wow! They are certainly lucky to have you. I don’t think I ever see anything quite that beautiful here in Miami. Maybe I’m not paying as much attention as I should but now I will be comparing what I see to what you have done. Fabulous. Have a Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing.
OMG!! Utterly & COMPLETELY AMAZING!! Such beautiful work!! Merry Christmas!! Thanks for sharing!!
Fabulous designs! Love them all!
Catherine
>
You are just amazing!🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎄🎄
Such a small world. I used to take my daughter to Niemans downtown to see the windows at Christmas, when she was small, I’m imagine some of them were yours. Beautiful creations. It’s great that you’ve made a career of something you love doing, you’re one of the lucky ones.
They all look like total perfection to me!!
Why, I had NO IDEA this was what you did! These are exquisite – they remind me of Bergdorf’s Christmas windows in NYC, which I know you will find high praise indeed! I try to get to NYC to see them as often as I can, and literally cry from the sheer beauty of them. Great work – you should be proud 🙂
Thank you Amber! I thought y’all might wanna see what I spend my days doing. Of course we’ve been to NY to look a Christmas windows. How could I skip that? Decades ago I worked for Saks 5th Ave and Macy’s, but my windows for Ralph are much more detailed. Glad you enjoyed them.
The window displays are just so very clever! Where do you ever store all those Christmas ornaments, ceramic trees, etc..?
For my work stuff, we have a couple warehouses…in a couple cities. My personal collections we keep in the garage and attic.