Fashionista - Fashion Designers, Models, Shopping, Style - Barneys Windows Are Plastic, Fantastic

Nov 29, 2007 @ 9:36am

We finally saw the Barneys windows last night, and they're pretty hysterical -

Plastic bottles cut to look like Christmas lights.

Reindeer made from soda cans.

Recycled paper subbed for snow.

But one thing struck us as odd - that the windows screamed for a Green Christmas, but their flickering lights seem to suck energy the way we devour Skittles.

Surely they must be solar powered? Fueled by little running mice? Something?

Determined to figure out the exact shade of Barneys' Green, we approached their fashion director, Julie Gilhart, at the Calvin Klein party last night.

"I don't know the specifics on how much energy the windows use," she said candidly. "But of course we use electricity, we use energy - but nobody can decide to go totally green overnight. It's a process. We're making a huge effort to be as green as possible, and to spread awareness to our community so they can start making adjustments, too. And we're really proud and excited about that... isn't the reindeer fun?"

The reindeer is totally fun, yes.

We appreciate Barneys being both honest and aware with their eco-promotions, even if their Loomstate organic jeans are still a little too expensive. And the recycled plastic windows are a neat concept - maybe next year for the solar panels. And the cheap organic jeans. Please.

posted by xxi

Nov 29, 2007 10:18AM

I was wondering that myself when I was shooting them for my blog and the fact that most peoples [tourists?] reaction has been "They ruined xmas and are imposing their hippie views on people." I think it was an insanely bold choice and obviously they did it when they'd be able to reach the most people, but I personally would have rather seen something as amazing as Bergdorfs than them raiding a homeless persons can bag.

And including Crocs in a Barneys window has to be against the fashion laws some where.

posted by Kate

Nov 29, 2007 10:59AM

Is it possible they might have been LED lights? Or Barney's is using alternative energy sources, or buying carbon offsets, at the very least?

People really need to get over the green-hippie thing. If you (general you) prefer your environmental responsibility low-key, that's great, but don't fool yourselves into thinking it's part of some vast left-wing conspiracy. Although it is true that we can't "consume" our way out of planetary emergency, fashion, being so visible and representing trend-, image- and tastemakers, has a responsibility to lead the way into a more sustainable future.

Agreed about the Crocs. Ew.

posted by Ginge

Nov 29, 2007 4:51PM

"Fueled by little running mice?" <- you're too cute!

Despite energy required to light the windows, I think there's an positive impact overall. Obviously they're raising awareness. Also, they've significantly reduced their consumption of new materials by using recycled goods.
Also, I'm no New Yorker, so I wouldn't really know, but wouldn't the window displays normally use about that much light anyway?
It's also possible that they're using energy-efficient bulbs.

But I totally understand your thoughts, Faran. I was looking at calendars at Borders the other day and spotted a "green" themed daily desk calendar with environment-friendly tips and suggestions on each page.
My first thought: Please tell me that's on recycled paper! I examined the box and began to fear the worst until I finally found the small text that told me what I wanted to hear. It was practically hidden in the corner of the bottom flap. I would think that they'd want to advertise something like that on the front with a nice little graphic