Haute 5 Holiday Windows: A Very Merry Manhattan

Henri Bendel 712 Fifth Avenue

Bendel’s display is much smaller than that of the other stores – but don’t let the size dissuade you. The windows, which feature Swarovski crystals, are filled with some very sparkly gossip-girls. One plays a bass, one swings from the ceilings (sparkly champagne in hand) one shops (at Bendel’s of course!) and one sips crystal martinis while looking at Facebook on a crystal-encrusted laptop. However, you would be remiss to glance at the glitter girls and move on, with out bending down to see what is happening below, almost at street level.

In between the floor boards and only a few inches high, is the intricate, detailed world of some very sassy mice. A bride and groom mouse help themselves to a human-sized bottle of champagne; some hip-hop mice hold a mini-boom box; there is even a full-on mouse disco party and a pirate mouse (complete with most exotic glitter booty from the world above – lipstick, tear and perfume, naturally).

Elegant, cheeky and fun, this display is great for grow-ups, teens and children who can spend hours finding surprises in the mouse world. Careful though, a trip to Bendel’s could land “pet mouse” on some unfortunate letters to Santa.