Holiday 2017 was one of the biggest, sparkliest seasons in Sparkledome Studio history. Christmas started in May, when window director David Hoey sent me to
the Bergdorf warehouse to measure a life-size velociraptor skeleton. Every single bone. This was to estimate the amount of crystal rhinestones and time it would
take to cover a full skeleton. In June the first skeleton arrived in my studio.
325+ hours later, the specs for the project were set, size and quantity of
crystal, and amount of labor for the remaining 6 dinosaurs in the window. The Dino's required an aggressive amount of bedazzling for 360 degree coverage. From the
moment the dinosaur landed, until the first week of November, we were almost never apart. The removable claws came with me
to the beach, to friends houses, and to the woods. The Sparkledome studio was a rotating crew of 10 fabulous assistants that sparkled diligently to complete 3 of the 7 dinosaurs for the Museum of Natural History themed holiday window.
A fourth dinosaur was decisively taken off the Sparkledome
studio plate, in exchange for a variety of other exciting projects during the fall season including
Bergdorf's Fashion Week Windows with set design by Douglas Little for international
style maven Giovanna Battaglia’s new book ‘Giography.’ The Sparkledome studio was
commissioned to bedazzle a 7 ft tall letter ‘G’ as well as 2 weeks of
production and install for the ‘My Favorite Color is floral’ window.
After Fashion Week, the focus shifted back to the dinosaurs
until the wave of Halloween commissions and installs rolled in. This included custom designed candy
fascinators for a swank A-list ‘Rock Candy Rococco’ themed party curated by AHZ concepts, an adventurous week long decor install at Alder Manor in Yonkers for the ‘You are so
Lucky’party, and a myriad of walkthru’s, team coordination and install for Bette
Midler’s Hulaween party at St. John the Divine.
Custom Candy fascinators for AHZ Concepts, designed by Sarah Sparkles
Its no wonder Day of the Dead follows Halloween, because
after all the costuming and party installs, I'm done. Except I had to keep going. On Halloween night, I resumed the home stretch week of completing the final dinosaur. On the day I submitted the final Dino, I jumped into the Bergdorf Men's windows for a week-long 5th ave holiday install. The Bergdorf Men's windows, are in homage to BAM, and feature displays based on music, theatre, dance, film.
Bergdorf Goodman Men's BAM /Dance holiday window 2017
Art Direction by Shane Ruth, Install by Sarah Sparkles and Bg Windows Crew
Fashion by Gucci, Libertine, Rick Owens, Saint Laurant, and Dolce and Gabana
Last but not least: TADA!!!!!!!!!!
The Bergdorf Goodman 2017 Museum of Natural History Holiday Window.
Art Direction by David Hoey, Fashion by Halpern,
3 crystal Dino's by Sparkledome Studio, Install by BG Windows Crew.
What a season!! I am so very grateful for all of the wildly creative, sparkling projects, and all of the fabulous art directors, co-workers, and assistants that all helped make it happen. Special thanks to Abby Hertz, Kayla Jo Berley, Contessa Hinderliter, Fade Kainer, Ellen Robin, Brian Oreck, James Brenner, Dina Satti, Charlotte Gaspard, and Al Malonga for a fabulous season in the Sparkledome studio. Epic teamwork!! The Bergdorf holiday windows are up until January 2nd on 58th street and 5th Avenue in New York City. If you are in town, they are not to be missed. Wishing a happy holidays to one and all.
***Sarah Sparkles***
