Barneys adds winter brilliance with digital signage

Winter Brilliance has arrived at Barneys New York, with Christie Digital Systems teaming up with American sculptor Dale Chihuly to create a 'one-of-a-kind' holiday window display on Madison Ave.

The visual and audio technologies company mapped digital lighting effects to a Chihuly glass sculpture entitled Winter Brilliance, with the choreographed projection of light creating the illusion of ice, snow and moonlight, adding 'a fluid and kinetic quality to the sculpture'.

Sean James, Christie Global Professional Services vice president, says projection mapping on 700 pieces of hand-blown glass has never been done before and is difficult to replicate.

"It's an enormously creative and technical accomplishment, and is the kind of successful 'art-meets-retail experience' that we'll see emerging all over the world in the next few years," James says.

He says Barneys 'are true visionaries' in designing retail experiences for today's savvy consumers.

"They understand how technology and creativity can enrich the brand and the level of connection with their clients," James says.

The Winter Brilliance display combines several star-like chandeliers and towers within a darkened window space, giving the impression of ice crystals frozen midair.

The project is the first time Chihuly has used 3D digital mapping and choreographed lighting to illuminate an installation.

Christie also played a part in a second holiday window display at Barneys, with an animated short film shown on a video wall composed of two-by-four Christie flat panels.