as i walk these streets...

for years window shopping has been one of my greatest pleasures
when i would visit san francisco or other big cities
as a young bright eyed child
the fancy shop windows were perfection
my precious magazines come to life
fashion vignettes confined to the space on a long glass panel
display cases for couture dolls
style dioramas
telling a visual three-dimensional story
but the clothing was real
not just something of my dreams
emerging from the flat glossy pages
or lead sketches on paper

once i moved to new york city
these windows quickly became my old friends
who i loved to catch up with during the changing seasons
department stores, chain retailers and the luxury shops
always after a difficult day at work, i would walk down madison ave.
between 57th and 85th i was in awe
ungaro, herrera, luca luca, ysl
choo, vivier, prada, missoni
after dark, in my chic toy store
the mannequins come to life
the window light shone out
glistening gems eroding from the matte earth
other worldly galaxies
contrasted against the dark desolate streets

[photo by thai chu, taken in berlin. he captured it, exactly.]