Dress for Success: A Window Display to Remember

As a former retailer, summer always makes me think of… BACK TO SCHOOL!

Four years ago to the day, I had the exciting opportunity to design a unique BTS window display for Half Moon Books in Kingston, NY. Titled “Let Them Read Books,” it was inspired by an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race where contestants crafted garments out of books - a perfect blend of Marie Antoinette meets Vogue, made entirely from paper.

I wanted to challenge myself beyond my usual window display work. The intricate paper pleating captivated me and I decided to create a full paper dress, complete with matching pumps.

One of the biggest challenges was transporting the delicate dress across town to the bookstore without damage. True to my “put on a show” spirit, I carried it myself, making sure it arrived safely for installation.

To complete the display, I added a chandelier for a touch of fancy elegance. It remains one of my favorite creative projects to date.

Sadly, Half Moon Books closed its doors last year, but the memory of that collaboration and the creative journey behind it lives on. I’m proud to have pushed my boundaries and created something that’s truly one for the BOOKS ;-)

Read more here.

window displayChris BickJuly 15, 2025window display, store window, paper dressComment

Paper Dress

Introducing my newest window display installation for Half Moon Books in Kingston, NY. The title is “Let Them Read Books.” Very Marie Antoinette meets Vogue.

With the coming Fall / Back to School season upon us, I wanted to do something that I hadn’t ever done before. Whenever I finish a window I feel like I’ll never have another ideas and then here we are - a paper dress extravaganza. I actually got the idea from an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race where the queens had to make garments out of one of Ru’s books. I thought yes, I have to do this, but a fashion piece is really out of my “architectural” comfort zone. But if you’re not challenging yourself, you’re not growing, correct?

So, I found these images as my inspiration. I fell in love with the paper pleating: I told myself, “I can do this!”

To make the paper gown I bought some fabric costume pieces to attach the paper too. Gotta love hot glue guns and spray mount - They’re magical. And of course I had to do a pair of pumps.

But then I had a huge predicament. I had build the dress offsite in one piece - how was I going to get it to the bookstore without damaging the design - walk her across town of course. I am a “put on a show” kinda girl after all. So, off we went.

Here’s some shots of the final installation. I added a chandelier for the full fancy vibe. I hope you love it as much as I do. Check out more of my displays at Half Moon Books here.

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