Title: New York City (Girls in Windows), 1960 Photographer: Ormond Gigli Archival pigment print, printed later, mounted on board, signed, titled, dated, and numbered '23/100' in ink on the mount. 16 x 16in (40.6 x 40.6cm) mount 21 x 21in (53.3 x 53.3cm)
In the spring of 1960, fashion photographer Ormond Gigli learned that a brownstone across from his Manhattan studio was scheduled for demolition. Rather than let the opportunity pass, he organized one of the most ambitious fashion photographs ever attempted. He recruited 43 professional models, dressed each in a different colorful gown, positioned them in the building's windows, and coordinated the entire shoot with assistants, stylists, and neighbors. A Rolls-Royce and two models were placed at street level to complete the composition.
The photograph was taken in just a few minutes as the afternoon light reached the building. Although it appeared effortless, weeks of planning went into arranging every pose, dress, and window. The image became one of the defining photographs of 20th century fashion and has been reproduced in books, magazines, galleries, and fine art prints around the world.
The original building at 327 East 58th Street was demolished shortly after the photograph was taken, making the image the last visual record of the structure in its iconic form.
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