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Although we’re used to focusing on holiday window displays, Nordstrom is turning our attention to the store’s interior this holiday season. The iconic department store’s flagship at 225 West 57th Street by Central Park into the world of Mr. Blizz as part of the Wonder All the Way campaign activation called “The Blizz on 57th Street.”
Inside, customers will get to interact with enormous, inflatable characters voiced by celebrities, including the one-and-only Fran Drescher and American filmmaker and actor John Waters—presenting perhaps Nordstrom’s own “float” this holiday season.
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“These inflatables, inspired by iconic fictional New York City staples, are an entertaining visual treat for the whole family,” a press release says. “The heart of the takeover is Mr. Blizz, a charming inflatable presiding over the 57th Street entrance, with a unique power to turn everyday objects and beings into gigantic, lively characters such as as Dimmy & Quasar, the burnt out stars, Rose, Ruby & Violet, the chatty lipsticks, Connor & Connie the humble traffic cones and many more.”
Below are some of the main characters and Nordstrom’s description of each:
Among the other characters on display through January 5, 2025, is a fortune-telling pigeon called Pigeonthia, who will supposedly give insights into your future, and Wonder Ring, an interactive token-operated machine dispensing whimsical rings that correspond with each guest’s fortune.
Don't forget to grab one of the treasure maps on offer as well: if following it correctly, you'll be able to collect some prizes by the end of your visit!
Other characters to look out for include:
- Rose (voiced by John Waters), Ruby, & Violet (voiced by Fran Dreshcer) are chatty
lipsticks who hang out and gossip. - Connor (voiced by John Waters) & Connie (voiced by Fran Drescher) are humble department store cones who might be worried someone might slip or step in the wrong place.
- Fifi The Foulard (voiced by Fran Drescher) is the forgotten scarf that doesn’t remember anything.
- Drizzle The Anxious Umbrella (voiced by John Waters) is the lonely umbrella that is ready to complain to anyone who will listen.
- Smolder (voiced by John Waters) & Schmutzi (voiced by Fran Drescher) are rough and ready New York smoke stacks that have been around the block a few times.
- Carla The Carrot (voiced by Fran Drescher) is preparing for her first acting gig as a snowman’s nose.
- And supporting characters Macintosh, The Littlest Big Apple, A Blizzy Fizzies, The Candy Canes, Jasmine, Vetiver, Wanda The Watch
If you’re wondering, the characters and concept were conceived by a collective of creatives including Thom Bettridge, the editor-in-chief of i-D Magazine, Matthew Mazzuca, former creative director of Barneys New York, illustrator & animator Anthony Ferrara, artist & production designer Desi Santiago, and long-time graphic designer behind Balenciaga, Gian Gisiger, all brought together by Justinian Kfoury of Total Management.
“We are beyond excited to bring The Blizz on 57th Street to life at the Nordstrom NYC flagship this holiday season” Olivia Kim, SVP of Creative Merchandising, said in a statement. “Nordstrom has always strived to be a platform for discovery and we look forward to infusing the joy of the holidays with the unique spirit of New York, creating an unforgettable experience to those who visit our flagship this holiday. Partnering with this collective of New York based creatives and friends continues to reinforce our commitment to this community.”
If you had your heart set on the destination’s annual Santa Snow Show, you’re in luck—the activation is going to kick off on November 29 through December 24, featuring daily performances throughout the store.
It is, indeed, beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
