Macy’s Flower Show® meets Brasil

Tropical flora, water falls, and samba music filled the giant tent outside of Macy’s Herald Square flagship store in New York City.  This year’s 38^th Annual Macy’s Flower Show®, which is usually displayed in the main floor of the shopping epicenter, has been relocated right outside of the building in Broadway Plaza, due to a multi-million dollar overhaul of the entire store.  But why are we here?  Not only are the flowers absolutely gorgeous and exotic to the concrete island of Manhattan, but this year’s theme is Brasil, baby!  Amazon, Sao Paolo, and of course Rio’s Carnival!

With special events scheduled throughout the store, the Macy’s Flower Show® went above and beyond this year, transporting the colorful and vibrant natural beauty of Brasil to New York.  Inside, many designers are also celebrating with floral lines and Brasil-inspired designs including Gucci’s Flora perfumes (my favorite is Gracious Tuberose), Kate Spade New York’s Grace Avenue dinnerware, and more!

But of course, the main reason why I came to check out the show – this year’s windows.  Gorgeously crafted by Paul Olszewski and Ken Muellers, the corresponding windows across from the Flower Show tent are stunning.  Each window is a display of flowers, feathers, and costume bringing Brasil’s Carnival tradition to life.  All are based individually on a single color, and samba music gently moves you from one window to the next, like the annual Carnival parade in Rio.

THE BARE FEET™ FIVE: 1.  Go see this!  The Macy’s Flower Show® continues until Saturday, April 7^th, 2012 in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis.  Be sure to go before it closes – and of course, it is FREE! 2.  NYC Bouquet of the Day:  The annual Bouquet of the Day displays will still take place, featuring rotating centerpieces now in the windows near 7^th Avenue, due to the in-store construction.  Each display will change every two days – for more information on the designers and when to see their masterpieces, go to www.macys.com/flowershow 3.  Special Events:  Ever wonder how these bouquets are designed?  Free floral seminars are being held during the show, located in Fine China on the 8^th floor of Macy’s – upcoming seminars are scheduled for Monday, April 2^nd and Friday, April 6^th at 1pm. 4.  Just for Kids:  This Saturday, March 31^st, 2012, be sure to bring your kids to some fun musical events located in Kids on the 7^th floor of Macy’s:  Voca People a cappella group at 1pm, and The Gazillion Bubble Show following at 2pm.  If you make a $200 kids purchase, you receive a pair of tickets to the full production show of your choice. 5.  Carnival in Brasil:  One of the classic Brazilian films with incredible music and dancing, while also romanticizing the favela life and the festivities of Carnival, is Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) – also one of my favorites!