Photos: Kathie Lee Gifford at the 2011 Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows Unveiling in New York

Posted by Lia Chang on Saturday, 19 November 2011.

2011 Lord &Taylor Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows Photo by Lia Chang

On Monday, November 14, 2011, the Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship store in New York unveiled the 2011 Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows.

2011 Lord &Taylor Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows Photo by Lia Chang

This year, the windows were inspired by children’s drawings of “What is Christmas Made of?” and an illustration by Carl Wilson from 1941 that shows tiny illustrations and asks “What is Christmas Made of?” Lord & Taylor asked children from Women In Need shelters and local schools to draw what they believe Christmas is made of. The mechanical holiday windows were inspired by their art and feature 125 of the original drawings.

Santa and the kids whose drawings inspired this year's windows! Photo by Lia Chang

The 2011 Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows unveiling was live streamed online and a video of highlights can be viewed atwww.lordandtaylor.com/christmas

The Young People's Chorus of New York City Photo by Lia Chang

The celebration began with performances by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City™ who were joined by Kathie Lee Gifford, co- host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show for one number.

NBC co-host Kathie Lee Gifford performs Photo by Lia Chang

Prior to the unveiling, the Young People’s Chorus of NYC performed “What is Christmas Made Of” a holiday song composed exclusively for Lord & Taylor. Simultaneously, Lord & Taylor stores throughout the chain hosted local student choral groups to perform the special song.

Santa and Brendan Hoffman, President/CEO Lord & Taylor, dedicating the windows to New York City on November 14, 2011.Photo by Lia Chang

With a little help from Santa, Brendan Hoffman, President/CEO Lord & Taylor, dedicated the windows to New York City. Lord & Taylor also hosted a charity day with proceeds benefiting the Young People’s Chorus of New York City™.

Francisco Núñez, founder and artistic director of The Young People's Chorus of New York City. Photo by Lia Chang

Brendan Hoffman, President/CEO Lord & Taylor and Scott Devine, Lord & Taylor's VP of Visual Merchandising. Photo by Lia Chang

Kathie Lee Gifford and Brendan Hoffman Photo by Lia Chang

The Lord & Taylor Sweetery Truck giving out free treats! Photo by Lia Chang

The Lord & Taylor Sweetery Truck was parked along Fifth Ave, doling out delicious Red Velvet and Fudge Whoopie pies, Smores and cupcakes.

Delicious treats from Sweetery Photo by Lia Chang

Inside the store, Sarabeth’s hot chocolate was being served up as well.

Austin serves up Sarabeth's hot chocolate after the 2011 Lord & Taylor Christmas Windows Unveiling. Photo by Lia Chang

I caught up with Kathie Lee in the Christmas Department on the 9th floor, where she was signing copies of her new book The Three Gifts and the Angel Blocks ornament, both exclusive to Lord & Taylor and created in collaboration with award-winning Creative Director and Illustrator Michael Storrings.