You’ve seen stuffed animals but you’ve never seen them like this. For our window display at our new store in The Shops at Hudson Yards, we partnered with contemporary NYC artist Ivy Naté to create a colorful, nostalgic installation inspired by her childhood memories. The piece is an eye-catching exhibition of donated stuffed animals collected over a six-month period and then constructed into color-coded totems.
Like all artists, Ivy draws inspiration from her memories, life and the people she’s met along the way. Her specialty is using universally recognizable objects, like stuffed animals, in non-traditional ways. She’s captivated with how familiar childhood objects evoke a myriad of reactions, much like our founder Dylan Lauren.
“Ever since I was a young girl, art has played a major role in my life. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty that colors, textures and patterns bring to their subject. Dylan’s Candy Bar was founded upon a mission to merge the worlds of art, fashion and pop culture with candy, and to change the way we think and interact with confections. We’ve remained true to that for the past 18 years,” said Dylan. “Ivy Naté’s work complements this notion, using traditional objects found in childhood and bringing them into a new light for all ages to enjoy! Through our candy and the art of stuffed animals, we continue to celebrate the sweetness of nostalgia and the future. We are thrilled to be a supporting partner of Ivy and her work.”
Ivy’s installation captures the bright colors and youthful innocence that are pillars of the Dylan’s Candy Bar brand. Like Ivy, Dylan also has a soft spot (no pun intended) for stuffed animals. She’s been building her own collection of plush bunnies since childhood – it’s no wonder Chocolate the Bunny is our mascot!
Be sure to check out Ivy’s window display at Hudson Yards – see you there!