ChadMichael Morrisette, the mastermind behind all of the amazing Madison store windows. He conceptualizes and executes them while adding elements we couldn’t even think of. His window dressings are always sure to please…even if sometimes controversial. In contrast to other LA store fronts his windows are eye-catchers and conversation starters. Our window displays have become works of art thanks to him; read our interview to learn more about this conceptual instillation artist.
1. How did you get started in this business?
I have been decorating all sorts of things since I was a very young boy. I actually didn’t get my start until I was 16 years old and working as a stock guy in the men’s furnishings department at Nordstrom in San Diego. A spot on the visual team opened and it happened to be for the men’s trimmer position, which was a part of the men’s department I was already working in. I had a friend on the visual team who recommended that I apply, so I did and I got the position! Call it fate, call it luck, but I seemed to have found my calling at a very young age.
2. Where do you find your inspirations?
There is a quote I once read that has always stuck with me. “Inspiration sings, it never explains”. I like this quote because for me inspiration comes from everywhere. It could be a funny play-on- words, it could be a mannequin’s pose, it could be something I see within the media, or it could be something that is happening in my life. I can find inspiration in lots of things. All you have to do is open your eyes and you will find inspiration everywhere.
3. Without giving away your secrets give us an idea of where you find your cool materials.
There are all sorts of amazing vendors in Los Angeles. Resellers, secondhand sellers, swap meets, vintage shops, and even some manufactures. I also drive a truck so anytime I see something that could be a great prop I can take it with me easily. I really feel like I am lucky with this one. Maybe its because I am doing what makes me happy but I tend to find everything I need for each project almost perfectly. There is real power in visualizing.
4. Any advice for new comers out there who you’ve inspired?
Simple….If you would like to work for yourself, break the rules. If you would like to work for someone else, follow the rules.
5. Where do you hope to see yourself/business in 5-10 years?
Just a bigger badder version of myself. Actually, I am working on bringing window display and mannequins to a television set near you very soon!
6. What’s your favorite window you’ve done for us?
I tend to think my current work is always my favorite. The scaffolding window at the Melrose store right now is rocking my creative juices. But then, I go back and look at the body of work I have done at Madison and I can’t decide.
7. What’s your dream window to dress?
I have not done a window in NYC yet. That will be a very big milestone when that happens. There are a few stores in LA that have amazingly large windows and the displays are so bad. I tend to want to do windows that are built for great displays.
8. Have you had any awkward/funny situations when designing your windows?
Mannequins are a very real looking human form, and when undressed and being carried around, they always turn heads. So I’m always getting smiles, thumbs ups, covered mouths, and chuckles. It’s fun to make people smile. Also, if the truck is ever full of mannequins, I can always see people behind me taking pictures of the truck and all its body parts. It makes me wonder how many times my truck has been put on different people Facebook pages.
9. What’s your favorite season for window dressing?
I like the fall. There are layers, hats, scarfs, deep colors, textures, and a very clear mood and feeling to that season.
10. Window display is an art form. What do you try to express through your window displays personally and professionally?
Personally, I want nothing more then to effect someone. I want my displays to make you laugh, make you pause, make you think, make you want, even make you angry, anything as long as you are connected to what you see even for a moment.
Professionally, I want to impact the the entire industry of visual display. The visual display industry needs a resurgence. I would like to push the pendulum back to where it was when stores were doing great window displays. Back to when window displays were seen as the art form that they are.
Enjoy some of Chad Michael’s favorite Madison window displays:
Melrose: “The Scaffold”
3rd Street: “Fashion is Art”
3rd Street: “The Oscars”
3rd Street: “Spring Line-up”
3rd Street
