Celebrated fashion illustrator Megan Hess has lent her talents to David Jones for its annual Christmas windows display.
Hess, who has worked with luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior, Givenchy, Chopard and more, has had her beloved children's book character Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris brought to life in the windows of the retailer's Elizabeth St flagship store.
The newest story of Claris, Holiday Heist, is told through the windows, where viewers follow Claris as she takes on a cat burglar in New York City.
Speaking on the launch, Hess said that it is a dream come true, to have her work featured in the windows.
"As a child, one of my favourite memories was the excitement of seeing the David Jones Christmas windows.
"I remember being five years old with my face squished up to the glass looking in with absolute wonder!
"If someone had told my five-year-old self that one day I will be an author and my Christmas book will be the entire windows of David Jones, I would never have believed them.
"I have experienced many ‘pinch me’ moments in my career but nothing compares to this.
"To see Claris’ Christmas story come to life across the stunning and enormous Elizabeth Street windows, is my every Christmas wish come true," she said.
Undergoing over 6,500 hours of work by specialists at Sydney’s Macgyver Studios, the 2020 windows illustrate the characters from the world of Claris, realised through the hand-crafted characters, attention to detail and 3D visual elements at all eye levels.
The launch of the windows complements the retailer's 'Home of Christmas' campaign which features the native Bowerbird, famous for collecting shiny and colourful objects.
Newly appointed David Jones CEO, Scott Fyfe said that the business is thrilled to celebrate the season with customers both in-store and online.
"David Jones has been celebrating Christmas with Australians since 1838, and the 2020 David Jones ‘Home of Christmas’ campaign brings to life what Christmas is really about; spreading joy and celebrating special moments with our friends and family.
"The unveiling of the animated Christmas Windows at the Elizabeth Street Flagship is a highlight on the calendar for us, seeing David Jones customers of all ages experience the magic of the season.
"We are delighted to be welcoming our customers instore and online for the holidays and look forward to providing our signature David Jones service, however they choose to shop with us," he said.
Adapting its Christmas campaign to suit the COVID-19 environment, the retailer has introduced a range of COVID-safe activities including a North Pole Hotline, socially-distanced Santa photos and small Breakfast with Santa events.
The iconic David Jones grand piano has also been installed on the ground floor of David Jones flagships around Australia and each weekend will feature musicians that have been without work during the pandemic.
The full schedule of events is available on the David Jones website.
