Window Walk is a month-long celebration highlighting the many wonderful attributes of the holidays in the CWE. Visitors are invited to stroll amidst elegantly decorated windows while shopping at boutiques, enjoying seasonal libations and delicious meals at local restaurants.
Now in its 9th year, Window Walk brings back the time-honored tradition of going downtown to see festive windows, while showcasing the CWE’s retail and dining establishments. We partnered with St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles Magazine and 13 of St. Louis’ best designers, to help transform our neighborhood into a winter wonderland.
Let’s meet some of the designers!
Brittany Riehlman
Business owner of Fox Child Co., Brittany Riehlman, designed Drunken Fish’s window. Thanks to her intricate hand-painted designs, visitors can experience a sushi-themed Christmas, right on the corner of Maryland & Euclid!
Tell us about yourself.
Brittany: I’m originally born and raised in rural Upstate NY, but have lived here in St. Louis for the last 5 years. I’m a business owner specializing in graphic design, painting, and lettering. I also create logos, branding packages, websites, and marketing plans. Some of my favorite things to paint are nurseries and portraits. I’ve been painting and creating ever since I was just a little girl, watching Bob Ross on the TV in our farmhouse. I am also a kitty mama to a very sweet cat, Seamus, and the other half to my loving and wonderful partner, Blake.
How many years have you participated in Window Walk?
Brittany: This is my first year!
Why did you want to be involved in this year’s Window Walk Festivities?
Brittany: My good friend and co-freelancer, Emily Johnson, mentioned this event to me and it looked like a fun challenge! I have such fond memories of Christmas time in NYC with the windows all dressed up and the warm fuzzy holiday cheer all around you. Getting the chance to help bring that to the CWE is something I’m so grateful to be part of.
Where did the inspiration come from for your design?
Brittany: The restaurant, Drunken Fish! I’ve worked with a few Asian cuisine restaurant’s branding and design needs since moving to St. Louis so being paired with the Drunken Fish was a great match. I wanted to help promote the business while including a fun and creative holiday flair. I chose to use paint as my main medium since it easily makes for endless creative possibilities.
What do you love most about the CWE?
Brittany: When I first visited my parents in St. Louis before moving here, they took me to the CWE and I knew I would be able to call St. Louis home. There is so much character and charm through the different kinds of shops and historic buildings, and now with the surgence of new businesses moving in, it makes the area that much better for everyone to have something to enjoy!
What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Brittany: Spending time with family and friends is always on the top of my list, but I also love and appreciate the small things too. I love the snow and often catch myself staring out my office window to watch the snowflakes float by. I’ve started little traditions during the holiday season in STL ,with Thanksgiving Eve at one of my favorite restaurants and the Garden Glow at the Botanical Gardens. I’m excited to add Window Walk to those traditions. St. Louis is such a great city with so much to offer and the CWE neighborhood is certainly a significant part of that.
Greg Gorman
Greg Gorman, VP of Creative Services at Triad Mfg., Inc. designed Mission Taco Joint’s window. His design features all-vinyl window artwork, and this year, you don’t have to travel too far to see some slopes!
Tell us about yourself.
Greg: I am an internationally recognized award-winning retail store designer and visual merchandiser with over 40 years experience.
How many years have you participated in Window Walk?
Greg: This is my third year participating.
Why did you want to be involved in this year’s Window Walk Festivities?
Greg: It has been a very exciting opportunity to work with new retail/hospitality customers. I’m also looking forward to seeing the finished installations when completed.
Where did the inspiration come from for your design?
Greg: This year’s design is an extension from last year with the Mexican Art-styled gingerbread men. However, this year, the gingerbread men are snowboarding on snowy slopes. The restaurant team at Mission Taco asked for the snowboarders as it is something they are involved with.
What do you love most about the CWE?
Greg: I love the diversity of everything in the CWE.
What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Greg: Snow, cheer, and gathering with family and friends in thanks for another year; looking forward to the next!
JCR Design Group
Jenny and Emily from JCR Design Group designed Rush Bowls’ window. Thanks to their fun design- you know exactly what to order when you walk inside. Enjoy a tasty smoothie at Rush Bowls this holiday season!
Tell us about yourself.
Jenny & Emily: JCR Design Group specializes in high-end custom interiors, renovations, kitchen and bath design, and new construction collaboration. Together with her team, owner Jenny Rapp, works closely with homeowners, architects, and builders to create distinctive and functional designs, and interiors that are fresh yet timeless. We take great pride in the fact that a bulk of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals.
How many years have you participated in Window Walk?
Jenny & Emily: This is our first year!
Why did you want to be involved in this year’s Window Walk Festivities?
Jenny & Emily: This was a great chance to connect with another local business we may not have otherwise met, and use our resources to create a unique design tailored to their specific products and space.
Where did the inspiration come from for your design?
Jenny & Emily: The inspiration for our design developed through meeting with Rush Bowls, discussing ideas, and seeing the resources we had in front of us, integrating the serving products into the actual design, along with seasonal decor.
What do you love most about the CWE?
Jenny & Emily: It’s great to see the growth over the past few years. New businesses and residences are drawn to this vibrant, diverse area.
What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Jenny & Emily: It’s an excuse to indulge in all the holiday treats, of course. But seriously, it’s always wonderful to see family who have traveled from other cities to visit.