In 1960, renowned photojournalist Ormond Gigli brought together a group of 43 women, each clad in chic, vibrant attire, and strategically placed them in the 41 windows of a traditional New York City brownstone. In the years to follow, this resulting image would gain recognition as Gigli's most iconic piece of art.
In those days, Gigli operated from a studio on East 58th Street, nestled in the vibrant heart of Manhattan. Directly across the street was a row of townhouses marked for imminent demolition.
Driven by the urge to encapsulate the beauty of these soon-to-be-demolished structures, Gigli was committed to creating a captivating image that would serve as a lasting tribute to the neighborhood he had grown so fond of.
Gigli persevered despite lacking the financial resources to hire professional models or any budget for a non-commissioned picture. He negotiated with the building's foreman, convincing him to allocate a two-hour window for his endeavor and to ensure the window spaces were cleared.
With a vision of his 'dream' picture, Gigli approached a modeling agency he had previously collaborated with. He appealed to models to volunteer their time to be a part of his ambitious project, asking them to dress as they wished and arrive during their lunch break.
In those days, Gigli operated from a studio on East 58th Street, nestled in the vibrant heart of Manhattan. Directly across the street was a row of townhouses marked for imminent demolition.
Driven by the urge to encapsulate the beauty of these soon-to-be-demolished structures, Gigli was committed to creating a captivating image that would serve as a lasting tribute to the neighborhood he had grown so fond of.
Gigli persevered despite lacking the financial resources to hire professional models or any budget for a non-commissioned picture. He negotiated with the building's foreman, convincing him to allocate a two-hour window for his endeavor and to ensure the window spaces were cleared.
With a vision of his 'dream' picture, Gigli approached a modeling agency he had previously collaborated with. He appealed to models to volunteer their time to be a part of his ambitious project, asking them to dress as they wished and arrive during their lunch break.