Apthorp Cleaners is known for its seasonal window displays, which typically change four times per year.
In the past, we’ve seen a Barbie display of Eleanor Roosevelt, a dedication to RBG, a summer pool party, and a holiday display (just to name a few).
Now, a new diorama celebrating Black History Month is on display in the window of the shop, located at 383 Amsterdam Avenue between 78th and 79th streets.
The display depicts iconic figures including:
- Former President and First Lady Barak & Michelle Obama
- Activist Rosa Parks
- Ida B Wells (journalist and activist)
- Katherine Johnson (mathematician)
- Bessie Coleman (the first female Black pilot)
- Maya Angelou (poet and activist)
- Ella Fitzgerald (singer)
- Billie Holiday (singer)
- Angela Davis (political activist)
- Misty Copeland (ballet dancer)
- Alvin Ailey (ballet dancer)
- Naomi Osaka (tennis star)
- Byron Lars (fashion designer)
- Jean-Michel Basquiat (street artist)
“My windows bring me joy. And we all need more of that right now,” says owner Debra Kravet.
Are these dolls all available for purchase or does the owner outfit them herself? I’ve never seen many of these but would love to buy them. Please share the sources!
You can find many of them on Amazon, Target, etc.
Most are from the Inspiring Women Barbie collection.
My personal favourite, who doesn’t seem to be there, Maya Angelou, is available too.
Hope this helps ?
Hi Mary, this is Debra & Sam is correct about the purchasing of many of these Barbie’s, Maya Angelou included. Also through Barbie Collector & Mattel. Thank you so much for asking!
Thank you Sam and Debra!
I love the displays.
I love the displays in this window! They are such a treat, my husband and I are so delighted to see them when the new windows come out. Thank you Debra for your creativity and bringing joy to the community! Looking forward to seeing this window in person. 🙂
Thank you so much Rachel! I really appreciate you taking the time to write to me. It is such a joy to be on the the other side of the glass listening to comments & seeing all the expressions on everyone’s faces. It has been such a pleasure creating these diorama’s all these years! I will continue for as long as I can! Thank you, Debra
these are pretty amazing displays. i make sure that i am on the same side of the street as Apthorp Cleaners so I can see these.
Hi Buddy, thank you for taking the time to write your comments about my current Barbie Black History Month Dioramas. I appreciate you walking on my side of Amsterdam always! Stick your head in one time, would love to say Hi!