ALL AGOG

I know it's much too soon to talk about Christmas-after all, we still have several weeks of fantastic summer to savor, but I couldn't resist sharing a little pre-holiday news with you all.  One of the most spectacular sights in New York during the holidays are the window displays: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord and Taylor and Barney's all try to one-up there vision from the year before.  I heard that Barney's, who has always had an avant-garde approach to their holiday windows (think last year's celebrity cooks theme with Mario Batali's head in a large cauldren-ho, ho, ho!) will be collaborating with none other than Lady Gaga. The holiday campaign called "Gaga's workshop" will serve as her interpretation of Santa's workshop with the fifth floor of the luxury retailer's Madison Avenue flagship converted into her studio. Beginning mid-November, shoppers can stock up on limited-edition gifts, designed by the costumed artist under the direction of Nicola Formichetti.  In the spirit of holiday cheer, 25 percent of all sales from the workshop will be donated to Lady Gaga's charity of choice. Take note-little monsters!