New Jersey-born, with a flair for the dramatic, Anthony G. Lombardi says he sneaked into “the city” at every opportunity, “much to the distress of my parents.”
Dazzled by the bright lights of Broadway, Lombardi dreamed of the limelight and performed in several summer stock and community productions. “But somewhere along the way, I discovered fashion… Who knows why? I think it was all those Oscar de la Renta cocktail dresses and sharkskin suits my parents wore for nights at the Copa.”
Intent on becoming the next Bill Blass, he enrolled in design school, which led to a stage of a different sort — display.
As the corporate director of visual merchandising for Saks Fifth Avenue, Lombardi handles all women's ready-to-wear, children's and out-of-town windows and creates and manages visuals for special events and holidays. He also helps design vendor shops, new store layouts, renovations and fixturing and mannequin programs.
Like any artist, Lombardi doesn't shrink from asserting his will: “I'm of the very strong opinion that SFA not look like any other retailer.” And he admits his will wasn't always well-received. He remembers one retailer that wasn't quite ready for lifestyle merchandising.
Which retailer was that?
My first display job was at E.J. Korvette's. I was reprimanded for the way I dressed mannequins — especially adding accessories from other departments. Go figure. From there, my journey took me to B. Altman's, Barneys and Bendel's. I consider myself truly lucky to have worked with both Robert Benzio and Simon Doonan.
What were you like as a child?
Once, at a sleepover at my cousin's — I was eight or nine — I took a small table and chair, you know, the kind for a doll's tea party, and assembled a sleigh. With some construction paper and cotton balls, my cousin became a reindeer and I was Santa.
Who's the best visual designer?
I don't think there's just one. There are certainly more, and I'm part of that force.
What inspires you?
I am more often than not inspired by what happens around me, whether it be living or dead.
What is your best feature?
Hands down — my nose.
What annoys you most?
Trying to accomplish everything I need to in the time I have.
Behind your back, what do your friends say about you?
I drive a hard nail.
Finish this sentence: The visual merchandising industry is…
…not so much visual anymore.
What is it then?
It's become much more about the “atmosphere” and “environment” of a store now — the look of the architecture, furniture, wall and carpet colors, etc. Also, the everyday dealing with different vendors puts another spin on our industry. We must try to convey an identity of someone else, while still being true to ourselves.
What were the best windows ever?
Hmmm, I recall the windows Bendel's did when it was on 57th Street. Robert Refino always did very fun, colorful explosions of holiday cheer and merriment. They were simple in statement and always made me smile.