Lots From Little at Barneys

Driving down Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, it’s hard not to notice Barneys’ swanky holiday store windows. They are filled with half a dozen larger-than-life creamy-white angels and cherubs that light up brilliantly at night.

If you get out from behind the tinted windshield of your Range Rover, you’ll see there’s more to these angels than first meets the eye. The mythical creatures are actually made from everyday objects--Q-Tips, marshmallows, sugar cubes, cotton balls, Mentos candy and more.

Artist John Lavin created the display with his wife, Carrie Stacey, in their Seattle studio.

“The fun part was cruising the aisles of Home Depot looking for more unusual white materials,” he said.

But there were unexpected challenges. The cherubs (modeled after the couple’s 2-year-old boy, Page) have wings made of gingerbread that’s been baked over chicken wire. Try transporting that from Seattle. Maybe angels do fly!

Lavin’s window displays will be up through the holidays. Paintings by the artist are on view at Empiric, 7916 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 634-7323.