Snow Sculpture 'Snowmannequin' by Designer Colette Komm Goes Viral in Central Park
New Yorkers enjoying a stroll through Central Park this week encountered a breathtaking and unexpected fashion spectacle—meticulously sculpted entirely from snow. Upper West Side wedding dress designer Colette Komm has captured global attention after crafting an eerily lifelike dress form, named 'Snowmannequin,' which stands prominently on the south side of Terrace Drive, just west of Bethesda Fountain, near the West 72nd Street entrance.
From Snow Pile to Artistic Showpiece
With snow that had undergone a freeze-thaw cycle, making the traditional rolling of a snowball base impossible, Komm employed a unique approach. She gathered chunks of snow by hand, compressing them into a mound—even embracing the growing pile to bind it together—before meticulously shaping the torso and sweeping gown. Using nothing more than two serrated bread knives and three hours of determined carving, she transformed ordinary snow into an extraordinary work of art.
The following morning, Komm returned to refine the hem near Bethesda Fountain, only to discover that someone had added a snowball "head" to the neck. She promptly removed it, emphasizing, "This is a dress form—it doesn't have a head." This attention to detail highlights her commitment to the artistic vision behind the frosty creation.
A Visual Treat in the Winter Air
As word of the sculpture spread rapidly, curious visitors flocked to Central Park to witness it in person. Some had trekked across the park from as far as 96th Street in search of the artwork, while others arrived after spotting it on various social media platforms. Komm recalled one admirer saying, "Oh my gosh, I've been wandering around in the park since 96th Street trying to find this."
Komm even livestreamed her finishing touches, drawing an impressive 8 million real-time viewers. "I had like a cheering section. There were people applauding. It was great," she told The Post. Online reactions were equally enthusiastic, with admirers praising the piece as museum-worthy and celebrating the burst of creativity it represents.
The frosty creation quickly amassed millions of views online, proving that even in sub-zero temperatures, public art can warm a city's heart and inspire a sense of community. This viral moment underscores how simple materials and determination can lead to widespread admiration and joy.
