The “New York City Women Series” by Sherry, including the renowned “The Label Lady,” offers a satirical yet insightful glimpse into the burgeoning label consciousness that typified late 20th-century New York. Through this series, crafted in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Sherry not only anticipated the upcoming obsession with designer brands but also critiqued the broader societal shift toward a consumerist mindset where identity is increasingly tied to possessions and brand affiliations.

Each painting in the series portrays a different archetype of New York women, captured with a sharp eye for detail and a wry sense of humor. “The Label Lady,” for instance, is an iconic figure burdened and adorned by an array of designer labels, symbolizing both the status they confer and the weight they impose. Her figure, cluttered with branded bags and accessories, acts as a mirror reflecting the growing materialism and brand fixation of her time.

The other characters in the series, from the bohemian artist to the chic socialite, each tell a unique story of life in New York City, highlighting diverse lifestyles and fashion sensibilities. What unites them is Sherry’s commentary on the intersection of fashion, identity, and consumer culture. Her prophetic vision of a world draped in logos is rendered with both critical sharpness and a playful touch, making the “New York City Women Series” a poignant historical reflection on personal and social identity shaped by commercial influences. This series remains a significant, engaging critique of consumer culture, offering a snapshot of a pivotal era in fashion and societal values.