When I arrived in New York City for the first time, all the way from South Africa, the activity on the top of my list was completing the fashion pilgrimage to Bergdorf Goodman. Since I was very young I loved window displays, but nothing could prepare me for the epic concepts and execution I saw in the huge windows at the 5th avenue palace.
I had the privilege of being invited to a special pre-screening of “Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf Goodman” at AMC Mazza Gallerie. The documentary covers everything you could possibly want to know about the store; from the history of the family to how collections are selected by Linda Fargo to countless intimate one on one interviews with every major fashion designer.
And my favorite part, of course, an in-depth look into how the famous windows are conceived from the visual merchandising team, “I almost want our windows to be perceived as hallucinations” says head designer David Hoey. The films shining star for me was Betty Halbreich, Bergorf’s resident personal shopper. With her quick wit and brutal honesty when it comes to what looks good on a client she adds some honest humor to the documentary (Lena Dunham loves her too, she is making a new show about Betty called “All Dressed Up And Everywhere To Go” with HBO).
“Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s” is a must-see for any everyone that loves a good fashion documentary. View the trailer here & also tweet me what you thought of the film @cheraleelyle (the official hashtag is #getscattered).
All images via Bergdorf Goodman NYC.