10 September 2026 |
Plus 100 different brands from Schiaparelli to Brunello Cucinelli created 850 unique shoppable pieces.
The main floor of Bergdorf Goodman was bathed in its signature seductive purple light on Wednesday night, as industry insiders like Michael Kors (in his trademark dark sunglasses) and Wes Gordon wove throughout the packed, standing-room-only crowd to catch a glimpse of Ravyn Lenae performing her viral hit Love Me Not. The ceiling was decked out in purple balloons while an oversized sculpture of the infamous shopping bag stood guard near the door. The iconic Linda Fargo, with her perfectly coiffed icy hair, was on hand greeting guests and posing for photos while the store’s giant Assouline tome (available in October) was on display for the well-heeled fashion muses to flip through. It was only the eve of New York Fashion Week, and the kind of event that could only take place inside Bergdorf’s.
The department store is celebrating 125 years and has outlived nearly every trend and phase of fashion. The building occupies the former site of the grand Gilded Age Cornelius Vanderbilt II mansion. The shop has so much history, in fact, that it may be one of the only department stores in the world with a docent on hand to explain features like the dazzling chandelier on the ground floor, specially commissioned for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, or the preservation of certain architectural pieces of the once iconic mansion.
“Bergdorf Goodman has always maintained a singular point of view, serving as a trusted authority where fashion is both curated and celebrated,” said Linda Fargo, SVP, Fashion Office & Store Presentation, Bergdorf Goodman in a statement for anniversary. “Our role has always been to discover and nurture extraordinary creative talent, bringing their visions to life within these historic walls and iconic windows. The magic of Bergdorf Goodman lies in honoring that rich heritage while constantly reinventing the luxury experience for the modern world.”
To celebrate the anniversary, the retailer revamped its famous windows with a historical theme featuring everything from giant bedazzled shopping bags full of glittering themed minaudières to decorative timelines, It also released a campaign featuring stylist Kate Young, Michael Kors, actress Candice Bergen and designer Rachel Scott of Diotima and Proenza Schouler. During the event, fashion photographer Hunter Abrams captured guests, and a surprise birthday cake was the center of attention.
And of course, what would the department store be without some special finds for their clients? Over 100 different brands dreamed up 850 unique shoppable pieces for the occasion. You’ll find chic new takes from Alaïa (done in reference to Mr. Alaïa’s iconic 1982 Bergdorf Goodman show) to Schiaparelli bags created in all kinds of rare exotics. Both are global exclusives to celebrate the shop’s storied history. Libertine, a Bergdorf Goodman favorite, created sparkling, sequinned tributes inspired by the view of the building and its aforementioned stunning chandelier. Verdura, Manolo Blahnik, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton and Creed also offer limited edition pieces for the anniversary.
Some stores never go out of style.
