CeremonialSupplies.com, the best online store catering to event planners and corporate organizers shopping for groundbreaking ceremonies, grand openings, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, graduations, military functions, corporate conferences and all other celebratory occasions, is pleased to share with our readers details of interest about the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Bergdorf Goodman in NYC. The Bergdorf Goodman NYC grand opening in "Roaring Twenties" had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 19, 1928. The ceremony was organized by the store's founders, Herman Bergdorf and Edwin Goodman, along with their partners who had joined them in expanding and developing their business. Bergdorf Goodman was built on land owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II upon which he constructed an ostentatious mansion, sold in 1926 to make way for the Bergdorf Goodman store, a high-tag department store established as a premier destination for luxury shopping.
The structure of the Bergdorf Goodman store was built by the architectural firm of Buchman & Fox, known for their elegant and luxurious designs, and inspired by the mansion that stood there before. The building's design reflected the Art Deco style popular during that era, with intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship. For the ribbon-cutting ceremony, ceremonial ribbons and banners were perfectly arranged and displayed to create a festive and celebratory atmosphere. Custom-designed banners with the Bergdorf Goodman logo and elegant ribbons in the store's signature colors were hung strategically around the entrance and main areas of the store. The logo colors of Bergdorf Goodman are primarily white and gold. These colors symbolize elegance, sophistication, and luxury, which are key attributes associated with the Bergdorf Goodman brand. The combination of white and gold conveys a sense of exclusivity and timeless style, reflecting the store's reputation as a premier destination for high-end fashion and luxury goods.
Luxurious carpet runners were also laid out, leading up to the entrance of the store, enhancing the grandeur of the occasion. These carpets were custom-designed with the Bergdorf Goodman logo and added a touch of elegance to the overall presentation. The ribbon-cutting itself was performed by Herman Bergdorf and Edwin Goodman, the founders of the store, along with prominent city officials and invited guests. The ceremony was attended by notable figures from the fashion industry, business leaders, and socialites, making it a highly anticipated and prestigious event in New York City's social calendar. The opening of Bergdorf Goodman's flagship store in New York City in 1928 attracted a notable array of influential fashion designers, celebrities, and dignitaries from the city's social and cultural scene. Some of the prominent attendees at the event included:
Coco Chanel:
The legendary French fashion designer was known for her innovatively classic couture. Chanel had been the reigning fashion queen of the Roaring Twenties, and her presence at the Bergdorf Goodman opening added prestige to the event.
Christian Dior:
Although Dior rose to prominence in the post-World War II era, his influence on fashion was already beginning to be felt in the late 1920s. His attendance at the Bergdorf Goodman opening would have been noteworthy given his future impact on haute couture.
Elsa Schiaparelli:
Another influential fashion designer of the time, Schiaparelli was known for her avant-garde and surrealist designs. Her presence would have added a touch of artistic flair to the event.
Louise B. Mayer:
As one of the co-founders of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios, Mayer was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His attendance at the Bergdorf Goodman opening would have bridged the worlds of fashion and Hollywood.
Claire McCardell:
An American fashion designer known for her casual and practical designs, McCardell's presence would have highlighted the growing influence of American fashion on the global stage.
Gloria Swanson:
A renowned actress and fashion icon of the silent film era, Swanson's attendance at the Bergdorf Goodman opening would have added glamour and star power to the event.
Diana Vreeland:
While Vreeland's career as a fashion editor and curator blossomed in later decades, her keen eye for style and trendsetting would have made her a notable presence at the opening.
These are just a few examples of the influential fashion designers, celebrities, and personalities who may have attended the opening of Bergdorf Goodman's flagship store in 1928 due to their close connections with high-couture personalities, bankers, and financiers, who also lived or were often in NYC influencing the political scene. Their presence would have contributed to the event's prestige and significance in the fashion world.
Bergdorf Goodman in New York City has been featured in several movies and television shows due to its iconic status as a luxury department store, and it’s high couture connection with Hollywood icons. Some of the films and TV shows that prominently feature Bergdorf Goodman include:
"Arthur," (1981):
The blockbuster comedy starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli filmed the meeting of the two characters inside the tie section of Bergdorf Goodman. It didn’t hurt the production negotiators that Minnelli’s mom, the awesome Judy Garland, was a client of Bergdorf Goodman even before they set up shop on NYC’s 5th Avenue.
"Sweet Charity" (1969):
This musical film, starring Shirley MacLaine, includes scenes shot inside Bergdorf Goodman. The store's glamorous setting complements the film's theme of love and dreams in the bustling city.
*Photo credit to Benjamin Waldman of the Bergdorf Goodman store where Cornelius Vanderbilt II's mansion originally stood.
"Scenes from a Mall" (1991):
Although primarily set in a mall in Los Angeles, this comedy film starring Woody Allen and Bette Midler includes a scene shot inside Bergdorf Goodman. The store's upscale atmosphere contrasts with the mall setting, adding to the film's humor.
"The Devil Wears Prada" (2006):
While not directly filmed inside Bergdorf Goodman, this film adaptation of the novel includes scenes shot outside the store on Fifth Avenue. The store's exterior serves as a backdrop for fashion-related moments in the movie.
"Confessions of a Shopaholic" (2009):
Similar to "The Devil Wears Prada," this film features scenes shot outside Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue. The store's iconic location enhances the film's depiction of New York City's fashion scene.
Bergdorf Goodman's status as a renowned luxury retail destination and a NYC landmark and its appeal as a backdrop for scenes related to high-end fashion, shopping, and lifestyle. Shop CeremonialSupplies.com for the best quality custom branded grand opening ribbons, ribbon-cutting scissors, logo-branded carpet runners, event rugs and corporate logo mats, groundbreaking shovels for sod-cutting ceremonies, and much more! You’ll love our budget-friendly prices, our attentive and knowledgeable customer service, and our prompt and efficient shipping. Click here for a quote.