A Peek Behind the Windows

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s, filmmaker Martin Miele’s documentary about the history and lasting legacy of Bergdorf Goodman, premiered in New York City on Monday April 29 to an audience of people who live and breathe fashion – and me. In my $14 sheath dress from a Midwest department store, I sat among fashion giants feeling like an underdressed outsider. But, as the documentary progressed, I found myself laughing alongside them; understanding that though they are the fashion elite, I could still relate to their stories.

The documentary featured interviews with those in the upper echelon of a very niche society,  wherein designers were humanized with tales of their apparel lines being discovered to ultimately becoming featured entities on the floor at Bergdorf’s. Everyone started somewhere, allowing those of us who have yet to “make it big” hope that something grand is on the horizon.

From my seat in Row M, I had Tommy Hilfiger and Bergdorf Goodman’s senior vp of the fashion office and store presentation, Linda Fargo, in my eye line as I watched their peers explain why Bergdorf’s continues to be a mecca for designers and customers alike.

The glitz and glamour of Bergdorf’s is not just for the rich and famous, however. In addition to interviews and historical information, the documentary chronicled the creation of the store’s exalted holiday window displays. Massive amounts of hard work and artistry are put into these magical boxes of glass each year. The gorgeous couture surrounded by intricately designed displays highlight amazing fashion while allowing millions of passersby to lose themselves in the fantasy of what the luxury retailer has to offer – the feeling of having it all.

Those in attendance at the screening could probably tell I wasn’t one of them based on the fact that I wore boots to the premiere and my jacket was from Old Navy. As the fashion icons teetered past me in their sky-high heels, I had to chuckle knowing that for 90 minutes, I was on the same level as them (though likely more comfortable in my poly blend dress and flat footwear).

My ashes won’t be scattered at Bergdorf’s, but I get why some people would want it as their final resting place. This documentary solidifies why this is the store where designers want their products carried – and why it’s a retail staple on Fifth Avenue at which people love shopping, or at the very least, aspire to shop. Bergdorf Goodman is the epitome of the American Dream and while some of us can’t afford to be patrons of its finery, it’s free to look at their windows and pretend that someday we could.

Katie Labovitz is a freelance film and entertainment writer living in New York.