Adele Simpson Ensemble - 1964

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You know I love Bergdorf ads.  But it's the outfit here that catches my imagination.  From 1964, the Adele Simpson rayon sheath dress with interesting seaming is set off with a matching capelet.  The cape was lined in contrasting silk and the set came with a leather tie belt in the same color as the cape lining.  The color combinations were wonderful: navy with vivid green lining and belt, sea green with turquoise, gold nugget with black or black with gold nugget.  The set sold for $160 in 1964 (about $1220 in today's dollar.)

Which color would you choose? 

Harvey Berin for Bergdorf Goodman, 1956

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Harvey Berin is one of my favorite vintage labels. This stunning dress was sold by Bergdorf Goodman and featured in a full page ad in December of 1956. 

"Out of the Blue by Harvey Berin $175
As fragile-looking as a snowflake drifting through the night. Our short evening dress of imported white French point d'esprit appliqued with pale blue French silk Chantilly lace embroidered with rhinestones. Heavenly dressing after dark for sizes 8 to 16. Ready-to-Wear Evening Gowns, Fourth Floor."

Point d'esprit is white lace netting with little polka dots woven into it.  The blue Chantilly lace appliques were individually cut and appliqued onto the white point d'esprit base and the whole thing sparkles with rhinestones.  Maybe someday I'll see this dress in person.  For now, I have to dream about it.

$175 in 1956 is equal to about $1,502 in today's dollar!

Photo by Sharland for Bergdorf Goodman full page ad appearing in Harper's Bazaar, 1956.

Ceil Chapman - 1955

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You know that I love the ad copy that accompanies Bergdorf Goodman ads.  This one is from 1955.

"Chiffon Flame in the Wind by Ceil Chapman $135
Born to dance the night away - our silk chiffon in a smoldering, flaming pink.  It's draped bodice, one-shouldered stole and cloud-formation skirt beautiful accompaniment to music heard or unheard.  Also in black, in sizes 8 to 16."

The stole shown draped around her head is attached at one shoulder and can hang freely down the back of the gown.  Interesting gathered waist extends up into the bust and down into the hips.  $135 is about $1,176 in today's dollar.

Would you chose pink or black?

Photo by Karen Radkai for Bergdorf Goodman.  
Full page ad from Harper's Bazaar, 1955.

Krizia, 1984

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I've talked about Bergdorf Goodman ads in the past.  Often found on page 1 of Vogue, the company was genius at catching your eye with black and white artwork or photography.  In the 50s and 60s, their ads featured wonderful descriptions that described the garments.  In the ad shown here for Krizia in the Spring of 1984, Bergdorf's lets the clothing speak for itself.  There is no attribution for the artist who did this marvelous pencil sketch, but it certainly captured my attention this morning!

Ad from page 1 of Vogue, February 1984.

Bergdorf Goodman Coat for Spring, 1956

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What ever happened to spring weight coats?  Back in the day, women had a wardrobe of coats for fall, winter and spring.  They were different weights, different colors and different fabrics.  This spring coat from 1956 was an exclusive design at Bergdorf Goodman.  Lighter in color and far less bulky than a winter coat, this one is almost an outfit in and of itself.

I've talked before about the wonderful copy writing for Bergdorf's ads.  Their fashion writers were able to evoke a sense of desire for a garment unlike any others.  Here's what this ad says:

Beautiful Wanderer - Coat Exclusive $165
Our blonde beauty in pure wool homespun with the wandering waistline that starts high, ends low, makes a fine figure of the fashionable inhabitant.  '56 new-look, forerunner of one of the prettiest Springs in years.  Also in lipstick red or navy.  Sizes 8 to 14.

By the way, $165 in 1956 is equivalent to $1,393 in today's dollar.