Breakfast at Tiffany's? How about Cocktails at Bendel's?!?!
Raina Khumush
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: News
On Tuesday, October 20th, a group of 40 NYU Stern Luxury & Retail Club members descended on New York's 5th Avenue to rub elbows with alumni at the legendary department store, Henri Bendel. As they entered through the illuminated glass doors and rode the bronze elevator to the 2nd floor accessories lounge, they could not help but gaze around in awe at the absolute splendor of the iconic retailer. This was luxury at its very best.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, guests were greeted by LARC officers with nametags and gift cards. They entered the accessories lounge where they sipped chardonnay, gazed at enamel bangle bracelets and other baubles, and chatted with alums from L'Oreal, American Express Publishing, Avon, the Economist Magazine, and Acorn Concepts. Students had the opportunity to get to know alums better and hear stories of their experiences since graduation. Business cards and advice were exchanged.
Henri Bendel began its New York legacy in 1895. Bendel, a milliner by trade, brought his own designs, and those of Parisian designers, to the stylish people of NYC. The store is well known for its brown and white striped shopping bags and hat boxes. Beginning in 1957, Geraldine Stutz headed Bendel for twenty-nine years until 1986 when the store was sold to Limited Brands. Stutz was instrumental in developing the "street of shops" feel of the store and nurturing the careers of designers such as Mary McFadden, Anna Sui, and Sonia Rykiel. Bendel was also the first store to carry MAC Cosmetics back when it was still a fledgling lipstick brand. Bendel has a long standing reputation for fostering an open environment for new and up-and-coming designers, and hosts "Open See," a semi-annual event at which vendors can present their wares to buyers and potentially win the chance to have their items sold at the store.
In April 2009, at least partially due to the economy, Bendel made the decision to stop carrying apparel and focus on more profitable products like cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, and home items and candles. The current CEO, Ed Bucciarelli, has been a driving force behind the expansion of the brand, the rollout of the smaller boutique style design, and private label merchandise. Attending an event at such a successful and iconic department store gave students the opportunity to see this retail strategy in action first hand.
As the night winded down, guests gathered their coats and complementary gift bags and made their way down to the Gazebo Shop to purchase goodies like Nars cosmetics and Henri Bendel signature candles with their gift cards. All left satisfied, smiling, with a brown and white striped bag swinging from their arms.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, guests were greeted by LARC officers with nametags and gift cards. They entered the accessories lounge where they sipped chardonnay, gazed at enamel bangle bracelets and other baubles, and chatted with alums from L'Oreal, American Express Publishing, Avon, the Economist Magazine, and Acorn Concepts. Students had the opportunity to get to know alums better and hear stories of their experiences since graduation. Business cards and advice were exchanged.
Henri Bendel began its New York legacy in 1895. Bendel, a milliner by trade, brought his own designs, and those of Parisian designers, to the stylish people of NYC. The store is well known for its brown and white striped shopping bags and hat boxes. Beginning in 1957, Geraldine Stutz headed Bendel for twenty-nine years until 1986 when the store was sold to Limited Brands. Stutz was instrumental in developing the "street of shops" feel of the store and nurturing the careers of designers such as Mary McFadden, Anna Sui, and Sonia Rykiel. Bendel was also the first store to carry MAC Cosmetics back when it was still a fledgling lipstick brand. Bendel has a long standing reputation for fostering an open environment for new and up-and-coming designers, and hosts "Open See," a semi-annual event at which vendors can present their wares to buyers and potentially win the chance to have their items sold at the store.
In April 2009, at least partially due to the economy, Bendel made the decision to stop carrying apparel and focus on more profitable products like cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, and home items and candles. The current CEO, Ed Bucciarelli, has been a driving force behind the expansion of the brand, the rollout of the smaller boutique style design, and private label merchandise. Attending an event at such a successful and iconic department store gave students the opportunity to see this retail strategy in action first hand.
As the night winded down, guests gathered their coats and complementary gift bags and made their way down to the Gazebo Shop to purchase goodies like Nars cosmetics and Henri Bendel signature candles with their gift cards. All left satisfied, smiling, with a brown and white striped bag swinging from their arms.
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