About This Video
Title
Bergdorf Goodman Oral History Series: Andrew Goodman
Subject
Description
This interview by Robert Riley of Andrew Goodman, son of the founder of Bergdorf Goodman, took place on December 13th, 1977. The discussion starts out and keeps a consistent theme of development of departments within Bergdorf’s as well as the evolution of the store from 1900. Goodman spoke of the ‘family affair’ at the office after Goodman bought out Voight and partnered with Bergdorf in 1901. Goodman spoke of his early life, dropping out college and moving to Paris to work for Patou before New York. There is an emphasis in the interview on Adolfo and Halston. There are a few mentions of FIT including trustee Jerry Silverman and other fashion employee Shannon Rogers, who were the first to bring European luxury fashion to America. Departments like fur and the custom salon are discussed, as well as Miss Bergdorf’s in the 30s and the union system. A portion of the conversation discusses luxury customers and tactics when dealing with high profile and high maintenance clientele. The conversation is cut short when discussing Goodman’s belief in young talent in the retail industry and the importance of incoming college graduates in the industry.
Andrew Goodman was interviewed by Bob Reilly in the executive offices of Bergdorf Goodman.
Andrew Goodman passed away in 1993.
Publisher
FIT Special Collections and College Archives
Date Created
1977-12-13
Date Issued
2020
Length
1:40:44
Rights
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