Betty Halbreich, the iconic personal shopper who defined luxury retail for decades at Bergdorf Goodman, has passed away at the age of 96. Halbreich’s death concludes a remarkable career that reshaped the personal shopping experience and left an enduring impact on the fashion industry.
I remember one December seeing Walter Cronkite who was there to select his wife’s Christmas gift as he did every year. And then there were Joan Rivers, Betty Buckley, Lena Dunham, and the list goes on. Bergdorf’s will not be the same without her”.
A Remarkable Journey. Betty Halbreich’s career began in Chicago and culminated in a role that would transform the fashion landscape. Halbreich’s early challenges, including a difficult marriage and significant health issues, did little to deter her ambition. After gaining experience in designer showrooms on Seventh Avenue, including a prominent role at Geoffrey Beene, she joined Bergdorf Goodman in 1967. The store recognized her unique talent and established a personal shopping office specifically for her, setting a new benchmark in luxury service.
Redefining Personal Shopping. Halbreich’s innovative approach to personal shopping was groundbreaking. She transformed the process into a highly personalized experience, offering tailored advice that went beyond conventional retail. Her office at Bergdorf Goofman became a destination where clients could receive individual attention and bespoke guidance.
“Our mom led a compelling life, much of which was spent at her favorite place in the world, at her Bergdorf Goodman desk – her room with a view, tossing zingers while offering those BG tea sandwiches to whomever graced her office”, her children, Kathy Halbreich and John Halbreich, said in a joint statement. “From the young lawyer taking a case to court to the first time to decking someone out for an incredible gala evening, she was immensely proud to dress women and help them chase their dreams. Despite all of the glitz and glamour, she held no pretentious – she was both a realist and a romantic. You didn’t have to be famous or a billionaire to enter Betty’s orbit of care and advice. We will all miss her wisdom, sometimes caustic humor, and passion”.
Halbreich’s approach was both intuitive and methodical. She didn’t just follow trends but focused on understanding her clients’ personal styles and needs. This personalized service became a hallmark of her career and set her apart from her peers.
An Impressive Client List. Halbreich’s clientele included a roster of distinguished figures. She worked with style icons like Babe Paley, celebrities like Meryl Streep and Liza Minnelli, and countless other high – profile clients. Her ability to enhance each client’s personal style while preserving their individuality was a defining aspect of her work.
“Betty was truly one of a kind. You never knew who you might see when you stopped by Betty’s office”, said Mallory Andrews, Bergdorf’s former senior vice president for marketing, sales promotion, and public relations. “I remember one December seeing Walter Cronkite who was there to select his wife’s Christmas gift as he did every year. And then there were Joan Rivers, Betty Buckley, Lena Dunham, and the list goes on. Bergdorf’s will not be the same without her”.
One of her notable early achievements was working with Babe Paley, a style icon known for her elegance. This assignment was a significant endorsement of Halbreich’s talent and marked the beginning of her reputation as a leading fashion advisor.
Contributions to Entertainment. Halbreich’s impact into the entertainment industry. Her collaborations with costume designers on “Sex and the City” and various Woody Allen films showcased her ability to blend high fashion with popular culture. These contributions helped create some of the most memorable fashion moments on screen.
“I taught Candice Bergen to talk in heels”, Halbreich once told WWD. Her ability to influence and enhance on – screen fashion was a testament to her broad impact on the industry.
Halbreich was also known for her candid opinions on contemporary fashion trends. She was critical of the casualization of American style, advocating for a return to more polished and sophisticated dress. “We dressed – that’s what’s different. You want to El Morocco on Saturday night tipped the head waiter heavily to get a table. You didn’t think about going out not dressed. When you went into a store – let’s say Bonwit Teller or Lord & Taylor – you got dressed up”, she said in an interview with WWD. “You wouldn’t walk around in shorts or tight white pants. That’s my new obsession. I hate white pants – large, medium, small. They are so awful. I just can’t wait until people put their coats back on in winter and hide all this provocativeness”.
A Lasting Legacy. Betty Halbreich’s passing is a significant loss the to the fashion industry. Her innovative approach to personal shopping and her dedication to providing exceptional service have left a lasting legacy. Darcy Penick, president of Bergdorf Godman, noted. “In countless ways, Betty Halbreich shaped the history of Bergdorf Goodman, her home away from home for 48 years. Fearless and ever-curious, she not only changed the way her clients viewed clothes but also how they viewed themselves. She was larger than life, incomparable in every sense, and forever impacted the fabric of our culture at Bergdorf Goodman”.
Helbreich is survived by her children, Kathy and John Halbreich, and her grandchildren, Henry Kohring, Gillian Halbreich, and Hannah Halbreich.
Betty Halbreich on the fashion industry will be remembered for years to come. Her commitment to personalized service and her ability to connect with clients on a deep level have set a benchmark in luxury retail. Her legacy as a trailblazer in personal shopping will continue to inspire and shape the future of fashion.
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