IN REVIEW : The Ultimate Shopping Experience for Men
Proof that the clothing industry is banking on the somewhat stable menswear industry to get it through the current tough economic times was the long-awaited opening of the $20-million, 45,000-square-foot Bergdorf Goodman Men store last week.
A private party attracting a well-heeled crowd of more than 1,000 people from the worlds of fashion, business and society moved easily through the three spacious and well-planned floors. Among the guests were Jerry Zipkin, friend of the former first couple, Ronald and Nancy Reagan; financier Henry Kravis, and designers Bill Blass, Mary McFadden, Michael Kors, Louis Dell’Olio, Isaac Mizrahi and L.A.’s James Galanos.
Located on the former site of F.A.O. Schwartz, 745 5th Ave. at 59th Street, across the street from the Bergdorf Goodman flagship store, the new store was designed by the L.A. architectural firm of J.T. Nakaoka Associates.
Although one would have expected the usual club atmosphere often found in upscale menswear stores, many attendees likened the interior--with its rotunda entrance, liberal use of marble, plush wall-to-wall or Persian-carpeted floors, antique furniture and hand-rubbed lacquer wood display cases--to a grand residential space with the attendant lush-but-comfortable ambience.
The architects succeeded in bringing the eye to the merchandise rather than the space itself, although there is the whimsical touch of a putting green with a full-time golf pro who will also help shoppers with purchases in the LaCoste boutique. A local retail competitor commented before the opening that he didn’t want to go to an amusement park to shop. But, in fact, the green is an amusing touch.
The store also features modern conveniences such as a fax machine, computers, emergency pressing and spot cleaning, and same-day delivery service. Besides the now-requisite bar, there also is an elegantly appointed cafe for light lunches.
Combined sales for the first four days were $1 million, according to a report in The New York Times. Bergdorf Chairman Ira Neimark said his aim is to do $40 million in business the first year. He refers to the new shop as “the ultimate store for gentlemen.” Wisely, the merchandise is not limited to traditional resources like Hickey-Freeman, Oxxford, Hermes, Charvet, Etro, Turnbull & Asser, John Lobb shoes and a bespoke department for custom-made clothes.
Besides contemporary American designers like Ralph Lauren, Alan Flusser and Joseph Abboud on the second floor, more adventurous men can find innovative names like Jean Paul Gaultier, Workers for Freedom, Romeo Gigli, Giuliano Fujiwara, Dries Van Noten and Ronaldus Shamask on the third floor. Men’s jewelry designers also are represented by Barry Kieselstein-Cord, Lisa Jenks and Robert Lee Morris.
“It feels like an extraordinary home. It’s a real masculine antidote to the women’s store,” noted Shamask.
“It’s very elegant, spacious and certainly warm. There’s a nice flow to it,” commented Galanos.
Perry Ellis designer Marc Jacobs mused, “The best part is the bar, where men can have a drink while their wives are buying them clothes. Very ‘90s!”
