Fashion in Process - Works from the Bergdorf Goodman Archives

The Dallas Public Library acquired the Bergdorf Goodman Archives in the early 2010s. The company had merged with Dallas based department store Neiman Marcus in the 1980s.  

Many of the works in the gallery come from records associated with Bernard Newman, their head designer until 1966. Newman got his start at the company when in the 1920s, one f his designs got purchased for mass production. From then on, he went on to be one of the most influential designers of the era. 

He dressed golden age movie stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers, Katharine Hepburn, and more. Many of his works went on to define luxury and grace in fashion for decades after is career. 

The fashion illustrations displayed come from his office directly.  

Featured as well are advertisements and designs for the Revillon Freres company, a fur company bought by Saks Fifth Avenue in the 1960s. The designs feature colorful depictions of geometric shapes or floral illustrations. Some of these designs were then actually rendered into fur! 

Ad campaign items from different eras are featured on the walls. These items show the creative and tedious process of press and advertisements.