Henri Bendel 120th Anniversary…The Legendary Retail Innovator Celebrates!
This past Wednesday we sent our lovely contributor, Francene, from across the pond, to the Henri Bendel 120th Anniversary party. Unfortunately, both Julie and I couldn’t make it, which I terribly regretted as I lived in NYC during the time of Henri Bendel’s first hey-day when Geraldine Studtz was the leader and the store could be considered a ground-breaker in the retail world. Happy to see it is as still such a vibrant contributor to NYC Retail and I’m still such a fan of what they do. We were represented very well on the newer, more modern side of Bendel’s and Francene has all the details from the soiree to share!
Who would have thought nearly 120 years ago a man named Henri Bendel would be the first retailer to have its own fragrance, offer in store makeovers and stage their own fashion shows. He was also the first retailer to sell Coco Chanel perfume in stores. This brand has grown over the years into a nationally recognized accessories company.
I had the pleasure of going along to Henri Bendel’s store anniversary in the Galleria to help celebrate! Surrounded by beautiful, fashionable pieces, delicious foods and champagne – what more could a girl want on a Wednesday night!?
You can feel Creative Director Pina Ferlisi flirtations throughout their different collections. Pina joined the company in 2013, previously working with GAP, Marc Jacobs and McQ. She is known to have described five personalities that their customers encompass. Luckily, I had the opportunity to speak with Jessica Dennis, VP of Marketing and Ecommerce based in New York, who kindly expanded on this. ‘The five ladies are a glamour girl, a fashionista, a chic girl, a quirky girl and a sporty girl’, says Jessica. She went on to say how much she adores seeing the accessories on real people and seeing how individuals diversify them.
Sanger Sheffler kindly posed for me, after I saw the necklace she was about to purchase. When I initially saw this necklace I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to pull it off; it would look too bohemian, but seeing it against a simple black blazer looked effortless. You can wear this necklace many different ways. It’s a fantastic item to add to your wardrobe.
Henri Bendel holds a collection of classic bags with iconic swirl detail called their No#7 collection. I’m sure you can tell the inspiration for this! Keeping black as their signature colour and adding spices of colour throughout the seasons along with an array of styles. I absolutely was in love with their backpack and blush flap shoulder bag.
Corie McCabe, Public Relations Manager was there on hand to show me the hottest new picks this season such as their sport bags range for the sporty girls within us! ‘Sportswear is very in just now; ladies need a bag that will take you from the gym, to brunch to dinner!’
Bianca, one of the brand assistants, was introducing me to their new fragrance, Suite 712 named after their flagship store. Stunning floral fragrance mixed with woody notes which linger on your skin. This has just recently been released to mark their 120th Anniversary.
Accessories even for your pooches were laid out as well as their candle range, Boho Beach being the scent I loved the most! I had to try and restrain myself from buying everything! Yes, I did manage to pick up a sneaky purchase, after all it counts as research right?! These beautiful Pave Shark Tooth Huggie Drop Earrings are now all mine! Another piece with the mix of gold and silver will go with nearly every outfit.
My favorite item has to be their East Hampton Fringe Earrings and Blake Lively is also a fan of this brand, wearing the Rivington Canvas Bag.
The best thing about this brand is how expensive it looks but how affordable it is for you and I. Head to their store in The Galleria to check out their collections or online. I have officially converted to being a lover of Henri Bendel! ‘Making customers happy one handbag at a time!’ great quote from Jessica!
Francene with her purchase!
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