Dress Sets

Owner Edwin Goodman and his son Andrew Goodman, along with head buyer Ethel Frankau, would travel to Paris and purchase garments which were also called ‘bonded models’ that were made to act as reference for copying and adapting to the desires of Bergdorf clients. Along with the bonded models (garment samples) they would receive a référence which lists what went into the garments, where to purchase the materials and cheaper alternatives.

During this time, Bergdorf’s would import eighty to a hundred couture models from every Paris season. Copies were made from the singular prototype delivered from the respective fashion houses. 

The fashion being presented at collection shows was purchased by buyers to be authentically reproduced and sold in American stores like Bergdorf’s. It was not the standard for fashion ateliers to produce every garment. By selling to Bergdorf’s, brands were able to make their designs accessible to international consumers.