SUSTAINABLE SPLENDOR, INSIDE BERGDORF GOODMAN’S CONSCIOUS CLOSET
By: Janice Ronan
Renowned retailer Bergdorf Goodman has been a New York City landmark since 1901, representing the universal pinnacle of style, service and modern luxury. With its rich history of showcasing leading and emerging designers, the historic store at 5th Avenue and 58th Street, the crossroads of fashion, is a singular destination for the discerning global shopper.
The iconic brand believes in style with purpose and offers an ever-evolving edit of brands and products that are intended at making a positive mark on the world, and understands the importance of raising awareness about the impact of consumer purchase choices.
Recently, Bergdorf Goodman launched an avant-garde, first-of-its kind initiative, Conscious Closet. This trailblazing program is an extension of their legendary suite of personal shopping solutions and is intended to prolong the lifespan of cherished luxury items.
With a core emphasis on editing, repairing, altering, reselling, and giving back, Conscious Closet harmonizes Bergdorf Goodman's esteemed dedication to service and unrivaled shopping experience with a firm commitment to circular business models. Through intentional collaborations with industry experts and the utilization of its in-house services, customers are presented with a seamless path towards sustainable high fashion.
At the heart of the experience lies an innovative at-home closet editing service, where clients can engage with the expertise of personal shoppers and stylists. This approach guides the creation of an eco-friendly wardrobe, led by insightful advice on which items to retain and how to revamp them. Conscious Closet empowers customers to make informed choices, promoting mindful consumption, ethically focused style transformations and reducing waste.
Santana Care, New York’s premier leather experts, has also joined forces, offering detailed restoration services. Clients gain access to a complete range of elevated repair options which include, resoling and stretching, re-dyeing, refinishing, cleaning, lining replacement, and hardware refurbishment. This affiliation ensures that beloved handbags and shoes can be treasured for years to come. By prioritizing exceptional artisanship and attention to detail, Conscious Closet fosters the preservation of luxury goods, minimizing the need for new purchases.
A trusted on-site atelier plays an essential role in the program, offering unparalleled tailoring and customization services. Whether it involves intricate adjustments, skillful altering, or reimagining wardrobe essentials, the atelier team's expertise guarantees garments that fit to perfection. This bespoke service ensures that each purchase becomes a lasting wardrobe staple, reflecting the individual’s unique style and body shape.
Conscious Closet seamlessly integrates with FASHIONPHILE, one of the world’s most reliable, ultra-luxury resale platforms, enabling customers to actively participate in circular fashion practices. Clients can effortlessly consign past luxury investments through personal shoppers in exchange for a Bergdorf Goodman gift card, a unique proposition in the luxury retail landscape. This inventive partnership bridges the primary and secondary luxury markets, offering consumers an accessible pathway to responsible consumption.
Bergdorf Goodman and parent company, the Neiman Marcus Group have also aligned with Give Back Box to simplify charitable donations. Clients can easily send their gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry directly to local participating charities, in a pre-paid, labelled box. Conscious Closet inspires a culture of giving back while extending the life cycle of fashion items. This philanthropic aspect of the program underscores their pledge to sustainability and social responsibility, offering customers a meaningful way to make a difference without ever leaving home.
Circularity has become increasingly essential in the fashion industry. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, between 2000 - 2015, clothing production doubled. While over the same period, the number of times an article of clothing is worn before being thrown away, decreased by 36 percent.
Bergdorf Goodman's Conscious Closet program reveals a ground-breaking milestone in the luxury fashion industry, blending sustainability with incomparable service. By fostering education and awareness, customers can make informed choices that positively shape the environment, society, and their personal style. A catalyst for change, setting the standard for a new era of effortless, eco-friendly, high- fashion. A future where conscious consumerism becomes the norm.