Luxury Shopping in 1965

Imagine being back in 1965 as an affluent society woman, you live in New York City and it’s a mild early December.  In preparation for the exciting round of holiday balls you’ve been invited to, you decide to upgrade your winter outwear.  Of course you would need some new furs.  Where do you head?

To Bergdorf Goodman, of course.

After, of course, you have selected a few of your gowns to bring along, including shoes and gloves.  It goes without saying that you had your hair and makeup done, and perhaps your special little travel case of jewels.

Finally onto the shopping experience – a private and luxurious salon, an attentive and charming salesman, a meticulous seamstress – and of course your precious little companion, a chinese pug named Miss Puffet who waits patiently through your fitting on a green chaise by the window.

Photograph by Albert Moldvay, National Geographic

I love the richness of this photograph, it seems like this scene could have taken place today somewhere in New York City or central London.  It reminds me of decadent vintage Hollywood movies, all the glamour and none of the boring realities of daily life.

The furs are beautiful, even though ethically are not something most people would purchase anymore, except in vintage.  I’m also curious about the white piece draped over the chair – is it a stole, is it a sleeker coat?  It looks gorgeous as well.

I love little peeks like this into intriguing moments in the lives of others, they are interesting and yet leave so much room for dreaming of days gone by or perhaps inspiring us for those yet to come.