Fashion Legend’s Impact Endures: A Look at Betty Halbreich’s Life

Betty Halbreich, the legendary personal shopper who revolutionized fashion at Bergdorf Goodman, has passed away at 96, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the industry for decades.

At a Glance

Betty Halbreich, renowned personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, died at 96 in Manhattan
Known for her discerning eye, impeccable taste, and no-nonsense approach to fashion
Dressed celebrities, collaborated on TV shows, and authored bestselling memoirs
Pioneered personal shopping services and influenced fashion for nearly five decades

A Fashion Icon’s Farewell

Betty Halbreich, the trailblazing personal shopper who became a fashion institution at Bergdorf Goodman, has passed away at the age of 96 in Manhattan. Her impact on the fashion world was immeasurable, having shaped the wardrobes and confidence of countless clients over her remarkable 48-year career at the iconic department store.

Halbreich’s journey in fashion began in 1976 when she joined Bergdorf Goodman, initially to run a Geoffrey Beene boutique. Her keen eye for style and straightforward approach quickly made her an indispensable asset to the store and its clientele. From her discreet third-floor office, aptly named “Betty Halbreich’s Solutions,” she dressed everyone from New York’s elite to Hollywood stars, leaving an indelible mark on American fashion.

Betty Halbreich, Bergdorf’s Legendary Personal Shopper, Dead at 96 https://t.co/eMD3s0iv1f

— WWD (@wwd) August 24, 2024

A Legacy of Style and Substance

Halbreich’s influence extended far beyond the confines of Bergdorf Goodman. She collaborated with stylists for numerous films and television shows, including “Sex and the City” and “Gossip Girl,” bringing her impeccable taste to the silver screen. Her no-nonsense approach and ability to transform not just wardrobes but also self-perception made her a sought-after fashion therapist for clients from all walks of life.

Betty Halbreich, the legendary personal shopper and long-time Director of Solutions at Bergdorf Goodman, died at 96. https://t.co/QAnel3ZuEj

— W Magazine (@wmag) August 26, 2024

“From the young lawyer taking a case to court for the first time to decking someone out for an incredible gala evening, she was immensely proud to dress women and help them chase their dreams,” her children Kathy and John Halbreich said in a statement. “Despite all of the glitz and glamour, she held no pretensions—she was both a realist and a romantic.”

In her later years, Halbreich gained broader recognition through her bestselling memoirs and appearances in documentaries. Her 2014 book, “I’ll Drink to That: A Life in Style, With a Twist,” offered readers a glimpse into her fascinating life and career, while the 2013 documentary “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” showcased her as “the breakout star.”

A Timeless Approach in a Changing World

Despite the rapidly evolving fashion landscape and technological advancements, Halbreich remained steadfast in her traditional approach. She preferred landlines to cell phones and avoided email, focusing instead on the personal touch that made her services so unique and valuable. Her criticism of America’s increasingly casual fashion trends highlighted her commitment to timeless style and elegance.

“Betty was truly one of a kind. You never knew who you might see when you stopped by Betty’s office,” said Mallory Andrews, Bergdorf’s former senior vice president for marketing, sales promotion, and public relations. “I remember one December seeing Walter Cronkite, who was there to select his wife’s Christmas gift as he did every year. And then there were Joan Rivers, Betty Buckley, Lena Dunham, and the list goes on. Bergdorf’s will not be the same without her.”

Wow, Betty Halbreich passed. 😔

She was my personal intro into personal styling and fueled my former career as a stylist.

Although we never met, her booked changed my life back when I was a younger April in the luxury fashion industry styling fashion’s finest + dressing models.

— April Speight (@vogueandcode) August 25, 2024

Betty Halbreich’s passing marks the end of an era in fashion. Her legacy as a pioneer in personal shopping, a beacon of style, and a mentor to countless individuals will continue to influence the industry for years to come. As the fashion world mourns her loss, it also celebrates the indelible mark she left on American style and the lives she touched through her unparalleled expertise and candor.