Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf's

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's is a 2013 documentary directed by Matthew Miele which delves beneath the surface behind the doors of the legendary high-fashion department store, Bergdorf Goodman. Known as the epitome of luxury retailing, Bergdorf Goodman has maintained a snazzy storefront on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue for over a hundred years. This engrossing documentary offers viewers an intimate look into the glittering world of fashion, luxury and elite clientele that fuels this fashion world stalwart.

This film does not blindly follow the glitz and glamour; instead, it probes deep into the rich history, elaborate workings, and inherent magic of Bergdorf Goodman. Peppered with a selection of interviews from an array of members involved in the fashion industry, such as designers, insiders, celebrities and even a few dedicated customers; it provides an analysis and appraisal of high fashion's pinnacle temple.

Starring and presented through the lenses of renowned personalities such as Rachel Zoe, Candice Bergen, and Ashley Olsen, the documentary is elevated to a realm that transcends pure fashion and touches on realms of art, culture, and commerce. Through these figures, the evolution and influence of Bergdorf Goodman in the fashion industry are decoded, replete with personal anecdotes and informed insights.

Rachel Zoe, a famous fashion stylist and an influential force within the fashion world, brings her expertise to frame the store's impact on trends and her personal experiences with the department store. With her discerning eye for style, her perspective lends an informative angle to the narrative on both professional and personal levels.

Candice Bergen, an accomplished actress and a fashion icon herself, offers a fascinating take on the impact of the store, not just on fashion, but also on popular culture and the role it plays in shaping and reflecting the tastes of New York's elite socialites. Her narratives exude a personal connection and showcase her affinity with the store.

Ashley Olsen, known as one half of the famous Olsen Twins and a professional fashion designer, provides a newer generation's perspective. Her voice denotes the store's continued relevance and command over modern trends while still acknowledging the impressive historical legacy of the establishment.

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's also articulates the fascinating process behind the store's intricate and much-awaited holiday window display, which has been a New York City tradition for decades. This display has always been a talking point each festive season and further embellishes the store's reputation for not just style, but spectacle and fantasy too. It throws light on the people behind the scenes who carefully orchestrate the elaborate productions which are tantamount to a Broadway performance.

The documentary is bolstered by a rich collection of archival footage and photographs that transport viewers back in time and give context to the anecdotes shared throughout the film. The luminaries provided anecdotes and inside stories, each recounting their unique tales; from personal triumphs to close encounters with celebrities, notorious personalities, and encounters with counterfeit money. These narratives are intertwined with scenes of the present-day workings of the store, seeing personal shoppers busy at work, window designers in action, and the decorum of the store during seasonal changes.

However, the film is not just all glamour and sparkle. It also paints a vivid picture of the relentless entailments of the fashion industry. It elucidates the tenacity and drive that has stemmed from the founders' inspiring rags-to-riches story and how it has remained a standard-bearer of fashion, even in the ever-changing retail landscape.

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s encapsulates the Bergdorf Goodman experience - elegance, luxury, and a bit of magic. With its array of delightful anecdotes, insightful perspectives, and a beautiful backdrop of fashion, this documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion, history, or the beautifully complex world of luxury retailing. It’s an homage to an institution, an exploration of beauty, creativity, and the business of fashion. The film showcases not just a department store, but a cultural phenomenon, that touched the lives of numerous individuals, from aspiring designers, devoted customers, to celebrities, and solidified its place as an iconic symbol of New York's shopping landscape.