Although a conglomerate purchased Henri Bendel in the 1980s, this four-story luxury department store still exudes the atmosphere of an exclusive boutique. Founded by its namesake in 1895, Bendel attracted clients like the Astors and the Vanderbilts by importing designer wares and reportedly staging New York City's first-ever fashion show. The founder's tradition of showcasing up-and-coming upscale designers continues today, and celebrities such as Stephen Burrows and Anna Sui credit the store with the start of their success. Though the available brands and layout of the store changes, the ground floor is always beauty central, stocking a wide array of lines both big and small, domestic and imported, including MAC, Kevyn Aucoin, BeneFit, and Mally Beauty; there are also luxe hair accessories and an adjacent gazebo space housing all the handbags. Up the spiral staircase, the mezzanine features a Chanel beauty shop and a stunning installation of vintage and new Chanel sunglasses. On Two, find a L’Artisan perfume boutique, plus jewelry and accessories. The third floor is home to lingerie with notable names such as Princesse Tam Tam, Cosabella and Hanky Panky alongside fashion from Collette Dinnigan and Matthew Williamson. Lalique windows stretch from floors two to four, the latter home to the flagship Frédéric Fekkai salon. Bendel’s signature brown-and-white striped dop kits and private label items are also favorites of the eclectic mix of customers streaming in and out of its massive golden doors. — Raven Snook
Key Departments
Lingerie
The upscale New York establishment has sexy undergarments from more than 30
vendors, including the Henri Bendel New York private-label collection.
Well-known designers like Christian Dior mix with newer names like Mimi Holiday.
I spent 200$ online at Henri Bendel.com I waited voer a month for my order and never saw anything. I e-mailed them and they said everything was backordered and out of stock in the colors I wanted (they never told me about this until I contacted them)
I asked for a refund and have never heard back from the 4 voice messages, and over 10 e-mails I sent.
This company is a joke. For fun before you order call customer service (1800HBENDEL) and leave a message, and see for yourself that they never call anyone back.
Forget about the so-called On-Line shopping site. No great selections to offer. The so-called "Consierge Service" is a joke. It took days to get back to me to place my Xmas orders in November of 2007, and then got it totally WRONG. When I asked for immediate pick up to return the wrong item, they sent a guy from the shipping department, after I called the store and insisted.
I'm still waiting for a credit on a pair if leather gloves.
The in -store shopping experience is no better. The Lingerie Floor looks like a Bordello from hell.
I miss the restaurant and remember fondly, shopping often at Shoe-Biz and in one of the best international clothing boutiques in town, which they had at the 57th Street store. IT USED TO BE A PLACE TO GO. ALAS, NOT ANY MORE!! I bought the last winter coat, in the what used to be, the Coat department, marked down from $1200+ to $700 in 2006. That was the only deal I ever made.
They DO NOT HAVE A CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON IN THE STORE to address customer complaints or special service.