Fashion Legend Has Died at 96

Fashion legend Betty Halbreich has passed away at 96, leaving behind a legacy in the industry that will be remembered for generations.

At a Glance

Betty Halbreich, a renowned personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, passed away at 96 in Manhattan.
Known for her discerning eye, impeccable taste, wit, and no-nonsense manner, she charmed many celebrity and affluent clients.
Halbreich was a native of Chicago and a bestselling author.
Her children highlighted her passion for dressing women and helping them chase their dreams.
She continued to work until recently and never officially retired from Bergdorf Goodman.

The Passing of a Fashion Icon

Betty Halbreich, the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, passed away on August 24 at the age of 96 due to natural causes in New York City. Her passing marks the end of an era in fashion, where her influence has been both vast and profound.

She served high-profile clients from Meryl Streep to Liza Minnelli and was involved in iconic fashion moments in entertainment. In her almost 50-year career at Bergdorf’s, Halbreich established herself as an authority in style, admired for her wit and unyielding honesty.

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

— WWD (@wwd) August 24, 2024

Life and Contributions

Halbreich, originally from Chicago, joined Bergdorf Goodman in 1976 and was instrumental in creating its personal shopping service. She wrote two bestselling memoirs, “I’ll Drink to That: A Life in Style, With a Twist” and “Secrets of a Fashion Therapist.” Moreover, she was featured in the documentary “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman.” Her third book, “No One Has Seen It All,” is set to release in April 2025.

“Our mom led a compelling life,” her children Kathy and John Halbreich stated. “Despite all of the glitz and glamour, she held no pretensions — she was both a realist and a romantic.”

Betty Halbreich had the ability to make her clients view clothes differently and see themselves in a new light. Known for her direct and sometimes caustic humor, she left an indelible mark at Bergdorf’s. Mallory Andrews, former senior VP of Bergdorf’s, cherished her unpredictable office visits, reminiscing, “You never knew who you might see when you stopped by Betty’s office.”

Tributes Pour In

Tributes from notable figures, including Kim Cattrall, underscore her impact on many lives and careers. Darcy Penick, president of Bergdorf Goodman, praised her transformative influence, stating, “She was larger than life, incomparable in every sense, and forever impacted the fabric of our culture at Bergdorf Goodman.”

“Betty was truly one of a kind,” said Andrews. “Bergdorf’s will not be the same without her.”

Betty Halbreich wil be remembered not only for her extraordinary contributions to fashion but also for her ability to marry realism with romanticism. Her legacy as a fashion maven will live on through the countless people she dressed and inspired over the decades.