Henri Bendel

Henri Bendel recently opened their first of two Las Vegas stores as part of their boutique expansion bringing its iconic brand west. The first store to open on the Las Vegas Strip is located at the Fashion Show Mall on the lower level, directly across from Victoria’s Secret. The second location will open this November at The Forum Shops in Caeser’s Palace.

Bendel brings their famous brown and white stripes to The Strip, letting women know that when they receive a bag from Bendel, it has something fun and fabulous inside!

In case you have yet to visit the flagship store on the posh Upper Fifth Avenue in New York City, here are some interesting facts about the luxury retailer:

• Founded in 1895 by milliner, Henri Bendel.
• Mr. Bendel was the first luxury retailer with an Upper Fifth Avenue address, to hold a semi-annual sale, offer in-store makeovers, and to stage a fashion show in New York.
• He is credited for bringing Coco Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Lanvin to the US.
• Many are unaware of his discovery of Andy Warhol, who was brought in as an in-house illustrator.
• Bendel was the first retailer to brand himself, first by registering his own trademark in 1895, and then by creating the now legendary brown & white striped shopping bag and hatbox in 1907.

Seeing how Bendel was fashion forward at a time when fashion was a burgeoning industry, you can only imagine what’s beyond those glass doors welcoming you into the Girl’s Playground.

At the store opening at the Fashion Show Mall, I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Fiore, President of Henri Bendel. I asked Mr. Fiore what some of the items are he is most excited to introduce to the savvy fashionista.

“Art deco influence on jewelry and leather goods are very prominent through Fall and we will see it last through Spring. Lots of excitement in the bling, metalics and glitter areas.  She must have something that’s going to make her look fabulous, and it’s her interpretation. Depends on who she is, how much she wants to spend and what she wants to look like. We have something for everyone…clutches, bags, hair keffiyeh, totes, bangles…whatever she needs to complete her look, she can find it at Bendels.”

Holidays are a whole other beast and Chris confirmed that color is haute for holidays. All color. Bright, jewel tones, neons, you name it, if it’s colorful, you can wear it! Henri Bendel will also be the perfect spot to pick up a few gifts for your girlfriends. As Mr. Fiore says,

“It’s an affordable luxury pricepoint. You don’t have to think about it. You can just buy it. There is a price point here that suits everyone’s budget.”

For those of us with a little entourage to keep styled, sorry, but there is no future at Bendel’s for a kids’ line of accessories. Though it is definitely a business Fiore would like to get Bendel in, he says, he has to be realistic and focus on what they are good at. Coming from a retail background myself, I appreciate the honesty of that answer, though a bit disappointed. Oh, well, will just have to keep this little gem of a boutique for me and the girls. Darn.

Whether you are a jetsetter, trendsetter, or hipster before you know it, you are sure to become a Bendel Girl!

You don’t have to come to Vegas to experience Bendel…check here to see if there is a boutique near you.

- Stefanie

Director of Events + Social Media, Stefanie Van Aken, navigates the glitz and glamour of the best Las Vegas guest lists in search of the latest & greatest places to eat, stay and play. Twitter: @RockStarMomLV

Disclosure: On occasion, contributors of The Trend Tribe receive products, compensation and/or services gratis or at discounted rates. This practice does not influence the contributor’s point of view or the outcome of the review. All descriptions are factual and accurately reflect the reviewers experience. The opinions are their own. Photos credits: Henri Bendel and Stefanie Van Aken.

Stefanie (14 Posts)

The force behind RockStarMomLV, Stefanie writes about managing the glitz and glamour lifestyle of a Las Vegas native married to a Casino Exec while raising four kids...including twin boys! @RockStarMomLV