The individual responsible for the renowned 57th Street retail establishment is set to be the subject of a comprehensive book release this autumn.
In the upcoming publication titled “ and the Worlds He Fashioned,” author and seasoned magazine editor Tim Allis delves into the life of Bendel, chronicling his journey from a Louisiana upbringing within a close-knit Jewish family guided by his immigrant mother and stepfather, to his initial venture into the dry goods business, and the romantic encounter that drew him to New York. In 1896, he inaugurated a modest hat shop in Greenwich Village, paving the way for his eventual prominence in the realm of high fashion.
Operating from his Henri Bendel boutique on 57th Street, he introduced patrons to influential designers like Schiaparelli, Molyneaux, and Chanel. Bendel passed away in 1936 at the age of 68.
The forthcoming 264-page hardcover book, slated for release in September by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, offers a visual feast with 324 color and black-and-white images, portraying Bendel’s evolution from the era of bustles and corsets to the glamour of furs and flappers, to the tailored sophistication of the 1930s and 1940s, and up to contemporary times. Under the stewardship of Geraldine Stutz, Bendel’s flourished as a hub for avant-garde designers and innovative merchandise, renowned for its unique “street of shops” concept on the ground floor. The store underwent ownership changes, culminating in Leslie Wexner of The Limited expanding its appeal to a younger demographic with a focus on jewelry and accessories. Ultimately, in 2019, all Henri Bendel stores ceased operations, including the closure of its website.
When questioned about his motivation for penning a book on Bendel, Allis shared with WWD, “I have a personal connection to the project. Growing up in Henri’s hometown of Lafayette, La., in a neighborhood named Bendel Gardens situated on his former property, I was always intrigued by the Spanish-style house he constructed, enveloped by ancient magnolia trees. It wasn’t until my adult years in New York that I linked the name to his iconic store. Surprisingly, few individuals in my hometown were familiar with him, and many New Yorkers, including those associated with Bendel’s, were unaware of his legacy — with many assuming he was of French descent.
“As I delved deeper, I uncovered a captivating narrative about a multifaceted and somewhat enigmatic individual — an artist and entrepreneurial mastermind, among other things — who enjoyed considerable fame during his lifetime but has since faded into obscurity. Remarkably, no prior publications have explored his story. Bendel’s, the store, serves as a secondary focal point — a trailblazing beacon for the most stylish women in America, navigating through numerous eras and adversities yet enduring for nearly 125 years. I strongly believe that Mr. Bendel and Bendel’s are deserving of this spotlight,” Allis expressed.