Notes
"[Henri] Bendel moved to New York to work as a milliner opening his own shop in Greenwich Village in 1895. A man known for infallible taste, he quickly became a leading tastemaker and couturier to the city's elite and his boutique became a beacon of luxury.
"Henri Bendel made his mark both literally and figuratively by becoming the first retailer to brand himself. Having registered his own trademark in 1895, he created the now legendary brown and white striped shopping bag and hatbox.
"A true pioneer, Bendel was the first luxury retailer with an upper Fifth Avenue address, the first to hold a semi-annual sale, the first to offer in-store makeovers, and the first to stage a fashion show. He was also responsible for bringing Coco Chanel to the United States.
(Source: Henri Bendel web site: http://www.henribendel.com/on/demandware.store)
The donor, Mrs. J. Bradford Ritter, was author of: The Clarkson-Watson house : a museum, published by the Germantown Historical Society , 14 pp, paper.