#3. Interview with Betty Halbreich at Bergdorf on Pauline Trigère

April 12, 2018, Feb 14, 2022, April 15, August 8, 2022

Interview Betty Halbreich at Bergdorf Goodman.

I conducted several interviews with Ms. Betty Halbreich at Bergdorf's, beginning on April 12, 2018. Betty fondly recalls Ms. Trigère's presence at the renowned New York store, where she would host trunk shows and assist her clients from (mostly) the Upper East Side. Betty characterized Ms. Trigère as a talented designer, yet also formidable and would "tough-sell" her clients. She had a persuasive approach with her clients, understanding their lifestyles and the requirements of their social wardrobes.

While looking through the collection of images I put together for the Trigère book research, we came across a Trigere suit priced at $115 at the store Milgrim, a specialty store from the early and mid-20th century. This suit featured asymmetrical metal buttons on one side and was described as having "Doublet Sleeves," although it was difficult to discern from the faded black and white image. On the same page, there was an ensemble by Hattie Carnegie priced at $135 and another one by Adele Simpson at $85. These prices were from 1946. Adjusting for inflation, the Trigere suit would cost almost $2,000 today, a very reasonable price for designer quality garment today. Betty's observations on the prices added an interesting perspective to the discussion.

In our initial interview, Betty suggested that I speak with Joan Simpson Raines, the daughter of Adele Simpson. Adele Simpson and Pauline were close friends, having met in Paris before Pauline moved to NYC. Unfortunately, when the COVID outbreak occurred, Joan and her husband Richard Raines were among the first victims of the pandemic.

Subsequent interviews with Betty included a joint session with former model/presenter Ms. Audry Smaltz, reminiscing about the trunk shows of the 1960s and 1970s. You can find the full interview from April 2022 on a separate blog entry [here]. I highly recommend you get a copy of Betty's book titled "I'll Drink to That, A Life in Style, with a Twist", an honest retelling of her life which included: "I lasted one semester at Oscar de la Renta." Over the years of knowing Betty, I have bought quite a few copies, including her debut book: "The Secrets of A Fashion Therapist." I recall her saying, after I brought multiple copies for her to sign as gifts to my friends: "I'm selling more books than clothes."

Sadly Betty passed away August of 2024, my Instagram tribute of Betty is [HERE].