Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

Inspired by the caption on a 1990 Victoria Roberts' New Yorker cartoon, this is a predictably reverential yet also amusing and informative documentary about the mythic Fifth Avenue department store Bergdorf Goodman. Produced by Andrew Malloy—grandson of the original founder, Edwin Goodman—the film chronicles the transformation of a modest, turn-of-the-century tailor shop into a revered Manhattan emporium, erected in 1928 on the site of what was once the Vanderbilt mansion. Circumventing the building code by listing themselves as janitors, Edwin Goodman and his wife, Belle, lived in the opulent, 16-room penthouse for many years. Eventually, the Goodman family sold the store to the Neiman Marcus Group, but retained ownership of the physical premises. As part of Bergdorf's 111th anniversary celebration, literary agent-turned-director Matthew Miele interviews employees including fashion director Linda Fargo, window-dresser/decorator David Hoey, and candid personal shopper Betty Halbreich. And there are plenty of celebrities, from Giorgio Armani to Vera Wang. Featuring juicy anecdotes (John Lennon bought 70 fur coats to give as gifts), this haute couture fashion doc is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include additional interviews (17 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging doc.] (S. Granger)