OUR STORY OF NEW YORK

“I distinctively remember walking into Bergdorfs with my mom for the first time. Although if I’m being honest, at five years old, I was way more interested in the FAO Schwartz toys that used to be just across 5th Avenue. Fast forward 20+ years later as a new mother of a now 6 months old baby, is where Bergdorfs takes on a new meaning in my life.”

The shocking cancer diagnosis of my then 6 months old led us to temporarily relocate to New York City to receive the best course of treatment. It had always been a place I enjoyed visiting as a tourist, but had never envisioned myself staying more, especially not with a little baby. The health of my boy was the only thing that mattered and thankfully, our decision paid off. After my son’s surgery, days were long, drifting into nights full of worry by his bedside. A little while passed, when one day my mom suggested to take me for a “break”.

"It truly feels like completing a full circle."

-Hella Bigio

As we were staying on Central Park South, Bergdorfs was the most convenient and quick choice. We sat down for coffee on the 7th floor and had a stroll through the beautiful isles of the shoe department. Diving into a different world for an hour, far away from worry and pain, energized us immensely, and so this became our little ritual once in a while. I call the items we purchased at Bergdorfs during this time “strong mom gifts”, and they’re pieces I will always cherish. To me they represent strength and resilience. So this is the sad story of how Bergdorfs became a place of escape and safety during the most difficult time in my life. But the story has a happy ending, a very happy and victorious one actually.

My beautiful boy is a healthy and happy 2nd grader now. It fills me with immense gratitude and pride that we launched Touti Bo in the US market at the iconic Bergdorfs, that has also been so special to me personally.

Bergdorf Selection