Bloomingdale’s Inc., a cornerstone of American luxury retail, was founded in 1861 by Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale in New York City. Initially focused on hoop skirts and European fashions, the brothers quickly seized growth opportunities, paving the way for Bloomingdale’s transformation into an iconic department store. Over the years, the store’s evolution has mirrored the dynamic nature of the fashion industry and the shifting tides of American retail. Acquired by Federated Department Stores in 1930 and later becoming a sister brand to Macy’s in 1994, Bloomingdale’s has maintained its distinct identity and prestige.

The flagship store, strategically located at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, has been a landmark since its move there in the late 19th century. This relocation symbolized a significant growth phase, establishing Bloomingdale’s as a premier shopping destination. Throughout the 20th century, the store embraced innovative retail practices, such as the introduction of department store window displays, which captivated the public’s imagination and solidified its reputation for being at the forefront of fashion trends.

As Bloomingdale’s expanded beyond New York, it continued to influence American fashion. Post-World War II, the store played a crucial role in promoting both European designers and burgeoning American fashion talent. The 1960s and 1970s saw the store’s merchandise mix incorporate haute couture and avant-garde designs, further enhancing its allure. Today, Bloomingdale’s operates numerous stores across the United States and internationally, maintaining its legacy of luxury and style while continually adapting to modern retail trends.

Iconic 80s Bloomingdale’s Commercial

How to tell if Bloomingdale’s is vintage from the logo

Bloomingdale’s has a rich history, reflected in its evolving logo design over the decades. Understanding these changes can help determine if a Bloomingdale’s item is vintage. Below are the descriptions of Bloomingdale’s logos from different eras, illustrating the brand’s visual evolution.

1861 to 1961 Bloomingdale’s logo

• The earliest Bloomingdale’s logo featured a simple, elegant script.
• This design was reflective of the classic and sophisticated image the brand sought to convey.
• The script style makes it distinctively vintage and characteristic of the mid-20th century.

1961 to 1972 Bloomingdale’s logo

• The 1961 logo introduced a more modern approach with a minimalist design.
• It featured the name “Bloomingdale’s” in a clean, stylized typeface.
• This period marked the beginning of a contemporary look that aligned with the evolving fashion trends.

1972 to now Bloomingdale’s logo

• From 1972 onwards, Bloomingdale’s adopted a more distinctive and recognizable logo.
• The logo is characterized by the use of lowercase letters and a sleek, modern font.
• This design reflects the brand’s modern and upscale image that continues to the present day.
• Notably, the logo incorporates a unique design element in the overlapping “o’s,” adding a creative touch.

How to tell if Bloomingdale’s is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Bloomingdale’s tags reflects the rich history and branding shifts over the decades. Each era showcases distinct characteristics in terms of design, typography, and materials used. By examining these tags, one can identify the approximate time period of the garment and appreciate the historical context of Bloomingdale’s fashion.

Need assistance with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1950s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Simple and elegant design, often with cursive or serif fonts.
• Tags typically made of woven fabric or satin.
• Often includes phrases like “Made Expressly for Bloomingdale’s.

1960s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Introduction of more colorful and bold designs.
• Emphasis on the “Sixties East” branding.
• Tags often feature cursive script and are made from satin or other smooth fabrics.

1970s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Tags showcase bold and vibrant colors, reflecting the fashion trends of the era.
• Typography varies from cursive to bold serif fonts.
• Commonly includes specific line names like “Lexington Shop.”

1980s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Tags often use a mix of bold and simple typography.
• Introduction of specific sub-brands such as “The Men’s Store.”
• Use of high-quality materials, sometimes with intricate woven designs.

1990s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Modernization of the tag design with cleaner lines and fonts.
• Continued use of sub-brands and exclusive lines like “Sutton Studio.”
• Tags frequently mention specific fabric details and country of origin.

2000s vintage Bloomingdale’s tags

• Introduction of more contemporary and minimalist designs.
• Tags often emphasize exclusivity with phrases like “Exclusively for Bloomingdale’s.
• Use of a variety of materials and colors to distinguish different collections.