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Benjamin Altman started a dry goods store in 1864 on Third Avenue in New York City. B. Altman & Co. was located on Fifth Avenue in 1906.

Even after their expansion into fashion, the first floor of B. Altman was dedicated to fabrics. A customer could choose from the store’s selection of fine imported fabrics and have a dress custom made by the store. They also had an entire floor of fabrics which they sold wholesale.

As with other New York department stores of quality, its clientele could choose from either ready-to-wear or custom made clothing. They went out of business in 1989.

Written by artisannes


from a 1880s mantlette - Courtesy of listitcafe

from a 1880s mantlette

Courtesy of listitcafe

from a 1920s robe - Courtesy of listitcafe

from a 1920s robe

Courtesy of listitcafe

from a 1930s muff - Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1930s muff

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1930s linen day dress - Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing.com

from a 1930s linen day dress

Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing.com

from a 1950s new-look style dress - Courtesy of artisannes

from a 1950s new-look style dress

Courtesy of artisannes

from a 1950s suit - Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1950s suit

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1960s dress - Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1960s dress

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1980s cashmere sweater - Courtesy of ikonicvintage

from a 1980s cashmere sweater

Courtesy of ikonicvintage