Bloomingdale’s iconic Big Brown Bag, designed by legendary designer Massimo Vignelli, is turning the big 5-0! In celebration of this milestone anniversary, we’re turning our latest pop-up into an epic Big Brown Bazaar—a nod to the Bloomingdale Brothers’ first store on the Lower East Side. The curated new shop is filled with exclusive styles inspired by the first It shopping bag and its hometown of NYC.
Created by legendary graphic designer Massimo Vignelli, our Big Brown Bag first hit stores (and the streets) in 1973. The oversized design was requested by the linen department to accommodate pillows and blankets, and its introduction proved an instant sensation. Pared back and sustainably made of kraft paper—long before it was en vogue—the bags themselves became status symbols for movers and shakers, and remain the most iconic shopping bag today.
“The Big Brown Bag’s innovation and significance could not be more current.”
—GIAMBATTISTA VALLI, Fashion Designer
“When I think of Bloomingdale’s, I think of their iconic Big Brown Bag—a true NYC moment!”
—OHAD SEROYA, Cofounder and Creative Director, Retrofête
From a throwback hip-hop collection and limited-edition pickleball gear (including our very own Big Brown Paddle) to roller skates that give us all the vintage vibes, just a few of the shops you’ll find in the Bazaar.
Death Row Records, Versace, Penguin Random House, Unfortunate Portrait, Transparent
Tangerine, The Rally Club, Farm Steady, Recess X Bloomingdale’s, Unfortunate Portrait
M•A•C, Kurt Geiger London, Impala, Chronicle Books
