Every fashion-obsessed New Yorker knows the three “B”s: Barneys, Bendel’s, and Bergdorf’s.

It’s that last “B” that’s the focus of a new documentary, Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. Director Matthew Miele tells the history of the iconic department store and offers up an inside look at what goes on behind-the-scenes today.

Movie-goers get to see the making of those awe-inspiring holiday windows and find outhow much a sales associate can make (no one would say on record, but it’s estimated at an amazing $400-$500 thousand a year!). Plus, there’s a lengthy bit about legendary (and hilarious) Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper Betty Halbreich (who is also the subject of Lena Dunham’s next HBO project).

Still, Bergdorf’s would just be a beautiful empty shell without the incredible designers stocked there, and there are plenty in the film sharing personal stories about the store and how it felt to have their designs at Bergdorf’s for the first time.

One of the designers featured is sound-byte machine Karl Lagerfeld, who stars in this exclusive outtake from the film. He doesn’t disappoint. (Does he ever?)

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s will be released May 3, 2013 in New York City, with other cities to follow.

The upcoming feature film, Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s — a statement that’s not at all macabre as it sounds — plays off the ultimate declaration of BG fandom from a classic New Yorker cartoon by Victoria Roberts, captioned “I want my ashes scattered over Bergdorf’s.” And as illustrated in the movie trailer, that kind of devotion is not just for anyone. With an enthralling glimpse at the history of the Goodmans, the Bergdorfs, the designers, and the jaw-dropping windows, Scatter My Ashes gives new appreciation of the legendary store and the magic that happens within its walls. Debuting May 3 in New York, and soon followed by other cities around the country, watch the entire trailer below, filled with familiar faces — maybe we’re biased, but Betty is the scene stealer — and perhaps a not-so-familiar story worthy of celebration.

Here’s an exclusive look at the poster, along with the trailer and a synopsis:
It’s the most mythic of all American emporiums – a one-of-a-kind Manhattan institution where over the last century, the view of fashion has been transformed into modern art.  But behind Bergdorf Goodman’s magical window displays lies a very real world where the rich and famous wield their power and eccentricity, where young and talented designers have their dreams granted and denied, and where money and ambition co-mingle with radical ideas of beauty and provocative style.  Now, for the first time, audiences get a chance to peek inside this world, as Matthew Miele’s Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s explores the history, inner workings and untold stories behind the store’s rise from a modest ladies’ tailor shop to a mirror of contemporary culture.

The ‘Soon to be Titled’ Documentary (2013): The true chronicle of a man named Abner Zwillman whose every action, decision, deal, order, handshake, wish or wink would spark a chain reaction of events leading to every major moment and event over the last century of American history. Narrated by Richard Dreyfuss.

Skywalkers (2012): Narrated by Richard Dreyfuss, from the voices of family members, photographers, architects, critics, real estate developers and authors comes the true story leading to the capture of one of the most iconic photographs in the world…the once anonymous photographer who captured it…and the identities of the men on the beam.

Ella Screenplay (in development): From his previous screenwriting work combined with his musical and literary accomplishments, Miele was hired to pen the life story for the future biopic of the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald.

Miele’s previous feature length features include: Everything’s Jake (Warner Bros. 2007) and Eavesdrop (Shoreline Ent. 2008).