14 Facts About Betsy Bloomingdale

Betty Lee Bloomingdale was an American socialite and philanthropist.

Betsy Bloomingdale was considered a fashion icon, first appearing on the International Best Dressed List in 1962, and in 1970 was named in the list's Hall of Fame.

Betsy Bloomingdale was born on August 2,1922, and was raised in Los Angeles, California.

Betsy Bloomingdale was the only child of Vera and Russell Lee Newling, both born in Australia.

Betsy Bloomingdale was charged by US customs officials for falsely declaring the value of two imported Dior haute couture gowns in 1975.

Betsy Bloomingdale pleaded guilty to concealing an invoice from federal customs officials and was fined.

Betsy Bloomingdale had cut off a financial allowance to her husband's mistress Vicki Morgan in 1981.

Betsy Bloomingdale sued his estate and widow for $10 million, claiming that Alfred had promised her lifetime support.

Betsy Bloomingdale was a frequent party host, mainly for charity, for which she was dubbed "Good Queen Betts".

Betsy Bloomingdale was well known for her attention to detail, keeping copious notes of each dinner party she hosted, including a photo of the place setting, the menu, the seating arrangement, and her outfit, so that guests would never dine on the same dishes or see her in the same gown twice.

Betsy Bloomingdale frequently provided fashion, decorating and style advice to the First Lady.

Betsy Bloomingdale was a member of the elite charitable group The Colleagues, which funded homes for unmarried mothers and their children.

Betsy Bloomingdale was the subject of an exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2009.

Betsy Bloomingdale died on July 19,2016, at her home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, from complications from a heart condition.