Gabriella Khalil, Bergdorf Goodman, and USM Modular Furniture Launch Transformative Design Residency "In Good Company"

In a significant move that underscores the evolving landscape of luxury retail, creative director and designer Gabriella Khalil has partnered with iconic department store Bergdorf Goodman and Swiss design powerhouse USM Modular Furniture to unveil a new, immersive design residency. Titled "In Good Company," the initiative officially launched on Thursday and will captivate visitors through August 3rd, occupying Bergdorf Goodman’s prestigious seventh floor. An accompanying window installation overlooking 58th Street further signals the retailer’s deeper strategic pivot into the burgeoning home and lifestyle sector, positioning itself as a comprehensive curator of refined living.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for all parties involved, representing Khalil’s inaugural venture of this kind within a retail environment. The installation transcends the traditional showroom model, blending the intimate feel of a lived-in interior space with the curated display of a gallery. Shoppers are invited not merely to browse, but to experience and acquire a meticulously selected array of collectible furniture, rare vintage pieces, and exquisite decorative objects, all brought together under Khalil’s distinctive aesthetic vision.

A Strategic Evolution for Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman, a venerable institution synonymous with high fashion and unparalleled luxury for over a century, is strategically expanding its offerings to encompass a more holistic lifestyle experience. This residency is a clear demonstration of the retailer’s commitment to evolving beyond its fashion-centric heritage, acknowledging the increasing consumer demand for curated home environments that reflect personal style and an appreciation for craftsmanship. In an era where online retail and direct-to-consumer brands are reshaping shopping habits, luxury department stores are increasingly investing in experiential retail, creating unique in-store narratives that cannot be replicated digitally.

This strategic direction aligns with broader industry trends where luxury consumers seek integrated lifestyle solutions, blurring the lines between fashion, art, and home décor. By connecting craftsmanship, artistry, and compelling storytelling through curated collaborations like "In Good Company," Bergdorf Goodman aims to reinforce its position as a premier destination for sophisticated taste, attracting a new demographic of discerning clients while deepening its relationship with existing patrons who appreciate an elevated aesthetic in every facet of their lives. This initiative allows Bergdorf Goodman to capitalize on the growing luxury home goods market, which has seen significant growth, particularly in recent years, as consumers invest more in their personal spaces.

Gabriella Khalil: Crafting a Personal and Transportive Experience

At the heart of "In Good Company" lies Gabriella Khalil’s unique design philosophy. Known for her sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic, Khalil aimed to create a space that feels both profoundly personal and transportive within the bustling environment of Bergdorf Goodman. "I kept coming back to the idea of something that feels both lived-in, where nothing is too precious. It’s about striking a balance between structure and softness, and creating an environment that feels layered over time, almost like it’s been collected rather than designed all at once," Khalil shared with WWD, articulating the ethos behind her curation.

Khalil’s approach emphasizes authenticity and the beauty of accumulated objects. Rather than a sterile display, the installation evokes the comfort and character of a home that has evolved organically, reflecting the journey and passions of its inhabitants. This "collected" aesthetic, blending pieces from different eras and origins, resonates deeply with contemporary luxury consumers who prioritize uniqueness and narrative over mere brand recognition. Her vision for the residency is a testament to her ability to weave together diverse elements into a cohesive, inviting, and inspiring whole, making the luxury experience feel more intimate and accessible.

The Enduring Partnership with USM Modular Furniture

A cornerstone of the "In Good Company" residency is Khalil’s long-standing collaboration with USM Modular Furniture. The Swiss company is globally renowned for its iconic Haller system, celebrated for its timeless design, exceptional functionality, and unparalleled modularity. Khalil has extensively utilized USM components in her previous interior projects, consistently demonstrating how the brand’s clean-lined structures can be seamlessly integrated with more eclectic pieces from various historical periods.

"USM’s system is so intuitive and timeless, which made it such a strong starting point. I didn’t want to overwork it; rather, it was more about showing how naturally it can live within a space that feels personal and layered," Khalil explained. Her genius lies in softening the inherent structural rigor of USM’s modular units. By adding textiles, art objects, and decorative elements, she transforms the functional systems into integral parts of a warm, inviting environment. "By adding textiles, objects and a bit of softness, the pieces start to feel less like a system and more like part of someone’s everyday environment. It becomes about how adaptable they are and how they can evolve with you over time," she added, highlighting the inherent versatility and longevity of USM’s design.

Jon Thorson, CEO of USM Modular Furniture, expressed the strategic significance of this partnership. "Bergdorf Goodman is quintessential New York. It carries a legacy that few places can claim, and for us, it felt like a natural context to position USM, itself long established as a design classic, within a distinctly American cultural setting," Thorson noted. He further emphasized that Gabriella Khalil represents a new generation of designers shaping the contemporary design landscape. "What made this partnership feel right is the dialogue between those layers — heritage and evolution, structure, and intuition — all coming together in a way that feels both thoughtful and forward-looking." This collaboration not only showcases USM’s adaptability but also introduces its classic design to a broader, luxury consumer audience in a highly experiential context.

A Curated Tapestry of Design and Art

For the Bergdorf Goodman residency, Khalil has meticulously woven together a diverse tapestry of design elements. The modular precision of USM’s designs forms the structural backbone, around which she has layered an exquisite selection of vintage furniture from the 1980s and 1990s. These pieces, imbued with their own histories and character, provide a compelling counterpoint to USM’s modern aesthetic. The space is further enriched by carefully curated art and distinctive lighting fixtures, each chosen to contribute to the overall narrative of a collected home.

Adding another layer of texture and warmth, Khalil integrated carpeting from her upcoming collaboration with Danish design brand EGE. This foreshadows future endeavors and demonstrates her comprehensive approach to interior design, where every surface and object contributes to the overall ambiance. The interplay of materials, textures, and forms creates a sensory experience that invites exploration and contemplation, encouraging visitors to imagine how these elements could enrich their own living spaces.

A Network of Established and Emerging Talent

The "In Good Company" residency is also a celebration of Khalil’s expansive creative network, featuring both established and emerging names in the design world. This curated ensemble of designers and makers underscores the collaborative spirit of the installation and Bergdorf Goodman’s commitment to supporting diverse artistic voices.

Exclusive partners for the Bergdorf Goodman installation include:

• Deya: Known for distinctive design objects.
• Eny Lee Parker: Celebrated for her sculptural, organic ceramic lighting and furniture.
• Form LA: Specializing in unique furniture and interior solutions.
• Joanna Nikas Ceramics: Offering exquisite, handcrafted ceramic pieces that blend art and utility.
• Moujik: A brand that likely contributes unique decorative elements or furniture.
• Platform Studios: Potentially involved in bespoke furniture or architectural elements.
• Principal’s Daughter: Known for finely crafted home goods or textiles.

Beyond these exclusive collaborations, additional artists and studios whose works are featured throughout the space include:

• Completed Works: Renowned for their innovative homewares and sculptural objects.
• Ursula Futura: A designer or artist contributing unique visual or tactile pieces.
• Kindred Black: Likely offering artisanal home goods or textiles.
• Armando Cabral: Possibly contributing furniture or decorative items that reflect a sophisticated, global aesthetic.
• House of Quentin Jones: An entity that could be involved in art, textiles, or graphic elements that add a modern edge.

This diverse roster not only showcases the breadth of contemporary design but also offers shoppers an unparalleled opportunity to discover unique pieces that may not be readily available elsewhere, reinforcing Bergdorf Goodman’s reputation as a purveyor of rare and exceptional goods.

Broader Implications for the Luxury Retail Landscape

The "In Good Company" residency carries significant implications for the future of luxury retail. It signals a definitive shift from transactional retail to experiential and aspirational engagement. By presenting home design as an extension of personal style and a reflection of a curated life, Bergdorf Goodman is tapping into a deeper consumer desire for authenticity and individuality.

This initiative also highlights the increasing importance of collaborations between retailers, designers, and brands. Such partnerships foster innovation, create unique selling propositions, and generate significant buzz, drawing attention to both the established legacy of the retailer and the contemporary vision of the designer. For USM, the residency provides a high-profile platform to showcase the versatility of its modular system beyond its traditional commercial applications, reaching a luxury residential market. For Gabriella Khalil, it solidifies her position as a leading voice in contemporary design, demonstrating her capacity to translate a personal aesthetic into a compelling retail experience.

Ultimately, Bergdorf Goodman’s investment in home design and lifestyle offerings, exemplified by this residency, is a proactive response to the evolving demands of the modern luxury consumer. It’s about selling a dream, an aesthetic, and a curated life, rather than just individual products. This strategy is crucial for maintaining relevance and fostering loyalty in a competitive market.

Experience "In Good Company"

The "In Good Company" installation and its accompanying collection are available for discovery and purchase exclusively in-store at Bergdorf Goodman, located on the seventh floor, from its launch on Thursday through August 3rd. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in this unique blend of art, design, and retail, experiencing firsthand Gabriella Khalil’s vision for a personal and transportive home environment. The residency offers a rare opportunity to engage with collectible design, vintage treasures, and contemporary artistry, all within the iconic setting of one of New York’s most cherished luxury destinations.