What: Bergdorf Goodman has launched a design residency with Gabriella Khalil and USM Modular Furniture, expanding its home and lifestyle offering through a curated, immersive installation.

Why it is important: Bergdorf Goodman’s approach reflects the broader trend of department stores evolving into holistic lifestyle destinations, blending fashion, home, and culture to sustain relevance and growth.

Bergdorf Goodman is deepening its move into the home and lifestyle sector with the launch of a design residency in partnership with creative director Gabriella Khalil and USM Modular Furniture. The “In Good Company” residency transforms the retailer’s seventh floor into an immersive, curated environment that blends showroom and interior space, offering customers a unique opportunity to experience and purchase collectible furniture, vintage pieces, and exclusive design collaborations. By integrating established and emerging designers, the installation fosters discovery and positions Bergdorf Goodman as a destination for artistry, storytelling, and luxury lifestyle experiences. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to connect craftsmanship, creativity, and narrative-driven retail, reinforcing the store’s commitment to offering a holistic and elevated customer journey. The project underscores the growing importance of cross-category curation and experiential storytelling as department stores evolve into platforms that blend fashion, home, and culture for a new generation of shoppers.

IADS Notes: Bergdorf Goodman’s launch of a design residency with Gabriella Khalil and USM Modular Furniture is emblematic of the sector’s evolution toward curated collaborations and immersive lifestyle experiences. Recent industry analysis confirms that leading department stores are thriving by focusing on curated experiences, community engagement, and integration of culture and hospitality, as seen in the transformation of flagship spaces at Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and Galeries Lafayette (RLI, April 2026; Forbes, March 2026; Le Figaro, March 2026). These retailers are expanding beyond fashion to include home, art, and design, creating memorable environments that foster discovery and emotional connection. Harvey Nichols’ launch of its “125” lifestyle space and Zara Home’s experiential flagship in Hamburg both reflect the trend of blending home, design, and omnichannel convenience to broaden appeal and reinforce brand positioning (Drapers, October 2025; Fashion Network, November 2025). The integration of established and emerging designers, as seen in Printemps’ partnership with ESMOD and Liberty London’s championing of new brands, further demonstrates how department stores are leveraging creative networks to drive innovation and attract diverse audiences (Fashion United, September 2025; Monocle, May 2025). Collectively, these developments highlight the growing importance of holistic lifestyle platforms, cross-category curation, and experiential storytelling in sustaining relevance and growth for department stores.

Bergdorf Goodman launches design residency, going deeper into the home and lifestyle realm