Shortly after Bergdorf Goodman closed up for the day, a chic crowd entered past the black velvet ropes and made their way up to the venerable store’s fourth floor, where an expansive new Giorgio Armani women’s boutique awaited them.
The brand was celebrating reopening the dedicated women’s space, formerly on the second floor. Lauren Hutton, a longtime friend and muse to Mr. Armani himself, was on hosting duty Wednesday night alongside actress Dianna Agron, both of them in all-black Giorgio Armani ensembles.
Over Champagne and caviar, guests including AnnaSophia Robb, Thomas Doherty, and Coco Rocha perused the new space filled with the brand’s ready-to-wear and accessories in this season’s copper, blush, pink, and signature greige tones. A mannequin staged in the center was dressed in the black studded finale look from the Fall 2023 show, where the model memorably walked down the runway with her compact and power pad.
“I’ve worked on renovations in the store for probably 20-ish years,” Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman’s fashion director, tells Vogue. “Every space has its own kind of energy to it and I think this particular space is beautifully located. I love the context of the floor it’s sitting on. The new design really lets the clothing become the hero. With Armani, it’s so much about the details, the fabrics, the unique cuts that he has and you can see all of that here.” There will also be a dedicated Giorgio Armani 5th Avenue window display as part of the celebration.
The two companies have a long history together. Bergdorf Goodman was the first retailer to install an in-store Armani women’s boutique in America back in 1980, thanks to then-fashion director Dawn Mello, who essentially introduced the designer to the US market in the early years of his career.
Mr. Armani had this to say of the partnership: “The history of Bergdorf Goodman makes it utterly unique and a crucial part of New York City in the collective imagination. To me personally, it represents an important milestone: the first appearance of my creations in the United States and the beginning of the international success of Armani style. This new in-store boutique further reinforces an excellent longstanding relationship. It is a sign of new energy and loyalty, which I value deeply.”