Kit Kemp’s Secret Garden at Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman’s Home Department has been transformed into an English Country House exhibit displayed down the length of the hallway. When I was given the choice of which part of the country home I would like to create, I just knew we had to choose the garden.

There is nothing more intriguing than a secret garden. A room needs people to come alive but a garden can become even more wild and beautiful without us, as the plants continue their uninhibited growth. Gardens change colours with the season; they lure you around corners and hold a little bit of mystery in their bounty.

Creating a garden in the English countryside is one thing, but to create a secret garden on the seventh floor of this famous department store in the centre of Manhattan was an entirely new challenge.

To evoke the luscious colours and joy of standing in a garden, we have used ‘Racine’ one of our own wallpaper designs inspired by French 50s botanical posters.

The Secret Garden is a collection of whimsical items that capture the imagination. These are not things you would find easily on the High Street. We sourced a lovely 19th century flower stand, also white beaded Shaman’s crowns adorned with little birds that we have fashioned into unique lamp bases.

We’ve taken things that you would find in the garden, like bird boxes that are all handmade. They look lovely as an art installation when hung together. Each is a masterpiece of whimsy and design.

We have also collaborated with our favourite New York florist, Lewis Miller Design, to create a natural woodland installation. Flowers and plants bring life to any space. They are the ultimate luxury. Lewis is fabulous to work with; he has transformed the entrance to the hallway into an enchanting hidden bower with real trees and greenery.

There will be a range of new designs, from bespoke applique wool chairs to one of a kind artworks. We love to use cut outs and collages. The pieces of furniture are all one-off designs, so when they are sold, we’ll have to do something different. We have even created a bespoke colourway of my ‘Lost and Found’ fabric in a cheery sky blue for the collection.

My Secret Garden will be on display until October 21st. Come along and step inside this leafy oasis above the streets of Midtown Manhattan.