Bloomingdale's appointed its first Black furniture designer, showcasing cultural craftsmanship

What: Kim Hill becomes Bloomingdale's first Black furniture designer, transforming a pandemic project into a culturally significant design enterprise

Why it is important: Her appointment represents a meaningful step in retail's evolution towards greater inclusivity while demonstrating how traditional department stores can embrace artisanal craftsmanship and cultural storytelling

Kim Hill's journey from experimenting with four lawn chairs during the pandemic to becoming Bloomingdale's first Black furniture designer exemplifies the intersection of craftsmanship, heritage, and retail innovation. Her company, Hazel and Shirley, named after her mother and grandmother, creates handwoven chair sculptures that blend ancestral knowledge with contemporary design. Hill's maximalist approach challenges minimalist trends, incorporating influences from various cultural traditions while emphasising sustainability through upcycled American-made steel frames. Her work goes beyond mere furniture creation, serving as vessels of cultural memory and resilience. The partnership with Bloomingdale's represents a significant milestone in retail diversity and demonstrates the department store's commitment to showcasing unique, artisanal talent. 

IADS Notes: Hill's appointment aligns with Bloomingdale's broader transformation strategy. In June 2024, the retailer began emphasising unique product curation and brand storytelling under CEO Olivier Bron's leadership. This initiative follows successful collaborations like the September 2024 Salone del Mobile.Milano partnership, which demonstrated Bloomingdale's commitment to elevating design and cultural experiences. The focus on artisanal craftsmanship and cultural narratives mirrors industry trends seen in February 2025, when Le Bon Marché launched dedicated spaces for founder-led brands with strong cultural stories.