The Invisible Collection, a London-based luxury design platform, has embarked on its first bespoke interior design project for the newly reopened Surrey Residences in New York City. This venture marks a significant milestone for the company, known for curating exclusive design pieces and bringing a distinct Parisian style to high-end interiors. With a rich history and a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, Invisible Collection’s debut in Manhattan’s prestigious Upper East Side aims to blend historical charm with contemporary elegance. The project is poised to set new standards in luxury living, leveraging the creative expertise of notable Paris-based designers to transform these iconic residences into havens of sophistication and artful living.
The Historical Significance of The Surrey Residences
The Surrey Residences, now part of the Corinthia Hotel chain, boasts a storied history dating back to its establishment as a residence hotel in 1926. This historical charm is a key element in the narrative, as the building’s transformation into a modern luxury residence seeks to honor its past while embracing contemporary design. Situated in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, The Surrey rebranded as a Corinthia Hotel earlier in the year, now featuring 70 rooms, 30 suites, and 14 private homes. The building’s historical significance is harnessed and reimagined, integrating Parisian elegance into modern New York interiors. This blend of old and new is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design elements.
Recognizing the cultural exchange between New York and Paris that dates back to the 1920s, co-founder Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays highlights the influence of iconic figures like Jacques Doucet and Jean-Michel Frank. The Invisible Collection’s mission to preserve and reinterpret historical aesthetics resonates deeply with the storied past of The Surrey. By infusing the building’s interiors with meticulously curated French decor, Invisible Collection aims to create spaces that echo the grandeur of the past while offering a fresh, contemporary appeal. Each residence will be a unique fusion of historical elegance and modern luxury, epitomizing the seamless integration of different eras and styles.
Invisible Collection’s Design Philosophy
Invisible Collection is bringing its distinct Parisian style to The Surrey’s private residences, propagating contemporary French aesthetics through curated designs. By collaborating with renowned Paris-based designers like Laura Gonzalez, Charles Zana, and Thierry Lemaire, the company integrates high-end, collectible contemporary furniture and decor into the Surrey Residences. These designers represent the French-inspired aesthetic and commitment to craftsmanship that defines the platform. The curated interiors include unique contemporary furniture, lighting, and rugs, ultimately transforming the residences into personalized art-filled havens. This approach ensures that each residence is not only luxurious but also uniquely tailored to the tastes of its inhabitants.
Emphasizing the bespoke nature of their services, Invisible Collection offers a highly personalized design experience, blending prêt-à-porter convenience with the meticulous detail of haute couture. This collaboration ensures that each piece of furniture and decor is not only aesthetically captivating but also imbued with a sense of history and artisanship. The designers’ expertise in creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful aligns perfectly with Invisible Collection’s mission to democratize access to luxury design. As a result, the Surrey Residences are set to become exemplars of high-end interior design, showcasing the best of contemporary French style in the heart of New York City.
The Promise of Exclusivity
The project promotes a blend of prêt-à-porter convenience with the personalized attention of haute couture, highlighting the bespoke nature of the services afforded to buyers. This ambitious initiative serves as a testament to Invisible Collection’s unique position within the collectible design market, having transitioned from an online gallery to hands-on interior design. By offering exclusive access to a curated selection of contemporary pieces from prominent Parisian designers, the company appeals to affluent buyers who seek unique, artful environments tailored to their individual tastes. This level of personalization and exclusivity is a key selling point, reinforcing the allure of bespoke French design.
Invisible Collection’s bespoke services offer buyers access to a curated selection of contemporary pieces from prominent Parisian designers. Each residence is treated as a blank canvas, allowing the designers to create interiors that reflect the personality and preferences of the inhabitants. From custom furniture and lighting to unique rugs and art pieces, every element is meticulously chosen to enhance the living experience. This approach not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of the residences but also ensures that they function as cohesive, harmonious environments. The Surrey project thus stands as a testament to the transformative power of bespoke design, demonstrating how tailored luxury can redefine the concept of home.
Broader Market Trends
The intersection of luxury real estate and high-end bespoke interior design is a burgeoning trend, reflecting a shift towards creating personalized and exclusive living spaces. Similar ventures by other luxury design platforms, like Artemest’s model residence concept in NYC, show a broader trend in combining high-end real estate with curated interior designs. This trend underscores a growing market for exclusive, customized home environments. By creating personalized, collectible living spaces, Invisible Collection, along with contemporaries like Artemest, enhances the value proposition for luxury residences. These endeavors reflect broader consumer preferences for unique, artful environments tailored to individual tastes and underscore the evolving landscape of luxury living spaces.
This movement towards integrating bespoke design into residential spaces is driven by an increasing demand for uniqueness and personalization. Affluent buyers are no longer satisfied with generic luxury; they seek homes that reflect their individuality and taste. Companies like Invisible Collection and Artemest cater to this demand by offering highly customized design solutions that blend aesthetic excellence with functional innovation. By partnering with renowned designers and artisans, these platforms ensure that their projects are not only visually stunning but also imbued with a sense of exclusivity and craftsmanship. This trend signifies a broader transformation in the luxury real estate market, where personalized design is becoming a defining feature of high-end living.
The Founders and Their Vision
Invisible Collection was launched in 2016 by Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, along with Anna Zaoui and Lily Froehlicher. Dubern-Mallevays brings a rich background as a former journalist and ex-creative director for Dior Home and Diptyque Home, supporting the company’s deep connection to haute couture. Zaoui’s expertise as a reinsurance risk specialist and art collector, combined with Froehlicher’s proficiency in luxury in-client strategy, provide the company with a robust strategy that bridges art, design, and market analysis. Since its inception, Invisible Collection has expanded its physical presence, opening showrooms in notable neighborhoods such as Marylebone, London; Upper East Side, New York City; and Rive Gauche, Paris. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to making luxury design more accessible while maintaining exclusivity.
The co-founders’ diverse backgrounds have played a crucial role in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. Dubern-Mallevays’ experience in the world of high fashion and luxury home decor informs Invisible Collection’s emphasis on exclusive, high-quality design pieces. Zaoui’s financial expertise and passion for art bring a unique perspective to the company’s operations, ensuring a balance between creativity and commercial viability. Froehlicher’s strategic insights into luxury markets help to position Invisible Collection as a leading player in the high-end design industry. Together, they have successfully navigated the challenges of transitioning from an online platform to a full-service interior design provider, solidifying Invisible Collection’s reputation as a purveyor of impeccable taste and sophistication.
The Future of Luxury Living Spaces
Invisible Collection’s project at the newly reopened Surrey Residences in New York City represents a major milestone for the company, renowned for curating exclusive design pieces and infusing a unique Parisian style into high-end interiors. With a rich history and unwavering commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, the Invisible Collection’s debut in Manhattan’s prestigious Upper East Side aims to seamlessly blend historical charm with contemporary elegance. By leveraging the creative talents of well-known Paris-based designers, the project seeks to transform these iconic residences into sophisticated and artful living spaces. Positioned to set new standards in luxury living, the Surrey Residences are expected to become a benchmark for elegance and innovation in interior design, offering residents an unparalleled living experience that harmoniously balances tradition with modernity.
