Ever wondered how the spaces where fashion's most creative minds unwind influence their iconic designs? Prepare to be inspired as we get an exclusive glimpse into the personal sanctuaries of two leading fashion designers, Willy Chavarria and Sandy Liang, thanks to Design Within Reach's (DWR) latest Originals campaign. This isn't just about showcasing beautiful furniture; it's about understanding how personal environments shape the very essence of modern style.
In a move that perfectly coincides with the buzz of New York Fashion Week, DWR, a renowned retailer for home furnishings, accessories, and lighting, has partnered with Chavarria and Liang for their Originals campaign. This initiative aims to spotlight individuals who are not only shaping contemporary culture through their unique design sensibilities but also living and breathing that creativity in their everyday lives. As DWR puts it, these New York-based talents represent a 'new generation of designers, and the breadth and depth of contemporary originality.' The campaign itself was masterfully directed by Sharif Hamza, a celebrated portrait photographer known for his work within the fashion industry.
But here's where it gets really interesting: The DWR Originals campaign captures Liang and Chavarria in candid, unscripted moments within their own homes – Liang in Connecticut and Chavarria in Tribeca. This approach offers a fresh perspective, proposing new design concepts for modern living by showing these ideas in action.
Sandy Liang, whose upbringing in New York City's Chinatown deeply influences her playfully distinctive runway creations, shared that her Connecticut home serves as a vital retreat. It's a space where her creative ideas can truly take flight. In the campaign, she's beautifully photographed alongside timeless pieces like Eero Saarinen's iconic Womb chair, complemented by the sleek USM Haller Media console. Liang thoughtfully remarked, 'My home is both a sanctuary for rest and also a place where I can be creative… It’s important to me that my work is something that can be translated into part of someone’s real, everyday life.' This sentiment truly resonates, highlighting a desire for design to be both aspirational and accessible.
Meanwhile, Willy Chavarria has earned widespread acclaim across both fashion and design for his unwavering authenticity. His recent accolades include Designer of the Year at the Latin American Fashion Awards and CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year. After honing his craft with numerous prominent brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Yeezy, Chavarria is now receiving well-deserved recognition for his own independent collection. He describes his Tribeca residence as a powerful 'vestige of a life lived and his dynamic path.' In this DWR collaboration, he's featured with the legendary Eames lounge chair and ottoman, and the striking Flos Arco lamp, a 1962 design by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Chavarria emphasized the emotional core of his spaces: 'It’s very important for me — both in my home and in my workspace — to foster a feeling of love.' He further elaborated, 'My home is an amalgamation of my entire life. As I’ve lived, as I’ve traveled, as I’ve moved, I have always brought things along with me that tell the story of my journey.' This idea of a home as a living narrative is incredibly compelling.
And this is the part most people miss: This isn't DWR's first foray into the fashion world for inspiration. Last year, they launched the Paul Smith Collection, featuring beloved classics from American furniture giants Herman Miller and Knoll, including the Eames molded plastic side chair and Saarinen's Womb chair. The furnishings featured in the current campaign are, thankfully, available for purchase online. This marks the second iteration of the 'Originals' project, though it's the first to be branded as an 'Originals campaign.' The initial launch of the Originals project took place in November of last year, and past featured individuals include designer and artist Jerald “Coop” Cooper, designer Susan Clark, and architect David Chipperfield.
Now, let's get your thoughts: While the campaign beautifully showcases how personal spaces can inspire design, one could argue that the focus on designer homes, adorned with iconic (and often expensive) pieces, might inadvertently create a sense of unattainability for the average person. Is this campaign truly about making modern living accessible, or is it a curated display of aspirational luxury? What are your thoughts on how designers' personal lives and spaces influence their public work? Do you believe a home's design should always reflect a 'story of a journey,' or is it more about creating a functional and comfortable sanctuary? Share your opinions below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
