Inside Designer Anna Sui’s Otherworldly Apartment Filled With Wonderful Objects | Vogue

Summary

In this engaging tour of Anna Sui's Greenwich Village home, she shares her 'objects of affection,' offering a personal glimpse into her eclectic and inspiring design choices. From the silver living room inspired by Rose Cummings to her cherished William de Morgan tiles, Sui highlights key pieces, including vintage Vogues, tinsel art, and a stunning mural by Hilary Knight. With a playful yet refined aesthetic, she reveals her creative process and the sentimental stories behind her favorite treasures, offering viewers a unique look into her home and artistic vision.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anna Sui takes us through her Greenwich Village home, showcasing her beloved objects and their sentimental value.
• 😀 The silver living room is inspired by Rose Cummings' hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper, and features William de Morgan tiles.
• 😀 A secret door connects Anna’s apartment to the one across the hall, adding an element of surprise and creativity to the space.
• 😀 The library is Anna's favorite spot for relaxation, with a collection of vintage butterfly wing pictures and other cherished items.
• 😀 Designing a room is similar to designing a collection for Anna, with a mood board and color palette used to create the perfect ambiance.
• 😀 The red room is where Anna spends time reading, watching TV, and working out, with a collection of original Vogues from the 50s to 70s.
• 😀 Anna’s dining room is a gathering space for friends and family, where she has hosted up to 60 guests for large meals and celebrations.
• 😀 The fireplace in the dining room is a rare and precious piece, originally discovered in an antique store and acquired after several years.
• 😀 The pink and purple room, inspired by David Hicks' work, features unique chinoiserie furniture by James Mont and a whimsical chandelier.
• 😀 Hilary Knight, the illustrator of the Eloise books, painted a stunning mural for Anna, featuring birds and intricate details like ruby-encrusted spiders.
• 😀 Anna's mirrored bathroom, inspired by a Fifth Avenue apartment, has a luxurious Art Deco feel with stained glass panels and custom moldings.
• 😀 Anna’s bedroom showcases de Gournay wallpaper with birds and peacocks, and features an iconic Elizabeth Taylor kaftan she acquired at a Christie's auction.

Q & A

What inspired the design of Anna Sui's silver living room?

The silver living room was inspired by Rose Cummings, who had a room with silver reflective wallpaper and hand-painted chinoiserie. Anna Sui wanted to recreate a similar aesthetic.

How did Anna Sui acquire the William de Morgan tiles she wanted?

Anna Sui discovered William de Morgan tiles in books and at the Victoria Albert Museum. After learning they were no longer being made, she contacted the tile curator, who informed her that Kenneth Clark Tiles was still producing them, leading to her successful acquisition.

What is Anna Sui's connection to the Victoria Albert Museum?

Anna Sui has a connection to the Victoria Albert Museum through the discovery of William de Morgan tiles, which she first saw there. She later contacted the museum's tile curator, which led to her obtaining the tiles.

Why is the library one of Anna Sui's favorite rooms?

The library is one of Anna Sui's favorite rooms because it is a relaxing space where she enjoys sitting by the window, reading magazines, and having a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

What significance do the butterfly wings in the library have?

The butterfly wings in the library were given to Anna Sui during her first perfume tour to Taiwan. They are souvenirs from the 1930s and 40s, a time when people commonly made such items.

How does Anna Sui approach designing a room?

Anna Sui approaches room design similarly to designing a collection. She creates mood boards and color schemes to establish the desired atmosphere, much like how she designs clothes.

What makes the red room special in Anna Sui's home?

The red room is one of Anna Sui's favorites due to its multifunctionality, including space for reading, watching TV, and even a small home gym. It also houses a valuable collection of original Vogues she collected over the years.

How did Anna Sui acquire the fireplace in the dining room?

Anna Sui found the fireplace at an antique store in Holland, Michigan, but the owners initially refused to sell it. After years of waiting, she was finally able to purchase it when the owners agreed to sell.

What role does humor play in Anna Sui's design choices?

Humor, particularly a sense of irony and a tongue-in-cheek approach, is an important aspect of Anna Sui's design choices, as seen in her playful, camp-inspired items like the chandelier in the pink and purple room.

Why did Anna Sui turn a bedroom into a closet?

Anna Sui turned a bedroom into a closet to address the need for additional storage space in her home.