Wu’s creations for the direct-
to-consumer home-furnishings
company Interior Define con-
firms that such assumptions are
ill-founded. “I love the era of
midcentury design,” says Wu,
who worked on the design of his
TriBeCa apartment with Andre
Mellone (the New York–based
Brazilian designer also created
Wu’s shop at Saks Fifth Ave-
nue). “In my clothes, you see the
influence of 1950s corseting and
lingerie-inspired details. When
it comes to furniture, I put a dif-
ferent spin on it.”
Wu, who also has a line of fau-
cets for Brizo, was intrigued by
the company’s digitally driven,
made-to-order ethos: Using 3D
technology, buyers can customize
the scale and upholstery. Prices
are relatively affordable—Wu’s
collection starts at $999—and
there are more than 60 fabrics to
choose from.
The vintage designs of Paul
McCobb were a major inspira-
tion for the five-piece collection,
comprising a chaise sectional, a
sofa, a love seat, an accent chair,
and an ottoman. Wu incor-
porated such retro details as
exposed-wood frames, revers-
ible cushions, and brass-tipped
legs. While evocative of the
past, his pieces are firmly
planted in the present. “Things
were beautiful but small [during
the mid-20th century]. Today
we like to lounge,” he says.
The potential longevity of his
aesthetic was also top of mind.
“A sofa is not something that
you want to get tricky with,” Wu
notes. “You want to live with it
for a very long time.” ◾A vintage Edward
Wormley chair.
RIGHT: A 1979
Milo Baughman
cocktail table.Danish modern
dining chairs and
a Brendan Lynch
painting in the dining
room. ABOVE:
Wu’s accent chair
for Interior Define.
RIGHT: A Viso vase
mixes with art and
fashion books in
the living room.Wu’s living room.