A Fashionable Life: Inside Andre Wu’s Art-Filled Sanctuary
Full of fine design details and exquisite artwork, this poetic apartment is a haven of calm.
By Shermin Ng - published
When Andre Wu, a director at a logistics company, decided to move out of his family home after the Covid-19 pandemic, he was drawn to something totally different: an airy, light-filled space. For the 37-year-old, the home is a sanctuary that provides comfort and feelings of peace in equal measure. His apartment in central Singapore—characterised by understated minimalism and a clean tonality—reflects his vision and personality. “It gives me room to recover and think clearly,” he says of the contemplative respite, a perfect backdrop for his collection of art acquired over the years.
Wu’s considered selection of colours, textures and materials extends from the entryway to the nooks, passageways and rooms in the abode. His exacting taste is exemplified by custom furniture and off-white walls; it took him multiple tries to get the right colour. “White can be quite clinical, so I wanted something a little different. It’ll be hard to get the same colour if it needs a new coat of paint, so I don’t mind some marks here and there,” he says.
Andre Wu’s dining area featuring a painting by Zhou Yangming, a Jean-Michael Frank lamp by Ecart, a Jean-Michel Frank box, a Clarissa Berning Meniscus bowl, and custom-made chairs and cabinet.
While Wu leaned towards a more restrained colour palette of soothing neutrals to highlight an intriguing mix of art and fine details, he introduced muted pops of green—his favourite colour—in the form of a 1950s Pierre Jeanneret chair upholstered in green velvet, a mottled green Neolithic jade bi disc, and a patinated bronze Swedish Art Deco vase by SVM Handarbete from the 1930s.
Andre Wu’s custom-made lamp with artwork by Antony Gormley and an Hermès clock.
His preference for smaller artworks and more white space stems from gallery visits in his free time. “I have always been drawn to minimal art. I’d go to the museums like The Museum of Modern Art or The Met, and that’s the section I gravitate towards,” shares Wu, who excelled at art in school.
“I like that, when you enter a museum, everything sort of... you let the pieces breathe. Similarly, I wanted the art, the furniture and the interior to work together in a way that makes them at home in their space. When it comes to living with these pieces, you can’t be overly precious because they’re objects after all, and sometimes I think a little wear and patina adds charm to them,” he adds.
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A Hiroshi Sugimoto photograph, Pierre Chareau lamp, Claude Lalanne candle holders, and Jean-Michel Frank table and chair.
Among his prized assemblage in the living room, there’s a dreamy pair of photographs by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson that backs a console, a custom piece on which sits art and coffee table books; an assortment of chairs and stools by French designer Jean-Michel Frank, lamps by French architect and designer Pierre Chareau, Korean Dansaekhwa painter Park Seo-bo’s monochrome painting, and whimsical objects by French sculptor and designer Claude Lalanne that collectively present a calming tableau in the apartment.
“Even though they are seemingly very disparate objects, from different periods and places, together they create an interesting mix. It’s unexpected but they share a similar vibe and it just resonates.”
Andre Wu in his Dior sweater, APC trousers, Hermès leather bracelets, Cartier bracelet, and Loro Piana shoes.
In keeping with his love for spaces that are not overly designed, Wu opted to retain most of the apartment’s existing layout. “I wanted to open up the space but at the same time keep it homely. I like a certain formality, but my home has to feel casual and relaxed,” he says. The discerning owner remodelled the kitchen, adding a marble countertop where he occasionally has breakfast; brought down the walls of one of the bedrooms and transformed it into a dining area, and maximised the bathrooms with bigger shower areas with the help of his close friend, architectural designer Ian Chee.
A Charlotte Perriand stool takes pride of place in the master bathroom.
On the wood dining table is an exquisite trompe l’œil ceramic cabbage by Ukraine-born, US-based sculptor Vladimir Kanevsky, his latest find from an auction that infuses vitality and adds a fun, dynamic touch to the space. “I’m a bit of an auction treasure hunter. Collecting antiques can be challenging, especially with issues like provenance. However, I find that the best approach is to have a clear focus on what you are acquiring or the collection you are trying to build. Try to see these items in person, whether at museums or auction previews. This helps to train the eye. And prepare to do a lot of research,” he shares.
An artwork by Park Seo-bo and a Sol LeWitt sculpture.
Wu also dabbled in interior design for the first time, and reveals that he was teased when he showed his drawings (done on Illustrator) to a friend, an interior designer. Besides designing the wardrobe in the master bedroom—“I wanted each panel to be the same size and the handles to be concealed”—he also dreamed up the TV room, a cosy space that he deems the favourite part of his home.
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The TV room featuring an Alberto Giacometti artwork and Jean-Michel Frank marquetry table by Hermès.
It’s packed with books, more intimate artworks, sentimental items like a photo of his parents and a gifted candle designed based on the work of Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Can”, and displays a highly treasured object—a rare side chair by Jean-Michel Frank featuring straw marquetry, and Andri bouclé upholstery. “The shape is just so beautiful; such a modern design for its time. It’s very minimal, but so ergonomical. It wraps your back in the most comfortable way,” says Wu, whose eyes lit up at the mention of the design legend, known for championing the French Modernist movement in the pre-war era with his refined, subdued sensibility.
“I’m a big fan of French design, especially works by Jean-Michel Frank from the 1920s and 1930s. I first discovered his work at a gallery, L’Arc en Seine in Paris. He was a true minimalist of his time—his furniture is all about amazing proportions and subtleties, crafted in the most exquisite materials,” he lets on.
Artworks by Christian Bérard and Cy Twombly on display in the master bedroom.
The ardent fan’s obsession continues in the master bedroom by way of a standout two-seater settee, crafted with leather and wrought iron. This is tastefully complemented with varied wood accents and soft furnishings in earthy hues that amplify the cocooning atmosphere. “I’m fortunate to own several of Jean-Michel Frank’s original pieces, mostly sourced from auctions. His works are difficult to find due to his relatively short career. I also have a few re-editions by Hermès and Ecart.”
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Timeless pieces in Andre Wu’s wardrobe, including Charvet shirts.
Wu’s fondness for a pared-back aesthetic manifests itself in every corner of his home, including his well-organised wardrobe. “I find inspiration from art and it translates to my home and personal style,” he shares. From bespoke shirts with nuanced details, to jeans and trousers in neutral shades and versatile accessories that elevate any look, he sticks to polished and practical classics. “I tend to go for timeless pieces that are comfortable, that I feel confident in,” says Wu, who treats himself to something from luxury shirtmaker Charvet at Place Vendôme every time he visits Paris.
Andre Wu’s watch collection including brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.
His go-to pieces? A Hermès denim shirt and Helmut Lang jeans that fit like a glove, as well as a Charvet belt he wears all the time. His most special and meaningful possessions are a Rolex Datejust gifted by his parents when he graduated from university and a Tiffany & Co. mini signet ring. “This ring bears my initials and I like it very much. I don’t think it’s done in this size anymore; I’m afraid I’d lose it,” he expresses.
Andre Wu’s tableware consisting of Ginori plates, Gio Ponti cutlery, and a Baccarat water carafe.
Intentional and poetic, the apartment encapsulates Wu’s personal preferences, needs, and a true sense of home. “While it’s important to not become overly attached to material things, I find comfort in being surrounded by pieces I love that hold sentimental value.” A blend of timeless simplicity and warm minimalism dominates the graceful abode, counterpointed by his proclivity for French design, quirky objects and antiquities.
Photographer: Darren Gabriel Leow
Creative Director: Daphne Tso
Stylist: Gracia Phang
Grooming: Grego using Keune Haircosmetics and Clé de Peau Beauté