Ever wondered what the homes of fashion’s most innovative minds look like? Well, now you can take a peek inside the private sanctuaries of Willy Chavarria and Sandy Liang, thanks to DWR’s Originals Campaign. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just about furniture—it’s about how design intersects with identity, creativity, and modern living. In celebration of New York Fashion Week, Design Within Reach (DWR) has teamed up with these two trailblazing designers to showcase how their personal spaces reflect their unique voices in the world of fashion and beyond.
The campaign, previewed by WWD, goes beyond the runway, inviting us into the homes of Chavarria and Liang in TriBeCa and Connecticut, respectively. Directed by renowned fashion photographer Sharif Hamza, the series captures unscripted moments that reveal how these designers blend iconic pieces with their own creative visions. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the furniture—it’s about the stories these spaces tell and the inspiration they spark.
Sandy Liang, known for her playful and nostalgic runway designs, describes her Connecticut home as a ‘respite’ where her ideas flourish. Photographed alongside iconic pieces like Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair and the USM Haller Media console, Liang emphasizes the duality of her space: ‘My home is both a sanctuary for rest and a place where I can be creative.’ Her work, she notes, is deeply tied to everyday life, making her home a living extension of her designs.
Willy Chavarria, celebrated for his authenticity and dynamic career spanning brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Yeezy, sees his TriBeCa home as a ‘vestige of a life lived.’ Honored as Designer of the Year at the Latin American Fashion Awards and CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, Chavarria’s space is a curated collection of pieces that tell his story. Photographed with the Eames lounge chair, Flos Arco lamp, and other classics, he reflects, ‘My home is an amalgamation of my entire life… I’ve always brought things along with me that tell the story of my journey.’
But here’s the controversial part: Is home design just about aesthetics, or does it carry a deeper responsibility to reflect one’s identity and values? Chavarria’s emphasis on fostering ‘a feeling of love’ in his space raises questions about the emotional weight we place on our surroundings. Liang’s connection to her childhood in New York City’s Chinatown also highlights how personal history shapes design choices. Are we merely decorating, or are we storytelling?
This isn’t DWR’s first foray into blending fashion and design. Last year, they launched the Paul Smith Collection, featuring classics from Herman Miller and Knoll, including the Eames molded plastic side chair and Saarinen’s Womb chair. The Originals campaign continues this tradition, making all photographed furnishings shoppable online. This is the second iteration of the Originals project but the first full campaign, following its initial launch in November 2025. Past Originals include luminaries like designer Jerald ‘Coop’ Cooper, Susan Clark, and architect David Chipperfield.
So, here’s the question for you: How do you see your home—as a gallery of beautiful objects, or as a narrative of your life? Does design have a responsibility to tell a story, or is it purely functional? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own take on how spaces shape identity.
