Growing up playing music before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Nicole Wu has always been involved in the arts, but it was fashion that led her curiosity to design which she describes as "both fascinating and addictive”. Here we meet Nicole for Design Insiders, a series that introduces the creative thinkers behind the Space brand.
More Space: How did your interest in design develop and what has been your design journey so far?
Nicole Wu: I have always been drawn to music ever since I was young and I played the alto saxophone in the school concert band. In my late teens I was exposed to fashion design and that’s how my interest in design developed. I graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing and spent time in the fashion scene during college, working as an intern in public relations at Gucci and as a stylist at Mediacorp. When I graduated my first marketing job was in the furniture industry and that’s when things all fell into place. Furniture has become my calling ever since.
When did you join the Space team?
I joined Space Asia in September, 2019, as the marketing manager. My role involves marketing support and communication across Singapore and Malaysia, from marketing campaigns, sales and promotions, to events and partnership collaborations. Key projects have included the launch of three new brands – Edra, Living Divani and Baxter, and it is very encouraging to see just how resilient each of the brands continues to be through the expansion of the Space collection across South East Asia.
What is it like working in the design industry, and what have been some of the memorable moments?
Having worked across the arts industries from fashion and media, to entertainment and furniture, I would say that each industry has its own unique quality. I would describe the furniture industry as relatively down to earth and I really enjoy all the creative aspects of the business. One of the most memorable moments for me was my trip to Milan Design Week and meeting Fabio Novembre and Jamie Hayón. Listening to them share their design journeys really opened my eyes to the inspiring design scene.
Nicole Wu with the Allegory Desk by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Portrait © Franz Navarrete.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your design knowledge?
That anyone can be inspired and charmed by design, once they get to know more about it. It may not be love at first sight but the moment your interest grows, it will intrigue you and eventually you will fall in love. When I was a kid I thought fashion and music was the most interesting form of art, and furniture design wasn’t tangible enough to draw my interest. I was so wrong, it's both intriguing and addictive!
What is your favourite design piece in the Space collection, and why did it catch your eye?
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna for its timber craftmanship. I love the movie 'The kingsmen' where the interiors are dark with crafted leather and timber furniture, that is totally my style. I always get intrigued by things that have a personal touch or a strong story behind them.
What is your favourite design destination and what inspires you there?
It’s actually a place I’m yet to visit! I have always wanted to go to Spain for its rich heritage with an amazing 47 UNESCO heritage sites, the third highest in the world. There is something about Spain that feels so very exotic and romantic and I would say the city of Toledo would be top of my list. It’s less known amongst heritage sites but it is the quintessential image of a fortified medieval city. I think a day or two exploring the city and its architecture would be like a walk back in time.
One of my most memorable moments was my trip to Milan Design Week and meeting Fabio Novembre and Jamie Hayón. Listening to them share their design journeys really opened my eyes to the inspiring design scene.
Nicole Wu
Nicole Wu with the Allegory Desk by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Portrait © Franz Navarrete.
The Allegory Desk by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Photo c/o Gebrüder Thonet Vienna.
Inspiration is drawn from the Milan Furniture Fair and it's top of the list of Nicole Wu's favourite design destinations. Photo © Nicole Wu.
Meeting designer Fabio Novembre at the Milan Furniture fair is a career highlight. Photo © Nicole Wu.
"There is something about Spain that feels so very exotic and romantic" remarks Nicole, nominating the historic city of Toledo as her dream place for its rich heritage. Photo c/o Nicole Wu.
"When I was a kid I thought fashion and music was the most interesting form of art, and furniture design wasn’t tangible enough to draw my interest. I was so wrong, it's both intriguing and addictive!"
Nicole Wu
Design is an extension of who we are, it's very personal. What’s your best piece of advice when choosing a piece of design?
Don’t blindly follow the trend but find a piece that you have a real connection with, one that reflects who you are and how you live.
What new collections, events or exhibitions are you looking forward to in 2022?
I would say the resumption of Milan Design Week. I don’t think things will never be the same after the pandemic, but being able to see the amazing exhibits and designs in their original form is definitely something I look forward to again!
Thanks Nicole, great to catch up with you.
