Home Chic Home

What happens when two lovely ladies-who-lunch invites you for, well, lunch…a very late one… as in at 2pm (so this is how they stay thin — they eat super late for lunch! LOL)? You go. So I did.

When Mons Romulo invited me to view a new “home” shop, I got excited! As some of you may know, I’ve been playing bahay-bahayan these days at “Maison Epperson”.  My current obsession is furniture… and home accessories… and home decorating books, you get the picture.

I had no expectations at all going to this new joint. I thought, at best, this place would be like most home/furniture stores — quaint and stylish. Oh boy, did I get the surprise of my life!

When I pulled up to La Fuerza compound, this is what greeted me at W/17…

BOOM! Ang laki!!!

Hindi ako na-brief! This is not a “shop”, this is an emporium!!!

W/17 is a luxe home store with a “bespoke approach to home,” meaning that customers can customize their rugs, tabletops, and even furniture according to dimensions, materials, color, and even finishes. This gives each home a look that is truly its own, and a look that makes each one a classic in its own right.

The creative force behind this innovative home store is Andy Vásquez-Prada, one of the country’s leading interior stylists, who is bringing his style and design philosophy, along with years of experience to ensure that customers learn how they can style or add character to their homes.

In W/17, Vásquez-Prada combines Filipino ingenuity with world-class materials, ingenious designs and social responsibility.  Joining him for this venture is social entrepreneur Kaye Tinga, who will be serving as W/17’s Director of Social Enterprise.  Known for her civic work, Tinga’s experience with various livelihood programs would help in keeping W/17 true to fair trade principles as well as helping local communities.

I’ve been a fan of Andy since his Rustan’s days! Every time I see him, I gush on how gorgeous his designs are! Finally, he has ventured on his own and created something spectacular and very “Andy”.

Meanwhile, the best of Asia and the rest of the world will be at W/17, with the store showcasing Chinese antique furniture and ceramics, and B&B Italia modern furniture from Italy, among other materials that Andy and Kaye plan to bring to the store.

Visitors can expect W/17 to be a showcase of the best in both East and West, with porcelain, fine bone, and handmade dinnerware from local pottery studios, along with Iñigo Elizalde rugs, and abaca pieces sourced from around the country. The abaca pieces, in particular, are unique for their color variations, which come from both the seasons they were harvested in, and the places they were harvested from. Vásquez-Prada will be lending his distinctive touch to the local pieces as he will be designing them himself.

Don’t let the size of the place intimidate you. W/17 offers a lot of affordable pieces. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!

The lovely housewives of Manila:

Ladies who lunch and “launch”

Can I I just point out that the gold snakeskin wedge of Mons and the cork Louboutin slingbacks of Kaye are TDF! I can’t wait for our next “merienda” session! Humanda kayo, nakaoutfitey na ako! Haha!

W/17 is the new power player in the home department. Their collections are chic, modern, well-priced, and well-edited. If I were a bride again (which can happen… when Tom and I finally have our church wedding… soon), I would have my bridal registry here! Walang itapon!

Truly, W/17 is a world of its own to discover, and with its unique philosophy and high-quality materials, it is sure to become the benchmark in home stores here in the Philippines.

Congratulations Andy and Kaye! W/17 is a gem!

W/17 is located at 2241 Pasong Tamo, La Fuerza Compound, Makati City. Visit their website: www.w17home.com.