A new highlight in The Whiteley’s Designer Collection emerges from a collaboration with the esteemed Joyce Wang Studio. This partnership artfully intertwines authenticity and history, presenting open spaces that exude both elegance and a playful spirit.
Once the home of London’s first department store, The Whiteley is set for a stunning £1.2 billion transformation into a chic residential and hospitality destination. Leading the charge is Joyce Wang Studio, adding a striking touch to its Designer Collection.
This ambitious project, driven by Finchatton with backing from MARK and C C Land, features one of The Whiteley’s 139 unique residences crafted by Joyce Wang, whose firm operates out of London and Hong Kong.
Nestled on the third floor, the four-bedroom apartment boasts a beautifully restored Grade II listed façade by Foster + Partners. With 4,080 sq. ft. of space and soaring 6-metre ceilings, it includes a 400 sq. ft. mezzanine that rises to 2.7 metres, offering stunning views of the central living area below.
Wang describes the project as “a true honour,” creating a quietly luxurious space filled with custom pieces from around the globe, inspired by an imaginary client’s travels.
In keeping with its prestigious heritage, the studio balanced formality with understated elegance, capturing the distinct character of the historic building. The design keeps the building’s unique character intact, featuring traditional elevations, detailed cornicing, and refined panelling that resonate with The Whiteley’s architectural roots. Yet, there’s a playful twist with bold colours and dynamic shapes that inject a sense of contemporary flair, all enhanced by custom wallpaper from Fromental.
The studio's vision involved teaming up with designers and artisans who capture the innovative spirit of William Whiteley, the original department store’s founder. The residence tells the story of an imaginary well-travelled globetrotter, showcasing a blend of influences from Asia, the UK and Europe. The curated collection includes an eclectic mix of collectibles, heirlooms and limited-edition pieces, each adding a layer of character and adventure to the space. Thoughtful arrangements create engaging contrasts, merging rustic textures with sleek surfaces and organic forms with familiar touches.
Among the apartment’s highlights are exclusive pieces from the Irish furniture brand Orior, antique chandeliers from the Georgian era, and beautiful rugs and tapestries from Aubusson’s Pinton. Two commissioned artworks by Armando Mesías, along with prints by Lisa King and a thoughtfully curated library collection from Ultimate Library, reflect the refined tastes of the imagined client. Additional selections include antiques from 1stDibs and stunning rugs from Milan’s CC Tapis. Lighting fixtures from London’s Porta Romana brighten the space, while luxury design house L'OBJET contributed bespoke dinnerware, fragrances, and decor items. The Lacquer Company offered elegant accessories and furniture, complemented by curated art books and prints from Cahiers d’Art.
Currently on the market for £17.25 million, this remarkable apartment is part of a sprawling 1.1 million sq. ft. development that will also feature the UK’s first Six Senses hotel, 19 commercial tenants and over 60,000 sq. ft. of amenities, set to open later this year.
