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At Home with Our Favourite Local Fabric Designers — Mike Tay of Onlewo

BY SCENE SHANG

Mike Tay, founder of Onlewo, with THE GENTLEMAN Cane Chair x Onlewo - ‘Chinatown’ Velvet

 

AT SCENE SHANG, we love working with creative collaborators to create new designs that bring a new appreciation for our rich culture and heritage.

In our latest Favourite Local Fabric Designers Collection, we’re collaborating with the talented designers from Binary Style, Minor Miracles and Onlewo to bring you, especially you— print lovers, a very exclusive collaboration that you’ll love. 

In this post, read about our heart-to-heart talk with Mike Tay, founder of Onlewo, in his beautiful home as he shares about what inspires him and his designs.

PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF/YOURSELVES.

Started 5 years ago, Onlewo means 安乐窝 in mandarin. Our work expresses how we connect emotionally with the places, heritage, and culture in Singapore. Self taught, I started this company partly because I was influenced by my mum who was running a clothing store and the regular exposure to fabrics triggered my interest in pattern and colours.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO?

Apart from above, another key motivator is the community in Singapore. We feel lucky to receive warm support and advice from many people that spurred us forward.

Selected rattan cores are skillfully joined and then moulded to form a flat smooth surface on one side of the armrests, yoke and back. Celebrate memories akin to movie scenes that never fade away, with silky ‘Chinatown’ Velvet by Onlewo to bring out the natural rattan. Visit our store at Raffles Hotel for more fabric selections from Onlewo! 

PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE FEATURED PRINT IN THIS COLLABORATION.

This print captures the warm memory of my childhood where frequent trips to Chinatown left a deep impression. I had a happy childhood and quite a big part was also spending weekends at my grandparents home near Chinatown. Frequent trips to Chinatown for movies, food, shopping etc were the highlights for me.

Inspired by traditional Chinese scholar chairs, enjoy an indulgent lounge in the elegant lean-back of THE GENTLEMAN Cane Chair .

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE OF FURNITURE AT HOME? IF YOU DO, PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT IT.

My bed haha. The wingback chair in the living room reupholstered in my City In The Garden velvet fabric. It’s very comfy, I use it to take short naps occasionally.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO AT HOME?

Spending time with my local specials. My dogs make my days light and happy. They keep me young at heart. Music too. I love Jazz24, it keeps me inspired when I am working.

HOME IS…?

A physical and emotional space for resting and dreaming.


Scenes feature THE GENTLEMAN Cane Chair x Onlewo - ‘Chinatown’ Velvet  

ABOUT THE FAVOURITE LOCAL FABRIC DESIGNERS COLLECTION

Choose from selected furniture designs from the Cane Collection, and style them with your choice of fabric print designs, all designed lovingly by our favourite local designers. 

Browse our Favourite Local Fabric Designers Collection or visit our store at Raffles Hotel for more fabric selections.

  

How are you styling your homes with beautiful prints and lush upholstery?
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