20 Questions with… Amy Lau!

Fashion

What is your everyday uniform?

I like to stick with a modern monochromatic look. Pairing one color with its different hues always makes it easy to get ready, and I love to experience a color in its various textures and shapes.

Favorite fashion decade?

I love the fashion of the 1940’s. One of my favorite fashion icons is Rita Hayworth, her style is truly timeless. A long floral dress paired with sleeve-length gloves always exudes class and elegance.

Travel

What is your favorite travel destination?

I’d have to say Greece. From the stunning mediterranean waters to the organic architecture on the islands, Greece is where my soul sings.

What type of travel do you find most inspiring?

I love travel that is enriched with history. Intertwining a regular trip with a historical narrative can take traveling to an entirely new level. Exploring historical landscapes is not only a physical journey, but a journey for the mind.

Food/Drink

What is your favorite restaurant in NYC?

Olive’s in Soho, one of my go-to spots for lunch, is a charming take-out shop with delicious gourmet soups, sandwiches, and salads.

What is your go-to cocktail?
I normally stick with Fresca and tequila blanco, it’s refreshing but not too sweet.

Where do you dine for decor?

The Neue Galerie in the Museum for German and Austrian Art has a beautiful spot for dining called Café Sabarsky. Both the food and the decor draw inspiration from classic Viennese cafés at the turn of the century.

Interior Design

What room is the center piece?

The living room is the heart of any home. It serves as a focal point for the house; any socializing or entertaining is centered around the living room. Every room must have character. Ripple fold curtains will never go out of style.

What factors are most influential on your work?

Working directly with artists and artisans, and bringing in pieces with history and character. Collaborations with different artists allow a new sense of personality and individuality to infuse our projects.

Inspiring Women

What female in design most inspires you and why?

Mary Colter, she was truly a pioneer in this industry. In the early 20th century, a time when men predominantly dominated the field, she became a notable architect and left her mark on the Southwest by designing several iconic hotels. Among my personal favorites are La Posada, Hopi House, and Phantom Ranch, all of which have attained landmark status. I admire how she seamlessly blended indigenous architectural styles with contemporary preferences, all while preserving the authenticity of each design.

What impactful advice have you received from a fellow woman?

“Stay cool and collected.”

Entertaining

Do you prefer to be the host or the guest?

Both! It’s always a treat to spend time with special friends and family, no matter who’s hosting.

What is always in your fridge for entertaining?

Parmesan cheese, soprassata, and prosciutto.

What are your favorite entertaining tips and tricks?

I love to assemble the appetizer spread using either all glass or all brass dishes. In order to make an eye-catching spread, I place all the dishes at different levels in the center of a round table.

What is your go-to hostess gift?

La Florentina Soaps has a gift set of luxury liquid body and hand wash. It makes for a lovely hostess gift, the rose scent is my favorite.

200 Lex

What 200 Lex showrooms are your favorite and why?

Amuneal by Adam Kamens; this showroom exhibits their high-quality furnishing, cabinetry, and lighting that create a refined industrial look. The showroom by John Pomp Studios features incredible glass work, crafted by John himself, which refracts the room’s lighting and elevates the space in a unique and imaginative way.

In the Fromental showroom Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes display their incredibly intricate wallcoverings that are hand painted and embroidered as a custom piece for each of their clients. Last but not least, the David Sutherland Showroom features beautifully curated collections for both indoor and outdoor decorating which are accented by the amazing textiles from David and Ann’s Perennials Fabrics.

Your first stop when you visit 200 Lex?

It’s a toss-up between Amuneal, John Pomp, Fromental, and David Sutherland.

Favorite item at Amy’s Bread?

The yogurt is my go-to.

The best part of 200 Lex is The Godfather Jim Druckman.

Amy Lau Designs opens on the 8th floor Spring 2024!

Here is a preview of some pieces that will be shown in the new space.

Longobard Floor Lamp

Circa 1970s | Glass, resin

This dynamic floor lamp was produced in the 1970s by Longobard in Verona, Italy. Part of their “New York” series, it evokes the city’s skyline via variations of rectangular stacks — each made of golden wrought iron with inserts of thick, colorful, hammered Murano glass. The lamp washes surrounding spaces with soft tones of emerald, ruby, honey, and amber.

Jules Dewaele for Pia Manu coffee table

Circa 1960s | Ceramics, metal

This piece presents a striking statement that fuses Brutalism and Modernism. Belgian designer Jules Dewaele created this vibrant ceramic table at his workshop Pia Manu (“a creative hand”). Dewaele had begun the 1960s working at Rogier Vandeweghe’s Amphora atelier near Bruges, Belgium, experimenting with innovative glazing treatments and firing techniques. The results demonstrate the success of his efforts. This table’s glass tiles, in both high-gloss and matte finishes — each an exquisite work of art — are edged with rough volcanic crusts for a Brutalist touch.