A Life Inspired

A passion for living is what motivates Chinese designer Lea Chen in everything she does. 

- Low Shi Ping

Lea Chen is one name you should take note of. The multi-talented Chinese designer and architect – better known as Chen Xuan in China – is the executive director of Shishang Architecture, which she founded in 2004.

Earlier this year, she collaborated with VG Italy to present a furniture collection at the Salone del Mobile 2018. Oriental Treasures is a series of four elegant pieces that reinterpret classical Chinese design and functionality and fuse it with Italian craftsmanship.

For instance, Royal Medicine Cabinet is a stylised version of the Chinese apothecary cabinet, recognisable for the numerous drawers used to store herbs and ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chen chose to recreate it with drawers framed by a 24k gold finish top-board and rounded stand, with 24k gold-finish knobs. It perfectly complements dining rooms, hallways and living areas, promising to give them a touch of elegance and whimsy.

Aside from this tie-up, Chen is also a prolific designer. She was recognised by the Hurun Luxury Report – the Chinese version of the Forbes list – as one of the leaders in her field. She also holds a doctorate from the School of Architecture from Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts.