Vogue feature written by: Yeong Sassall, photography by: Ori Harpaz.
Anyone working in fashion knows the power of a good collaboration. A true meeting of minds and creative instincts often yields amazing results—where the sum of both parts becomes greater than anything one person could come up with. This fact is never more obvious than in the case of a home, where an owner’s personal taste and personality mingle with an interior designer’s vision and expertise. It’s especially true for Danielle Bernstein, fashion influencer and founder of WeWoreWhat, who sought an equal partner to help bring her new Tribeca loft into line with her chic and minimalist aesthetic.
Danielle Bernstein and interior designer Marissa Corvino.
Having worked previously with Marissa Corvino of Corvino Design, Bernstein was naturally drawn to the designer’s vision and sensibility, so it was not so much a choice, but a natural evolution of their relationship. “I worked with Marissa on a few pieces of custom furniture in my last apartment and found that our aesthetics really aligned,” explains Bernstein. “I am much more involved than a typical client and Marissa truly allowed the collaboration aspect of the design process to take place.”
In the living room, Zebra Shades curtains, antique limestone planter, wood pedestal and side table from Olive Ateliers, faux tree from Lexington Garden Design, Rez Kilim rug by Rug & Kilim connoting a modern take on classic panel-weaving, in beige and ivory tones with beige accents, Six Penny Home linen Devyn sectional sofa a lush, deep-seat comfort with chilled out, modern lines. It's contemporary shape and breezy slipcover create a unique balance that’s equal parts refined and laid back. Elias chair and ottoman A huggable homage to the quintessential European roll arm—except more marshmallow-y. The Elias chair gives soft a new meaning, with rounded details and a delightfully spongy seat. Customre claimed cypress coffee table by Corvino Design and Danielle, custom slipcover white lounge chair by Corvino Design and Danielle Bernstein, vintage Batonga Stool via 1st Dibs, Brutalist steel floor lamp by sculptor Alain Valtat, 1860s antique hand carved Japanese door from the Meiji period via 1st Dibs, UniqueArtworkbyAnne via Etsy, 1970s model 265 wall lamp by Paolo Rizzatto for Arteluce.
In the entryway, refinished floors by Sovereign Flooring, custom linen bench by Corvino Design, woven leather vase via 1st Dibs.
Corvino and Bernstein’s relationship was so simpatico, it eschewed the need for any brief, formal or otherwise. “We have always had an extremely casual relationship that was mutually beneficial,” says Bernstein. “When I found out I was moving, I called her and said, ‘Ready for our next project?’”
In the hallway, vintage console table via Sunnyside Trading, Bennet Schlesinger table lamp, Gio Ponti 33 medium mirror in black brass.
Corvino sees many similarities between the two, and describes their working process as “energising”. “We are both passionate, decisive, and do not shy away from a challenge,” she says. Together with her Corvino Design team, she was responsible for bringing the interiors to life via renderings, which then allowed Bernstein to visualise, adapt and finalise. “Danielle provided inspiration and we executed design schemes, custom furniture pieces and oversaw trades on site to ensure everything was perfect,” explains Corvino.
With 3.2 million Instagram followers and a womenswear label to her name, Bernstein’s success is no happy accident, and it’s clear she applies the same focus and determination to every project. Even the sticky fact of the loft being a rental didn’t stop her from redesigning the space. “I had to get my renderings approved by the unit owner who thankfully understood that my renovations would increase the value of the loft,” admits Bernstein. “And because this is a longer term rental and I mainly work from home, the investment in creating a space that I can produce content from is well worth it.”
As with any high-achieving content creator, space and environment is paramount to their day-to-day life. And Bernstein had her on-brand vision board ready from the outset. “I wanted to carry through the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic of my previous apartment, while adding a bit more personality and homey feeling,” she says. “While this apartment is actually bigger than my last, it feels more cosy and inviting. The neutral tones will always be a part of my design aesthetic as they are a part of my personal style when it comes to dressing, too.”
In the kitchen, cabinets refinished by Architectural Artistry, stools inspired by Sergio Rodrigues, blackened brass spot cconces via Etsy.
It was a framework Corvino found easy to adopt. “Danielle's style is sophisticated, inspiring, and influential,” says Corvino. “Her fashion aesthetic of curating vintage, ready-made and one-of-a-kind pieces is absolutely reflected in her home.” The pair worked to incorporate some of Bernstein’s custom pieces—like her solid travertine coffee table—into the new space, while adding new conversational pieces into the mix. One such piece is a vintage hand-carved door from the 1860s Meiji period in Japan, which is proudly mounted on one living room wall, imparting a sense of lived-in history and character to the space.
In the dining room, custom travertine dining table by Corvino Design, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Viscontea pendant lamp, Tuareg mat, antique sideboard via 1st Dibs, Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh dining chairs, Royal Art Palace sculpture, wooden vessels from Sandstone and Sage.
Originally built in 1920, the loft is a former port warehouse that was divided into a series of lofts in 2000—but thankfully, the development retained some of the building’s original bones. “The loft has incredible architectural elements like wood beams, oversized cast iron columns and interior widths of 30 feet or more,” says Corvino. Playing up these unique characteristics, the pair worked quickly to bring the new space into sharp focus, while utilising key pieces from Bernstein’s former Soho apartment. “I had a ton of previous relationships that I brought to the table from our [previous] place— rugs, limewash paint, and even my new sofa that [Marissa] was able to help me manage and make sure it was cohesive with the rest of the space,” says Bernstein.
In the bar area, sideboard from San Carlos Imports, black vase from LES Collection, vintage vase, Sandstone and Sage bowl, Han dynasty cocoon jar via Broyt, Olive Atelier stool, Ruby Atelier stool, flowers by Fleurvoyant, books by Maison Plage.
Corvino was also keen to build and expand upon Bernstein’s established aesthetic. “We had a nice balance of inspiring each other and stepping out of our typical aesthetics,” she says. “I helped Danielle embrace hints of colour such as green and tangerine, paired with her palette of tans and browns rooted in nature.” Their ultimate goal? For the space to reflect a new phase of Bernstein’s life. “It was important for us both to create a loft space that felt more adult and practical,” says Corvino.
The expansive, open-plan living area, with its ‘faux place’ (designed by Corvino and created by Gail Cipriano Design Studios to conceal Bernstein’s television) is the public space where Bernstein likes to “entertain, share and unwind”. Featuring limewash painted walls and ceiling by Lucas Willing Studios, landing on the colour was no simple process. “The paint is a mixture of two colours—after many samples—and took weeks to complete,” recalls Bernstein.
In the main bedroom, custom walnut slab headboard and side tables by Corvino Design and fabricated by Dan the Woodworking Man Woodworks, Nordic Knots rug, Isamu Noguchi ceiling lamp, Zebra Shades curtains, vintage mirror, Jacques Biny wall sconces, early 20th century Chinese wooden bench from Studio Via.
But, if you ask Bernstein, the real star of the show is her sanctuary-like bedroom. The simplicity of the layout and toned-down colour scheme was wholeheartedly intentional: “that sort of minimalistic design is an escape from my chaotic everyday life,” she says.
In the main closet, organised by Jamie Grunfeld, Nordic Knots rug, 1950s Swedish armchairs from Ponce Berga, Ruby Atelier stool.
And, in a flex move that would impress any fashion girl, Bernstein dedicated not one, but two of the loft’s three bedrooms into wardrobes—one for her shoes, and another for apparel. It’s an upgrade on the situation in her last loft, where the main bedroom was her closet. “When moving I wanted to make sure that I kept the primary bedroom for myself, especially because the ensuite bathroom is so special and spacious,” she explains. “Long answer short—I couldn't fit everything in one room and since my wardrobe is a part of my job, the separation of an accessories and clothing closet really allows me to be creative and house all of my new collections. It really is such a dream and my friends love coming over and playing dress up.”
In the accessories closet, organised by Jamie Grunfeld, Jindrich Halabala chairs, Nordic Knots rug, marble side table via 1st Dibs.
Already at home in her new neighbourhood, Bernstein’s newly renovated loft is the ultimate den of calm to keep her grounded in her busy life. “I love that Tribeca is filled with entrepreneurs and young families: it feels both simple yet timeless,” she says. “My neighbourhood is the perfect balance of quiet with just enough atmosphere around the corner.”
In the bathroom, Matt Alford Studio brass scones, Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter Rococo corner chair, wall artwork sourced by Masionique.
Elias chair and ottoman A huggable homage to the quintessential European roll arm—except more marshmallow-y. The Elias chair gives soft a new meaning, with rounded details and a delightfully spongy seat.
Read the full Vogue interview here
