KVT – The House that is Chula

Soon after arrival in Hanoi, Diego shifted his design emphasis from furniture to fabrics and the couple started a fashion business – Diego as designer, Laura taking care of PR and marketing. It was the steady growth of this venture that had them on the lookout for a larger premises with workshop, studio, retail outlet, and living space all in one.

And it’s just about perfect! During working hours their 50 plus employees – cutters, sewers, embroiderers, office staff, fabric painters, sellers, domestics – spread out harmoniously through the pavillions and although it becomes a buzzing workshop, almost a small factory, a huge sense of calm and family pervades.

During business hours prospective clients are invited to invade the peace that is Chula and wander past the fish ponds and above water lounging area, through the light and airy computer and office corridor, take in the various courtyards and patios with their wall paintings and funky Diego designed and built furniture; spaces that invite relaxation, quiet conversation, even meditation. Once you discover the red door to the high tower the inquisitive child in you may take over and insist that you climb the spiral stairs and take in the art and artefacts that line the walls and alcoves on the way to the summit.

Chula is like that….it appeals to the sense of innocence, awe and magic that many of us still possess. Oh to be a child growing up in such a place!

The central pavillion houses the original owner’s private and still functioning, ornate pagoda that is used by Chula (with the owner’s permission) as a reception area, a formal lounge, a design workshop, and a display space while still retaining its spiritual use on special days by the Vietnamese owners-who live in an adjoining complexand who have ready access to it…..That’s the sort of accommodating atmosphere flows throughout Chula.

At the rear is a very modern kitchen cum dining cum lounging pavilion that is highlighted by some of Laura and Diego’s Vietnamese art collection. In fact wandering Chula is a Vietnamese art afficionado’s delight. You can’t help but be taken in by the paintings by Ha Manh Thanh, especially a huge piece from his ‘Bride and Groom’ series.

Several of Phi Phi Oanh’s superb lacquers glimmer like jewels,

and a piece of Vuong Van Thao’s Long Bien Bridge in composite aspic is beautifully at home in the Pagoda room.

Then there are Diego’s own photographs that pop up on indoor and outdoor walls and that pull you into them as effectively as does a Cezanne canvass that plays with light and reflection. Diego, who has been working as a serious photographer since 2002, plays with light by layering reflections. Some are wonderfully fluid and all dance with your eyes…in a very chula way.

Laura and Diego are great supporters of Vietnamese artists and musicians and recently embarked on a quarterly art event they call Chula Nights. An artist and musicians exhibit their work in a salon like atmosphere. Wandering through the 200 invited guests are models wearing Chula designed garments…which, in themselves, are all unique works of art….just like these:

Just what is chula?