Patricia Voto's Transformed Atelier: A Fusion of Home and High Fashion
Patricia Voto, the visionary behind "One/Of" atelier, has recently unveiled a stunning transformation of her Upper East Side workspace. For half a decade, this sun-drenched apartment has served as both her home and the creative hub where bespoke garments are born. Now, with the expert touch of interior designer Britt Zunino, the space has been meticulously re-envisioned to embody a harmonious blend of intimate domesticity and sophisticated sartorial artistry. Voto's goal was to create an environment where clients feel as comfortable as if they were visiting a friend, fostering an experience that is both inviting and inspiring, rather than formidable.
Voto's design philosophy centers on the textile itself. Each garment at One/Of begins its life not on a sketchpad, but with the tactile exploration of exquisite fabrics—Italian brocades, unexpected jacquards, and painterly florals. Many of these materials are sourced as deadstock or excess yardage from the very mills supplying prestigious houses like Oscar de la Renta and Prada, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and uniqueness. This approach, rescuing existing materials and reconfiguring them into singular pieces, is the essence of the brand's name, One/Of, signifying that every creation is truly one-of-a-kind. This unique process necessitates a client-designer interaction that is deeply personal and collaborative, making the physical space an indispensable element of the overall brand experience.
After five years, Voto felt the time was right to refresh her atelier, and she entrusted Britt Zunino, a co-founder of Studio DB, with the task. Zunino possessed a distinctive understanding of Voto’s vision, having first experienced the One/Of process as a client herself. This shared appreciation for vibrant hues, rich textures, and intricate patterns allowed for an immediate synergy between the two. Zunino's design ethos pushed the boundaries even further, embracing unusual combinations to create a truly distinctive aesthetic.
The entrance immediately sets a unique tone. A geometric brocade envelops the vestibule, creating a dense, graphic, and slightly whimsical ambiance reminiscent of Prada. This fabric ingeniously conceals doors leading to private areas, functioning both as a curtain and a clever camouflage. Above, a small, chinoiserie-inspired gold fixture casts a gentle glow, while a vintage cabinet anchors the corner, often accompanied by Rico, Voto’s rescue husky, adding to the homely charm. Zunino notes that this design choice was a strategic way to manage the apartment's existing architectural complexities, creating a sense of both concealment and revelation.
Beyond the vestibule, the main room unfolds into a softer, more expansive space. The walls are painted in a delicate Misty Blush by Benjamin Moore, complemented by a slightly darker pink molding that frames the room, infusing the light with warmth and casting a universally flattering glow. The ceiling captivates with Calico Supernova wallpaper, a Studio DB collaboration with Calico. Its gilded surface is adorned with starburst motifs and intricate stitching, drawing inspiration from embroidery and jewelry, adding a touch of celestial elegance. As Voto describes, the gold immediately draws the eye, followed by the discovery of the nuanced details layered upon it.
A luxurious, golden-toned rug covers the floor, providing a soft foundation for the room's low, inviting furniture. At the center, a marble table is surrounded by chairs, serving as the focal point for fittings. The surfaces are thoughtfully arranged with an eclectic collection of objects—a tulipiere, shell candlesticks by Sylvie MacMillan, a sculptural brown vase by Sophia Lou Jacobsen, and lacquered Chinese side tables from IME Vintage adorning the mantel—each piece contributing to a curated yet lived-in atmosphere.
One wall features densely layered fabric swatches, a working tapestry of florals against checks, brocades against stripes. This element, a fixture from before the redesign, was deliberately retained by Zunino, who remembered its charm from her first visit. It serves as an ongoing invitation for clients to select their fabric and envision their truly unique garment.
Opposite this display, the fitting area is discreetly tucked behind Schumacher curtains, adorned with soft florals and geometric trim. To amplify the shimmer of the gilt ceiling, Zunino integrated various lighting fixtures, opting for vintage pieces with rechargeable bulbs to avoid extensive rewiring. Their gentle uplight bathes the room in a warm, inviting glow.
The bathroom offers a more vibrant experience, featuring a hand-painted mural by Mitchell Moon. This dynamic composition unfurls across the walls and extends to the ceiling, with its looping, almost hallucinatory forms evolving organically with each visit from the artist. Voto recalls the mural's progressive expansion, transforming the bathroom into an exuberant, artistic statement.
In contrast, the bedroom provides a serene retreat. Painted in a muted, mossy green and featuring subtle millwork, it exudes a quiet, contained ambiance. Quilted bedding from Studio Ford layers the bed, while a Sixpenny sofa and Tennant New York lamps contribute to a sense of relaxed comfort. This room remained unfinished for years, serving as a private sanctuary where Voto and Zunino retreated. Completing it represented a shift towards nurturing internal tranquility, acknowledging that the magic of creation could coexist with personal repose.
Maintaining the showroom within a personal residence demands a meticulous daily routine. Each morning, before clients arrive, the apartment is reset—floors vacuumed, curtains straightened, candles lit—ensuring an effortless and polished presentation. Most clients remain unaware of this dual function, often inquiring about Voto's neighborhood residence, to which she playfully confirms her proximity. After five years, and now with its thoughtful renovation, the apartment has achieved a state of complete resolution. It functions as more than just a showroom or a home; it is a singular space where fashion is conceived, tailored, and inherently lived within.