Westwing Villa: A night of design, decadence and dancing in the Stockholm archipelago

As a well-heeled crowd cruised out of Stockholm on a boat towards the Westwing Villa last week, the caption blared the horn more than a few times – not just signalling our imminent arrival, but sounding like a fanfare for Westwing's own arrival in Scandinavia. Guests clinked cocktails concocted in Westwing's signature teal blue hue, coordinating with the brand flag waving at the boat's bow. Decked out with striped bolster cushions and clusters of white hydrangeas, the boat indicated a stylish affair already well underway. Docking at its destination with a cheer from those on-board, we spilled out onto the expansive lawns that lead to the Swedish manor house, taken over by Westwing as its own villa for the evening.

The curated e-commerce interiors platform officially launched in Sweden only this May, but the brand’s DNA – clean lines, tactile warmth, lived-in elegance – is so innately Scandinavian that the evening felt like a homecoming. CEO Dr. Andreas Hoerning set the tone with his welcome: “Scandinavia is the global hub of design, but we believe we have something to bring to the table. The best proof of this is that you are all here tonight,” he said to the crowd from the hydrangea-covered portico balcony. “This was always a dream for me,” founder and chief creative officer Delia Lachance chimed in, “and I am so excited to celebrate this milestone with you.”

Inside, the villa turned into a living Westwing experience, each room tastefully appointed with the brand's own designs and discerning Scandinavian touches. On the dock and lawns, champagne flowed as guests enjoyed mirrored vignettes of the interior pieces and the tastes of Micheline-starred restaurant Celeste from silver platters. Then came the crescendo of surprises: a hypnoic live performance from Eritrian-Swedish artist Adiam, followed by Studio Barnhus behind the decks, turning the villa into an all-out end-of-summer fête.

The guest list was suitably sparkling: Mathilde Gøhler, Roger Dupé, Darja Barannik, Janni Delér, Tsutsui Huang and Chloé Schuterman among them. As night fell, the villa moved from backdrop to centrepiece, hosting a night that blended reunion, revelry and a clear statement: good design is at its best when lived and enjoyed.

See all the snapshots from the Westwing Villa event below. All images by Vanessa Tryde.