Inside The Door of Peter Terela & Woonyee Koh (Holiday Edition)
by HULA Marketing on Dec 15, 2023
What are the holidays without friends? ”THE HULA-LAS“ is a limited series where we delve into the lives of our unique customers and sellers who make up our diverse circular fashion community, visiting their homes and engaging in heartfelt conversations.
Meet Peter Terela & Woonyee Koh
Located in Repulse Bay, their home is an art piece like no other. Where East meets West, colours and textures that blend harmoniously - a haven of effortless-creativity.
Peter is a true New Yorker, with a Ukrainian heritage who grew up in Singapore, while Woonyee, born in Korea, spent her childhood in India, both born to expat parents. They met whilst studying at The London School of Economics sixteen years ago, where fate brought them together; first as best friends to later become the power couple we now know!
They relocated to Hong Kong in 2019 for work (Woonyee is currently working in HSBC while Peter is at Phillips Auction House). They balance their professional lives with shared passion for beautiful things and always on the hunt for captivating art, awe-inspiring design, and fashion that tells stories.
Over a rosemary-sprigged sparkling water and a cut bowl of Japanese honey-dew melon (that they somehow made look artsy), the couple shared with us their favorite life stories and thoughts behind each art pieces they’ve collected around the world.
What are your memories of living in India, Woonyee?
"My family moved to India when I was 11 and lived in New Delhi as well as Mussoorie, which is the most beautiful town in the Himalayas. Best childhood I can ever ask for: having life time friends from all over the world and I am an adventure seeker forever thanks to my experiences."
Woonyee slipping on a pair of green satin Rochas platform pumps purchased previously from HULA
What do you love about working for Phillips Auction House, and how did the world of fine art beckon you, Peter?
"I was raised by very practical parents. So while I always wanted to end up in a creative field, they were always encouraging me to pursue more stable careers in business, law, medicine, etc. Working in the art world was a nice happy medium, where art and commerce collide.
I love working for an auction house. It's such a privilege to come to work every day and be surrounded by beautiful objects and passionate people who are motivated by a common interest and purpose. The art world is such a beautiful, talented, creative community, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it!"
Peter wearing a Chanel bangle and Prada Shoes previously purchased from HULA.\
Tell us about the art you both collect!
"We collect mainly Japanese modern art like Hisashi Indo, Kazu Wakita and French contemporary artists such as Jean Pierre Raynaud and Bernard Aubertin. We also love Italian modern furniture."
How would you each describe your style?
"We both love hunting for vintage finds in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York...and now Hong Kong! I gravitate between art gallery minimalism (think Issey Miyake, especially the now defunct Issey Miyake Men line, Marni, Bottega Veneta) and putting a Male twist on a Jane Birkin wardrobe (Celine by Phoebe Philo, quality scarves, statement jewellery, Bode)."
"Woonyee focuses on quality and artisanally made items and embraces the ocean and sunshine of the French and Italian Riviera (all that time living in Repulse Bay!). Think Forte Forte, Marta Ferri, Vita Kin, 10 Corso Como, summer lines for Hermes, a Loewe basket bag, anything Italian, whimsical, artisanal and ethereal."
Woonyee wearing Ashish jacket
"Despite our distinct styles, we always end up taking inspiration from each other, and looking a little bit alike!"
Do you have any holiday traditions?
"For me, the holidays are all about the amazing Korean food prepared lovingly by my mom." - Woonyee
"Eggnog is an American Christmas classic and always a good idea!" - Peter
What are your tips for finding the ideal gift for someone who has everything?
"Shop vintage / second hand / consignment and you’re guaranteed to find something unique and personal for your loved ones."
