Kay Unger Welcomes Homeworthy Into Her SoHo Loft
Kay Unger recently welcomed Homeworthy inside her expansive New York City SoHo loft for an intimate tour of a home that tells the story of a life shaped by fashion, art, family, creativity, and philanthropy.
Over the course of her decades-long career as a fashion designer and entrepreneur, Kay has built a remarkable collection of art, clothing, furniture, family treasures, photographs, and found objects. Her home brings these pieces together in a deeply personal way, with interiors designed by celebrated designer Jamie Drake, Kay’s longtime friend and creative collaborator.
The 5,000-square-foot loft underwent a dramatic transformation after a devastating flood required the apartment to be extensively rebuilt. Rather than simply recreating what had been there before, Kay and Jamie used the opportunity to reimagine the space for the way Kay lives today: surrounded by art and fashion, welcoming friends and family, hosting gatherings, and supporting the creative and philanthropic projects that continue to fill her life.
Interior Designer - Jamie Drake
Throughout the Homeworthy tour, Kay shares the stories behind some of the apartment’s most distinctive spaces and objects. The main entertaining area is anchored by a dramatic black Venetian plaster fireplace and filled with bold, unexpected combinations, including tomato-red vintage Le Corbusier chairs, contemporary artwork, sustainable rugs made from recycled leather, family photographs, and pieces collected over a lifetime.
The kitchen was designed to be equally beautiful and functional. Lacquered cabinetry, marble, natural wood, and touches of Kay’s signature red create a warm gathering place that can transition easily from an intimate dinner to one of the larger celebrations Kay loves to host.
One of the most personal stops on the tour is Kay’s extraordinary dressing room, which serves as both a working wardrobe and a living fashion archive. Inside are vintage Chanel and Alexander McQueen pieces, designs from Kay’s own collections spanning decades, repurposed jewelry, and treasured clothing inherited from her mother and grandmother. Together, they offer a glimpse into the influences, memories, and craftsmanship that have shaped Kay’s approach to style.
Fashion is woven throughout the rest of the apartment as well. Jamie incorporated Kay’s original fashion sketches alongside family photographs, contemporary art, sculptural objects, and unexpected materials, creating an environment that feels collected rather than decorated. He describes the approach as “personality, plus interior design,” an idea that perfectly captures the spirit of the home.
The apartment also reflects Kay and Jamie’s shared interest in sustainability and material innovation. Inspired in part by their connection to Parsons School of Design and the Healthy Materials Lab, the home incorporates recycled and repurposed materials in surprising ways, from recycled-leather rugs and corrugated-cardboard tables to a playful installation created from repurposed plastic bottles.
More than a home tour, the Homeworthy film offers a window into what continues to inspire Kay today. Fashion, art, design, sustainability, philanthropy, family, friendship, and entertaining all coexist within a space that has evolved alongside her life and career.
The result is a distinctly New York home: sophisticated but playful, carefully considered but never overly precious, and filled with objects that have meaning. Every room tells part of Kay’s story, from her years building fashion companies and collecting art to the family history, friendships, and creative projects that continue to shape her world.