Rosa Tan’s earliest memories of beauty are of two dresses her mother secretly made for her. Embroidered with flowers and animals, they brought colour into a childhood otherwise dressed in grey and green. Worn only at home, they offered a private glimpse of creativity, care, and individual expression.

Years later, Rosa’s pleasure in beautiful things has become a pleasure in sharing them. An art collector with a love of design and craftsmanship, she is drawn to objects that carry the imagination of their makers—from a painting or a carefully crafted piece of furniture to the delicate vessels of a tea ceremony.

Moving to New Zealand at 28 opened a new chapter in her life. Her affection for the country grew alongside her love of its art, while the elegance of Chinese Song and Ming design became another enduring source of inspiration. These influences meet in her collection, connected by a deeply personal eye.

Cocoon House gave this sensibility a home. Art and treasured objects became part of daily life, shared through conversation, laughter, and tea. It embodied Rosa’s belief that beauty gains meaning through the ways we live with it and welcome others into it.

Silk offers another thread in this unfolding story. Its subtle lustre, fluid movement, and tactile intimacy invite her to explore the relationship between material and feeling. Through these explorations, Rosa continues to discover new ways of bringing art, craftsmanship, and beauty into everyday life.