Hello Lover...

My friends and I immediately fell in love with this orange Swedish Grace period Greek key and gilt bed in the H.M. Luther booth at The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show last Friday.  If we could have afforded it, I'm sure we would have all fought over it.  It's perfection.  It was made around 1929 by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompanient.  Apparently Axel was a leading Swedish designer in the first half of the 20th-century.  The H.M. Luther website states that "his pieces of furniture for the Nordiska Kompanient were characterized by craftsmanship of high quality and advanced combinations of material. The furniture was manufactured for a financially strong clientele with modern demands."  I'd mix it in a room with abstract art, 18th-century French chairs, and 1970's bedside tables.  What would you do with it? 



The International Fine Art & Antique Dealer Show

I had the pleasure of attending an interior designer breakfast this morning at The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show.  The event was sponsored by Michael Bruno, President and Founder of 1stdibs, and Michael Boodro, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decor, and included a wonderful group.  It was fun touring the fair with my fellow colleagues such as Matthew Patrick Smyth, Philip Gorrivan, and the ever chic Kristen McGinnis.  I've said this before and I'll say it again, these types of events are a great way to see the best of the best and to train your eye and educate yourself.  The caliber of artwork, decorative arts and furniture is top notch and a mix of all periods and styles.  Some of my favorite dealers include H.M. Luther, Maison Gerard, Jill Newhouse, and Axel Vervoordt. 

It is worth attending the show just to see Axel's amazing space above.  The gorgeous abstract painting by Kazuo Shiraga, a Japanese artist who was friends with Jackson Pollock, was actually created with his feet.  (That is definitely a story for a future blog post!)  Axel really is a master at mixing the most amazing pieces.  "I mix things from every age; it's like bringing friends together, " he said on 1stdibs.  He is also releasing a new book Wabi Inspirations in February 2011.  According to the description, Wabi was developed in the twelfth century, and "advocates simplicity and humility, the rejection of all that is superfluous or artificial. Through extraordinary photographs from Japan and Korea to Belgium and Switzerland, Vervoordt invites us to explore the elements that inspire him: natural materials and time-worn objects that evoke the essence of Wabi."  Sounds interesting.

The show runs through October 28th at the Park Avenue Armory.  If you check out coverage of The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show on 1stdibs, you'll find an offer for free admission!  Bon Weekend!