JOHN SALIBELLO- by Susanna Salk

“I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by art since my youth,” says New York native John Salibello. “My mother avidly collected antiques and made her career as a jewelry dealer.” As a family, the Salibellos frequented museums as much as they did antique fairs. John’s budding interest for mid-century antiques was further nurtured by pursuing a B.A. in Art History. “Upon graduation, however, it was not obvious to me how to use my degree,” he says, “so at the suggestion of my parents, I earned an MBA.”

When Benetton, the Italian fashion company, was looking for someone to help them expand in the United States, Salibello’s ability to speak Italian and a previous stint as a fashion model made him the ideal candidate. Over the next 13 years he spearheaded the opening of over 300 Benetton stores in America – over 20 in Manhattan alone. “I spent my life living out of a suitcase,” he says. But no matter where he went, he always remained true to his favorite pastime of shopping antiques, eventually amassing a sizeable personal collection. “I loved studying the windows of antique and design stores on the Left Bank,” he remembers. “Over time I established relationships with many of these dealers, who consistently taught me about the local trends.”

With his city apartment and weekend house eventually bursting at the seams with treasures, Salibello rented a potato barn in the Hamptons. When that too began to overflow, the time had come to make it official: “My best friend told me to do what you really love and the money will follow,” he says. “Nervously I took his advice to heart and ended my career in fashion to devote myself full time to antiques.”

In 1992, Salibello purchased a charming farmhouse in Bridgehampton with the intention of having a small country gallery. Three years later, Manhattan came calling and “John Salibello Antiques” emerged on prime terrain adjacent to the D&D building. Since 1992, he expanded that location three more times. The ambitious collector is consistently increasing the size of his store. In 2000, Salibello opened a second gallery down the street from his original store, only to expand that space too in both 2002 and 2008.

Success is due in part not just for the insight of Salibello’s eye, but his conviction: “I pay little attention to designer names but instead, focus on fine design that is unusual and extraordinary. I buy with my emotions.” Of particular interest is American and European artistry from the 1940’s through the 1980’s. Salibello’s own family heritage gives him a special affinity towards Murano glass, particularly chandeliers and sconces. “Through the relationships I have made over the years, I am often invited to purchase period fixtures from the 1940’s through the 1980’s from their original sources. These well known establishments custom ordered a variety of Murano pieces. They are now de-accessioning their holdings to make room for more modern pieces.”

In all of his stores, one can find rare examples of furniture and lighting by Italian makers such as Barovier, Toso, Seguso, Venini, Gio Ponti, Gabriella Crespi, and Fontana Arte. Notable American designers such as Karl Springer, Robsjohn Gibbings, and Paul Evans are also represented. “I am newly fascinated by French artisans such as Pierre Giraudon, who fabricated very unusual pieces of furniture made in resin.” says Salibello. “This furniture maker and material are my new passion.” By placing fascinating mid-century designers such as Giraudon in a new limelight, Salibello’s showrooms not only present extraordinary material but stay one step ahead of what collectors typically expect to find.

Most recently, Salibello expanded to Palm Beach. In 2008, he opened the Palm Beach Antique and Design Center, which showcases 25 prime and diverse dealers. “So many of the most exciting design projects occurring today are taking shape in Palm Beach and Miami,” he explains. The Center, run by his business partner, Simonette Hakim, caters to not only to private clients but also to architects and designers. It opened in December, 2008 with tremendous success.

In New York, Bridgehampton and now Florida, Salibello not only provides clients homes with beautiful objects, but he also takes on an additional role as interior designer. “Many of my clients have asked me to help design their interiors and I have embraced this opportunity whole- heartedly,” he says. “Thanks to his staff, Salibello can remain elusive from the stores’ day-to-day demands. This affords him time to work with clients, source new material and travel. “I have been lucky enough to experience first hand, the art and artistry of Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica,” says Salibello. “What I have seen there inspires me and affects how and what I buy.”