Friday, January 23 marks the start of this year’s Winter Antique Show at New York City’s Park Avenue Armory. The WAS is considered one of the top venues for antiques — collectors, curators and designers come from all over the world to see and buy incredible pieces from over 70 exhibitors. The inventory at the fair is both diverse — it ranges from classical antiquities to 1960s-era mid-century modern — and highly-vetted: each item is evaluated for authenticity by a 160-member panel of experts. For first-time fairgoers, this can add up to a pretty intimidating experience. With this in mind, we asked four designers (who also happen to be co-hosting a preview breakfast with 1stdibs) to give us their tips on how to approach the show. Read on to see what seasoned veterans are looking forward to at this year’s edition of WAS!
What dealer do you always visit at the fair? We love Maison Gerard — their booth is always well-curated.
Are you shopping for anything in particular? We are always looking for dining chairs – it is difficult to find large sets.
What advice would you give to a first-time attendee of the fair? Go through the fair quickly to first understand the breadth, then go back and visit each booth with greater attention
What is always worth splurging on? Art — it’s a great investment.
What’s your favorite era of antique design? Definitely, early 20th-century modernism. The enthusiasm and creativity with which they combined traditional craftsman techniques — like lacquering — with new technology and natural materials — like leather and parchment — still astounds me.
What dealer do you always visit at the fair? There are many! Right away, I check out the major English furniture dealers, like Ronald Phillips and Carlton Hobbs — they always have something amazing to see or to buy for a client. Then to Cove Landing and Liz O’Brien, who give an educated and fresh twist to the show with their careful curation. I also love Barbara Israel, who tops herself every year with her unique garden finds, and Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz for her rare wallpaper selections.
Are you shopping for anything in particular? High-quality 18th-century furniture. There has been a recent wave of interest in it from clients — hopefully we are making a turn towards traditional design again!
What advice would you give to a first-time attendee of the fair? Walk through the show once and get an overall look. This will help you focus the second (and third) time around, and it will feel less overwhelming.
What is always worth splurging on? A perfect mirror.
What’s your favorite era of antique design? Tough question. If I had to chose one, I’d go with 18th-century French furniture. It blends with almost every other era.
What dealer do you always visit at the fair? Barbara Israel Garden Antiques.
Are you shopping for anything in particular? Console tables and bookcases. I’m also avidly searching for a breakfast table, but am easily distracted by pieces we don’t need at the moment.
What advice would you give to a first-time attendee of the fair? Take the time to speak to the dealers about the objects that appeal to you. Even if you decide not to buy, you will learn something to prepare you for the next opportunity.
What is always worth splurging on? A superlative example of a piece you appreciate in a plainer form. The best of the best is always worth much, much more than even a close runner-up.
What’s your favorite era of antique design? English Regency from 1800-1820.
What dealer do you always visit at the fair? Cove Landing.
Are you shopping for anything in particular? Sets of antique dining chairs.
What advice would you give to a first-time attendee of the fair? Make sure you have enough time for the whole show.
What is always worth splurging on? Things you can walk away with, like smalls.
What’s your favorite era of antique design? I love it all.
