2006
1STDIBS LAUNCHES INTROSPECTIVE, A PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLICATION.
Few elements of culture are more valued by 1stDibs than storytelling. The importance of uncovering and illuminating the stories behind designs — and their creators — cannot be overstated. The big, complex histories and smaller personal narratives we feature in Introspective all serve to enrich our shared understanding and appreciation for beauty, artistry and community.
2006
1STDIBS LAUNCHES INTROSPECTIVE, A PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLICATION.
Few elements of culture are more valued by 1stDibs than storytelling. The importance of uncovering and illuminating the stories behind designs — and their creators — cannot be overstated. The big, complex histories and smaller personal narratives we feature in Introspective all serve to enrich our shared understanding and appreciation for beauty, artistry and community.
Written by the noted 16th-century Italian painter and architect, this coveted collector’s item is considered the most widely read work of literature about art. In this spirit, Introspective aims to be a repository of education and entertainment, offering fascinating insights into design, past and present.
Written by the noted 16th-century Italian painter and architect, this coveted collector’s item is considered the most widely read work of literature about art. In this spirit, Introspective aims to be a repository of education and entertainment, offering fascinating insights into design, past and present.
A Word from Our Editorial Director
"What is it that appeals to us about a well-worn antique, an expertly rendered work of art or an audacious piece of contemporary furniture? Sure, we’re compelled by their aesthetic qualities, but it’s their often-fascinating backstories that can matter most: Who made them and when? What was the political or cultural backdrop to their creation? What materials were deployed and what skills were needed to muster them into usable form? How have the pieces wended their way from the studio to the shop to, ultimately, our home? And who are the tastemakers who, like us, are gravitating toward these unique objects today and feathering their own nests with them in ways that are endlessly inspiring?
A desire to celebrate and contextualize the astounding stuff found on 1stDibs spurred the birth of Introspective back in 2006, long before most digital marketplaces included editorial content within their mix of offerings — because it’s long been 1stDibs’ position that the most beautiful things on earth are valued not just for how they look but for what they tell us about the world around us, and about ourselves. Being surrounded by beautiful things is a privilege and a luxury, but it’s the stories behind those things that most enrich our homes — and our lives."
Anthony Barzilay Freund
SELLER SPOTLIGHT
Since 1972, New York City bibliophiles have converged on one Upper East Side establishment. Ursus Books offers a swoon-worthy selection of art reference books and rare titles — as well as decorative prints and watercolors. With an inventory of both new and out-of-print books, Ursus inspires shoppers to expand their collections and create truly exceptional libraries.
SELLER SPOTLIGHT
The Story of One Exceptional Piece
Our sellers are design-lovers in their own right, so naturally, they must have one piece in their collection that evokes a lot of passion. We spoke with several sellers — from jewelry to furniture — and they told us which treasure captivates them most and why.
My Most Intriguing Item
"In 1939, Jules Leleu, by now one of the most famous of French Art Deco designers, saw a threat to his way of life. He had built his career on employing the very best French techniques and artisans, and as the war raged on, he feared both would be lost to the ravages of the Nazis. He went into creative overdrive, designing a handful of sumptuous, intricate inlays, particularly for his cabinetry. He commissioned his best craftsman, Andre Messager, to execute them knowing, of course, that to complete such a monumental task, Messager would need to employ, and thus teach, a new generation of artisans who might help him. Because of the enormous cost, very few of these cabinets were ever actually completed. This cabinet, known as the Meuble Feu d’Artifices for its exquisite explosion of mother-of-pearl and ebony flowers, likely took over 800 hours to complete."
"I LOVE these earrings. It has everything we look for in a jewel made by what we consider the greatest jewelry maison of all time: Van Cleef & Arpels. What really makes these unique is that the emeralds dangle within the diamond settings, so the emeralds dance along with the wearer!"
— Ariel Saidian
"In 1971 Bill Owens published the book, SUBURBIA. This is a photo document of how Americans lived in the suburbs of California and across the country. Bill set out with a a list of what he wanted to photograph — grilling on a barbeque, watering the lawn, Tupperware parties, children at play, Christmas, etc. These photographs were selected by myself as the quintessential images from Suburbia. There is no doubt that these 15 images distill the Suburbia we all knew in the 1960s-1970s. There is no doubt that this portfolio is an essential part of any 20th Century American art collection."
— Burt Finger, Gallery Director
"One of our favorite items is this incredible 7.51 carat Pink Sapphire Ring by Graff. This sapphire is everything a collector looks for in a gemstone; untreated, Ceylon origin and exceptional color. The rich, vibrant bubblegum pink is so hard to find, and when the light catches this sapphire, it absolutely comes to life. It wasn't a hard decision to list this piece. When we are fortunate enough to acquire such a stunning ring, we want to share it with our clients so someone new can love it."
— Mallory Whitten, Jewelry Sales Consultant at M.S. Rau
1stDibs Employee Spotlight
"In May I went to my first photoshoot after more than a year of working from home. I had a baby last December, so when it came time to see adults outside of Zoom, I was ready. We were covering Christian Siriano’s new furniture line for Introspective, so my colleague and I drove to Connecticut, where we met photographer Pernille Loof to visit the upholstery workshop that fabricated the pieces and then see them in Siriano's home. I’ve followed Siriano’s career since his days as a contestant on Project Runway, so I was excited to interview him. It was heartening to find that he is as warm and gracious as he is talented and successful."
Colleen Egan, Managing Editor
