Pulling from all sides of the NY furniture world, we're particularly pleased that Marianne Rohrlich - of NY Times Personal Shopper fame - will be joining interior designer Kristin Moday and Michael Smith, owner of Depression Modern, on our panel tomorrow at the Modern Show (now we'll have to be really careful what we say about H&H).
The panel is at 1pm, admission is 1/2 price for us, and all the information is below. Don't forget to bring your digital cameras AND download cable if you would like to download to our computer at the show.
First we will discuss what draws us to certain pieces and then go picture hunting with our digital cameras to find the most beautiful objects in the room. Everything will go on the blog, including your favorite pictures. 
Very cool! Will see you there.. that show is usually a "don't miss".
We promise not to heckle. :)
Cool! Do we just mention AT to get in free? Gotta love a bargain!
Or half price? I guess I was hallucinating when I read free before!
Where are those AT T-shirts when we need them?
"Depression Modern" as opposed to "modern depression."
See this is when it sucks to live in Norfolk. Wish I could make it, this sounds like an awesome time.
I was very put off by this show. It was bizarrely overpriced! Yes, there were gorgeous things there, but there are also gorgeous things avaliable in stores and on the web that cost a fraction of what things cost at this show.
These dealers belong to a "rarified" club that doesn't have all that many members. It makes them feel good, I bet, however, to belong.
Most things were not priced and I was too embarrassed to ask.
I have been known to spend lots of money on home furnishings, jewelry, etc., and these vendors missed out all that money burning a hole in my pocket. I'm going surfing on the net, now, and will visit shops that sell midcentury modern, but at reasonable prices.
(I'm always a little afraid of NYC shows, thinking that the are out of my reach; Most shows, however, have a healthy mix of goods and prices. This one didn't). (Oh, and when I saw AT writing about the show I became convinced that it would be a good show where there were at least some affordable things. The kicker is: I failed to read the note about AT readers getting in for half price. Also, I paid for a 2 day pass, but will not be going back tomorrow. Anyone in Brooklyn want a pass for tomorrow?)
Although I heard about the show here, I also was unaware of the half price tickets for some reason. I know what the solution is. I just have to go back to Denmark and buy stuff there. I have family there and go there every couple of years or so. The prices were a little nutty, a lot nutty. We inquired about one interesting small end type table and were told it was $60,000 but he would give it to us for $45,000. Too bad he didn't have two or else we would have taken them. When I compare the prices in Denmark and prices here, I think New York, which also includes Hamptons dealers, are a little "affected" based on how much they charge. But, I suppose they charge not by the worth of the object, but because there are a whole lot of uneducated rich people out there and anyone can deem anything to be rare or important. I think that's what's going on. I really do. Not everything was a ripoff. I will also tell you that, as a collector of scandinavian ceramics of the 50s/60s, I can go, and have just gone/came back 2 weeks ago, to a flea market in Denmark and pick up items for $25-$50 that are sold here for $200. I saw it yesterday, saw quite a few Scandinavian ceramics. Go to Europe, decorative arts are cheap there, or if not cheap, definitely reasonably prices! Here, it's all about pricing for the rich, who will pay for it without much question or care.
....sorry....reasonably priced, or reasonable prices...grammar correction, take your pick! :-)
Stephanie,
It sounds as if you received quite a bit of sticker shock at the show. The dealers at The Modern Show work hard to bring a well rounded selection of things with prices to accommodate broad range of budgets. I have seen things at this show price at $25. Never be afraid to ask for a price and in the world of antiques the next question you should ask is "is that the best you can do?" Sometimes if you pay cash or if you buy two items a dealer will try to give you a better price. I wish you had made it to the discussion moderated by Maxwell, it was quite enlightening. The more shows you go to the more you will understand pricing and why an object is priced the way it is and you can develop an eye for these objects and learn what makes it special or rare. But I can never stress enough ASK QUESTIONS dealers love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.
A good show for you to attend might be The Triple Pier Show. Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of ground to cover! You will find a broader selection at The Triple Pier Show. It is tons of fun if you like to shop so check it out and let us know what you liked about it!
Kate
Susiq,
I truly think you are bit off the mark on this one but it sounds as if you have a good eye for design. Yes there are a lot of uneducated rich people with money to spend but these specialists in the field of 20th Century Decorative Art are very knowledgeable. Go to other fairs and educate yourself on the matter go to the museums as well (the Cooper Hewitt is a good one for decorative arts). There are a ton of fairs going on in New York, check them all out so you can put The Modern Show in perspective and train your own eye to see the best. I am assuming here that you have an interest in great design and therefore this would be fun for you. Did you go to the discussion moderated by Maxwell? Or is it all about shopping? Do you want objects that last a couple of years or do you buy things you love that will last forever? Quick fixes are great for some areas but not every area.
between challenges of finding parking slot and the threat of parking ticket i could just sit for little over 30 min for the panel.
i did not go with any expectations of finding any deals or buying anything. So i was not that dissapointed.
Yes, I did go to the discussion, the seminar, as I am always interested in learning and found the question at the end about high pricing, very interesting. The clear answer by the panel was "what the market will bear". I can tell you that the same items go for much less in Denmark than in New York, in terms of Danish classic furniture pieces. The reason for that, I think, is simply because wealthy New Yorkers will pay the prices. Danes do not throw their money around like many of us Americans do, and I'm every bit as guilty of paying excessive prices for things as anyone else here in NY. So, based on my experience with Danish decorative arts (I have bought extensively at several Scandinavian auction houses over the years plus many stores) and those prices vs. our prices here, I admit to having a jaded feeling about this issue. Do I buy things I love? Yes. In my case, my income can be way up and way down during any given year, which puts me in different frames of mind in terms of what I am willing to spend. When my income is up, I'll buy without a lot of care, when it's down, as it is now (ugh) I am more careful with my purchases, obviously and pay much more attention to real value based on research. I am also a Danish American and have a very heightened interest in all things Danish, first, and Scandinavian, second.
Last year, 2004, in January, I saw a painting I nearly bought in a fancy store in Copenhagen. I agonized about it but did not buy it. 6 months later, I was in a store in the Hamptons and to my utter shock, saw this same painting. I thought for sure it had to be a print, thus the duplicate, but upon closer examination, it was the same painting, purchased at the same gallery, as verified by the owner of the store I was in. The Hamptons price was triple the cost that I saw it at in the Copenhagen gallery. That really made me cranky! I had taken a digital picture of the painting in Denmark in case I wanted to order it after I got back, and it was the same painting. So, yes, one must know what one is buying. In terms of decorative arts in Denmark, they are a whole lot less expensive there, than here. Which, for me, brings into question the value of other items priced so highly when I see a show like this. Come on, $45,000 for a shark skin end table?
Susiq,
You do sound like a good shopper! I am impressed that you took the time to go back and look at the picture to see if it was the same painting! I am glad you went to the discussion, some really good points were made by knowledgeable people. As far as the shark skin table is concerned...other factors to consider are who it was designed by, how old it was and what its provenance was? These are just a few of the things that go into pricing an object. But yes what the market will bear is a factor (even impressionist paintings are not selling for what they were in the 1980's when lesser known artist's work were skyrocketing). Keep checking out the shows just for fun! Did you see the dealer with the Scandinavian glass? Go check out the International Fine Art and Antiques Show this weekend if you want real sticker shock (69th St. armory @ Park Avenue)!! Seriously, keep looking at objects and have fun! When collecting the old addage is: buy the best you can afford at the time.
Kate
Stephanie--
I disagree with your assessment of the show... no, this was no tag sale, but it's definitely not what washes up daily on Craigs List or eBay, so the prices will indeed be different. As the panel said, it has to do with quality, whether its a signature piece of a specific designer, whether it was owned by anyone famous (or infamous) how rare it is, condition, craftsmanship, etc...and, how popular/trendy the style currently is.
You say the show was for "rarified" dealers, and perhaps, but I think that can be viewed as a good thing... this is a show where, if you can't afford, you can certainly learn, since these are in many instances museum-quality pieces that are still indeed for sale. The Modern Show is really the best of the best, and chock full of experts who are more than happy to explain why what you're looking at is more than others you've see. Sure, some of it is dealer mark-up, some of it is dealer cachet, and some of it is just the symptom of these (NY) dealers having to cover higher pirces for their own rent (those who have storefronts). But that's true of many, many categories of retail here in NYC. I mean, you can get a wedding dress by fighting over it to the death at Filene's Basement, or you can go to Vera Wang and have a very different experience. Does it mean the folks at Vera Wang are evil price-gougers? Not really.
Yes, it's ideal (and preferred) when vendors put price tags on items. But if they don't, you need to ask (and your embarrassment to do so is, um, not really *their* fault...). But I've been to this show in the past many times, and have walked away with treasures for under $200... I've also asked for a price and a dealer has come down on the price without my even asking. And yes, other times I've asked and had to choke back a "ohdeargod" when the answer has more zeros than I care to calculate. But, so what? I've still enjoyed it, and if interested I ask what makes it such a valuable version of whatever it is, and have learned some fascinating things, met some fascinating people. Just at this show, we heard a fascinating tale told by a vendor of WWII binoculars and periscopes. Was I going to shell out $55,000 for one, had it even fit in my apartment? Probably not. But the vendor didn't care, and we had a lovely moment of appreciation and learning from someone who could barely contain his passion for the pieces and their history. How could that be bad?
And sure, among the majority of professionals this show consistently attracts (to it and the organizer's credit), there are the snobs and those who don't understand fully the concept of customer service. But, um, haven't we all had that same experience elsewhere, be it Bloomingdale's or Burger King?
Finally, not sure why you expected a specific price caliber here based on AT's connection to the event. Given the range of items (and homes) showcased on AT, I think making a "budget" assumption about the event is a little off base.
susiq--
A quick check on Orbitz.com showed a price range of tickets to Copenhagen ranging from $450 to over $2400... so your suggestion of shopping at the source doesn't provide that much more of a solution to the fiscally challenged. (and proves that "what the market will bear" is a concept found outside the world of antiques and collectibles, too, btw...)
I think you are making a blanket statement that is not fair to this show or its dealers. Yes, some things are cheaper elsewhere, but some examples (elsewhere) are quite simply not as good. Yes, there is always some "Emperor's New Clothes" going on anywhere high-end goods are sold, where prices seem far-fetched just for the hell of it, but just make sure you are making an apples-to-apples comparison. And I've found the Modern Show to have some pretty good apples...
Yes, you saw a painting cheaper a few months/years ago then when you saw it in the Hamptons (and I think the Hamptons is/are indeed an extreme and not-quite universal microcosm...), but since you originally saw that painting: someone bought it and is reselling it (so a mark-up, because-- horrors!-- that's how these people make their living), it has travelled great distance, it has been housed, it has been taxed, and exchange rate was applied, it has been insured, it may have received some preservation or conservation... none of which happens for free. Additionally, perhaps the artist found broader fame through publication or exhibition since then. It's also possible the gallery who sold it did not know what they had, and it was under-valued then versus being over-priced now... But that's how it works. I think what you learned (or should have) from this is to trust you eye and never let something you love get away when it speaks to you the first time...
Sure, I can get a Saab cheaper in Sweden (Before tax, shipping, airfare, long distance charges...). But does that mean a day at the NY Auto Show still isn't fun, or that those exhibitors are trying to screw the general working class? I don't think so.
And plus, if you remove the entire concept of "shopping" from The Modern (or any show, even Auto), there are still things to learn: how some exhibitors get a ton of stuff in and still it doesn't look crowded; how lighting can make or break a display. How art looks great on gray or deep colored walls. How an Eames chair can look smashing in front of a lacquered Chinese chest. How a diving helmet or piece of driftwood can have the sculptural presence to rival a (much more expensive) Henry Moore.
It's probably safe to say Mexican decorative arts are cheaper in Mexico. But that doesn't make every painting there a Frida Kahlo...
ps: One of the things I have done, if intimidated by a dealer or show, in regard to asking about prices or inquiring about an installment plan... get their card and email them after the show to inquire. You get your answer, but are saved any uncomfortable face-to-face moment if the price is not within your realm of possibility.
As usual, p(too) as the voice of well-measured reason.
I go to all kinds of shows and I maintain that 55,000 for a pair of binoculars is a bit out of wack, as is 275 for a steel wire box/bin. (you can be sure that whoever was lucky enough to discover these industrial bins did not pay anywhere NEAR $275, This is just a case of a designer type of person imbuing an object with value).
(and the genuis of retail)
.
This is one of those cases where the overused adage, "You get what you paid for" is simply not true.
Some people feel better when they pay lots of money for something. It convinces them that the value of what they bought is quite high, which in turn makes them feel more important and special.
Paying less does not necessarily mean you are buying an inferior product.
Prices for signed or stamped pieces of furniture, pottery, etc. range all over the place online and in shops.
They did NOT range all over the place at the show this past weekend. They were uber high end (which if we are honest, most Americans do not fit into this end when it comes to lifestyle, income, disposable income, etc. We may THINK we do, or identify with that class ----- as we do when we buy shelter magazines)
I am a professional who owns three homes and I felt like I was way in over my head at this show.
I've been to many shows where I don't feel this way. When it comes to antiques and collectibles there is a wide variation in prices. I've purchased things only to find that someone else is selling the identical item for much less.
I call these sky high prices a little bit snobbish. They exclude most of us (90% of Americans).
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I still disagree. True, the prices were not really "all over the place" because neither was the quality... I stand by MY story that the caliber of the dealers and items at the Modern are above average, and that's why I like the show... to see what this unique world considers the best of their categories.
The $55,000 price tag for those binoculars was for their craft, beauty, technology, art, sculpture, materials, and a piece of American history NEVER to be seen again. But not for everyone, at any price, agreed. (ps: calling them just "binoculars" does not do them justice... see Max's pics to get an idea). So what? If he can find a buyer at that price, good for him, and good for him for finding some way of preserving these marvels and respecting their/our history in a very unique way, instead of having them smelted down and turned into a Hummer...
The metal boxes: Yes, could be found elsewhere for less. So find 'em and enjoy your deal. I don't know about you, but I'm not tripping over them anywhere lately, so if you do find a stash, let us in on the secret. Or buy 'em all up, mark them up and sell them to us for a profit. Big whoop.
And if these are indeed skewed prices, then guess what? No one will buy any of it, and the dealers will eventually knock dollars off the price if they want the item to move or if they don't want to go out of business. And guess what else? Many would have knocked dollars off the prices at this show had you asked. Especially near closing on the last day when they are faced with having to pack it all up again...
I'm not saying spend as much as you can for the hell of it, nor that a high price guarantees worth, and believe me, I like "the deal" as much as the next. But none of that thinking does justice to the fact that some items have inherent value for any number of reasons even if you can't see it or relate to it.
Yes, these prices perhaps have limited appeal. But so do the items, in all honesty!
And if you've purchased things and found them cheaper later, that's way the adage "buyer beware" still applies.
Stephanie,
I am with Patrick (the other one) on this. I have worked in the antiques and auction field for the last17 years. Your statement leaves me wondering what antiques fairs you actually attend. Anyway, I am sure you must be a good bargain hunter! Don't forget about the expertise one pays for as well. Good luck to you.
Kate
HI I started this Website that sells
and
Come check it out!
HI I started this Website that sells Eames era furniture and decor
mid century modern furniture
Used designer ligthing
vintage teak furniture
and
60's curtains
www.thegoodmod.com
Come check it out!
I just saw this month's (Feb) issue of Dwell magazine and am in love with the baby furniture in that issue.
Specifically I liked the bassinet from Ooba. Also saw their ad which says, "Eleanor (baby) isn't into gingham any more than her mother is." Love that.