ANTIQUE FREAKS
Art lovers flocked to the Barker Hangar to check out the glorious selection of goods at this year’s Los Angeles Antique Show. Sure, the event was smaller than in it’s been in years past, but it continues to delight with a vast array of extraordinary objects, charming knick-knacks and one-of-a-kind curiosities.
It was cold and breezy outside, but warm and toasty inside. After making their way past the eclectic grand entry way designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, guests sipped pear and mango margaritas and servers made the rounds serving lamb tenderloin with caramelized onions and lobster and goat cheese panini.
Hipsters sailed through the various spaces filled with dazzling gems, deco furniture, oceanic art, English silver and French sideboards.
Malibu cougar Courteney Cox joined sexy burlesque queen Dita Von Teese and Kimberly Brooks in hosting the splashy opening night preview party to benefit P.S. Arts. Courteney brought a starry group of pals and neighbors including Amber Valletta, Marcia Cross, Darren Star, and Fred and Carla Sands.
There was an artistic adventure around every turn. Antiquarian Bernard Steinitz was front and center with a space which resembled a Parisian living room. The entry was flanked by massive floor to ceiling tapestries in cranberry and gold. “We aren’t entirely sure of their history,” explained Maimouna Traore, “but we know they are 18th Century.” There were glistening gilded mirrors, brooding statues, decorative urns and sumptuous silks. The big showpiece at this stop was a stunning Boulle desk. “Oh we know all about that one,” the dealer continued. “It’s 17th Century, all tortoise and brass and came from one of the Rothschild’s residences.”
History is all around at this extravaganza and you never know what you might learn. Diana Douglas was busy showing off her impressive collection of Americana, especially African American Americana. One faded wooden menu board from the Line Avenue Cafe proudly stated that it catered to “the colored” and featured five-cent burgers, ten-cent ham and cheese sandwiches and a full pork lunch for 15 cents.
Long time exhibitor Kentshire was back with a blinding bundle of serious bling-chunky classics from David Webb, delicate diamonds from Van Cleef & Arpels and eye-poppers from Cartier.
But whether it’s a pair of earth spirits from the Tang Dynasty or an entire wall of antique barometers, the show never fails to inspire. The event raised thousands of dollars for P.S. Arts, which keeps art education in public schools.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.