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Hilary Swank gets artsy with John Campisi at the Los Angeles Antique Show. Donato Sardella/WireImage

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

An artsy crowd gathered at the Barker Hangar for the Hajj of high design, better known as the Los Angeles Antiques Show. For the past 14 years, the Antique Dealers Association has put together an eye-popping extravaganza featuring 60 of the world’s top galleries and exhibitors.

There was a starry opening night celebration to benefit the public education program, “P.S. ARTS.” Malibu’s Jane Seymour looked almost as colorful as the oil paintings she was admiring. The “Wedding Crashers” star came decked out in a vibrant turquoise wrap dress and a fanciful painter’s smock. Hilary Swank sported a sexy multicolored mini, while Nikki Hilton donned red and white stripes. Nikki’s parents, Kathy and Rick, made the rounds along with Albert Brooks, Kate Linder, Lisa Kudrow, Garcelle Beauvais, Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey.

The entrance was done up like an outdoor garden with a carpet of green grass and stone urns brimming with purple delphiniums and maidenhair ferns. Inside there was a treasure at every turn. San Francisco’s Kathleen Taylor was back with her splendid selection of sumptuous fabrics. Her centerpiece this year was a magnificent French Tapestry worthy of Versailles. The wall hanging depicted a scene from Greek mythology and was originally created by Charles Le Brun for Louis XIV. It was impressive, indeed, and it could be yours for a cool $225,000.

Kathleen also brought in a variety of vintage rugs that were done in what we now know as tie-dye. “It’s quite an old process,” she explained. “Many cultures around the world used it as an inexpensive way to put pattern on textiles.”

Across the way, it was all about the bling, with enough diamonds, emeralds and rubies to please a princess. “We are absolutely glowing,” enthused Ellen Israel. The Kentshire Gallery specialist brought along three massive cases with everything from dazzling, art deco estate jewelry to classic David Webb gems from the ’50s and ’60s. One massive golden collar looked like it came from King Tut’s tomb. “It’s probably the best Webb piece we’ve ever had,” Ellen explained. “It’s more than worth its weight in gold.”

Servers dished out first-class finger fare including organic lamb chops with rosemary, grilled asparagus and sirloin sliders with caramelized onions. In between bites and sips of champagne, art lovers marveled at the vast collection of museum-quality pieces. Even something as simple as a Native American Indian basket can fetch astronomical prices.

“They can go pretty high,” said dealer Paul Elmore. “There’s one weaver from the Washoe tribe whose baskets range from $250,000 to $400,000.”

The place was filled with just about every decorative object imaginable-1920s one-piece wool bathing suits, turn of the century baseball mitts, snake skin tables, Venetian chandeliers, early Americana, elephant tusks from Africa and original two-bit slot machines from Wild West boom towns. But whether it’s a delicate Japanese screen or an intricately carved ivory throne, The Los Angeles Antique Show has something for everyone. And even if you don’t spend a dime, this annual event always gives you your money’s worth.

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