Malibu Seen

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From left: Wendy Goldberg, Nathan Wall and Kimberly Brooks get art smart at the Barker Hangar. Photo courtesy of WireImage

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

Malibu songbird Barbra Streisand was among the A-list art lovers eyeing a breathtaking array of coveted collectables at the Los Angeles Antiques Show. The Barker Hangar was bopping as celebs and serious buyers gathered for the opening night bash. That’s where we found Ms. Barbra admiring a case of exquisite porcelain miniatures while Molly Sims and Debi Mazar munched on tasty treats and Wendy Goldberg caught up with old pals.

This year’s event was a departure from the old format. The gala, sponsored by the Antique Dealers Association of California, brought in a very respectable $300,000 for P.S. Arts as well as a slightly younger and hipper crowd. A nightlife loving deejay replaced the standard string quartet. And a set up of sushi bars took the place of carnivore-pleasing carving stations. Still, Obsolete Gallery’s Ray Azoulay gave the evening and the organization a big thumbs up. “P.S. Arts is a great group,” he explained. “They are helping to bring dance, theater and art back into public schools, so it’s a good partnership for us.”

Servers made the rounds with salmon bellinis, quail eggs and flutes of champagne while art fans checked out aisle after aisle of glorious goods. From Regency writing desks to Ming vases, Americana quilts to Greek statuary, if it was old, opulent or unique, chances are you’d find it here.

Roadshow regular Carrie Imberman of Kenshire Gallery in NYC arrived with a treasure chest of vintage jewels that wouldn’t look out of place at Buckingham Palace. Among her fabulous finds, an unusual Victorian-era, foot-long diamond and gold floral broach. “It’s rare to find one this large,” she said, proudly demonstrating its versatility. “You can pull out the diamond flowers and wear them as earrings. It can also be used as a necklace or a tiara. So it’s actually several pieces in one.”

Just down the way, there was a spectacular pair of mid-century Venini glass chandeliers. And these beauties could have been yours for a cool $30K. Right around the corner, there were regal Japanese robes and extravagant textiles.

I stopped at Oceanic Art of Palos Verdes to admire some intriguing 1930s spears from Papua New Guinea. “Are they for killing fish,” I inquired. “No,” I was told by gallery owner Michael Hamson. “They are for killing people. You can tell because they’re so decorative.” Thankfully, these sensational stabbers didn’t look very well-used.

Hamson says that interest in oceanic art has exploded in recent years and the one-of-a-kind pieces are more popular the ever. “Pacific Art covers an area from Hawaii to Australia. Tribal masks have become especially collectable. But so have arrows or even fruit bowls. Anything as long as it’s beautiful.”

And beauty is what this event is all about. With 65 top-notch dealers from around the world, shopping, champagne and celebrities, the Los Angeles Antiques Show always makes for a memorable evening with a wealth of riches to behold.