I had the pleasure of attending an interior designer breakfast this morning at The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show.  The event was sponsored by Michael Bruno, President and Founder of 1stdibs, and Michael Boodro, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decor, and included a wonderful group.  It was fun touring the fair with my fellow colleagues such as Matthew Patrick Smyth, Philip Gorrivan, and the ever chic Kristen McGinnis.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, these types of events are a great way to see the best of the best and to train your eye and educate yourself.  The caliber of artwork, decorative arts and furniture is top notch and a mix of all periods and styles.  Some of my favorite dealers include H.M. Luther, Maison Gerard, Jill Newhouse, and Axel Vervoordt. 

It is worth attending the show just to see Axel’s amazing space above.  The gorgeous abstract painting by Kazuo Shiraga, a Japanese artist who was friends with Jackson Pollock, was actually created with his feet.  (That is definitely a story for a future blog post!)  Axel really is a master at mixing the most amazing pieces.  “I mix things from every age; it’s like bringing friends together, ” he said on 1stdibs.  He is also releasing a new book Wabi Inspirations in February 2011.  According to the description, Wabi was developed in the twelfth century, and “advocates simplicity and humility, the rejection of all that is superfluous or artificial. Through extraordinary photographs from Japan and Korea to Belgium and Switzerland, Vervoordt invites us to explore the elements that inspire him: natural materials and time-worn objects that evoke the essence of Wabi.”  Sounds interesting.

The show runs through October 28th at the Park Avenue Armory.  If you check out coverage of The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show on 1stdibs, you’ll find an offer for free admission!  Bon Weekend!