Leading up to Fashion Week, we've gathered together some of the designers whose shows we're most anticipating to give us their guides to... well.... whatever they feel qualified to guide us through! Our first guider is Catherine Holstein, the It Girl of last season's Fashion Week, who had all the critics a-buzzing with her remarkably chic Margot Tenenbaum by way of Cory Kennedy bad-ass prepstress looks. In addition to being one of the fashion world's most talented up and coming bright young designers, Holstein is apparently a furniture freak. So while putting the finishing touches on her upcoming Spring collection -- which takes place Sept. 6 at Bumble and Bumble -- she took some time to bestow upon us her guide to antique shopping in New York.
I love shopping for furniture, even though my apartment is so teeny and stuffed that I have a strict "look but don't touch" policy these days. Regardless, I love to meet up with my best pal, Ryan Korban -- a genius interior designer -- to scope out old and new furniture shops around town.
Our first stop is Flair (88 Grand St., (212) 274-1750). Though I'm partial to curvy, sweeping lines, there is something very enchanting and classical about the modern straight edges throughout the store. There is an abundance of brass, chrome, marble and nickel. They all shine in a way that is alluring and inviting. The mix of metals and the way they compliment each other is simply heavenly. The store specializes in ‘70s furniture.
Item to covet: Their ashtrays are the best!
Next, we head on to Fig (123 Ludlow St., (212) 228-2665) on the Lower East Side. Now we're back to my aesthetic: 18th-century antiques. The space is tiny and impeccably edited with a perfect mix of fluid lines in the furniture and an excellent taxidermy selection. They always have a vintage bed that I drool over and fantastic chesterfields. The shop is lovely and romantic and reminds me of growing up in London.
Item to covet: A porcelain Chinoiserie lamp
Then it's off to Area ID Modern (262 Elizabeth St., (212) 219-9903). This is the perfect place for mid-20th-century pieces. They have a keen sense for quality fabrics. I love, love, love their printed leathers. They have a pony print that is to die for. They can also customize anything. If you want a fur sofa, I'm sure they could whip it up! There is nothing they can't do.
Item to covet: Fur! They have the best, from Mongolian to fox pillows and throws. Aggggh I could lie in their store all day.
Next, we swing on over to David Stypmann (190 Sixth Ave., (212) 226-5717). It's a collage of decorative accent antiques. They specialized in lighting, dishes and serving trays. It's mostly French 19th century and I often feel I could drown in their soft color palette. There is also a wonderful art shop next door with amazing nudes from the 1950s.
Items to covet: Wedgewood vintage plates and trays and beautiful entertaining glassware like decanters
Finally, we head to Lars Bolander (72 Gansevoort St., (212) 924-1000). This is one of my favorites because it is reminiscent of an English garden. The lovely yet modern palette of creams, whites and greys are exquisite. The fabrics are luxurious but easy, a quality that I try to emulate in my own designs. The space is airy and light with a hint of tradition that is perfection. Imagine a conservatory in the English countryside. This was a huge influence on my latest collection and the laces would look perfect immersed in the wide range of glass.
Items to covet: Glass and cast iron coffee tables.
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