Current Trends at the Battersea Decorative Fair
One of my favorite antiques fairs opened October 3: I’ve shared many Antiques Diva® tours and buying trips with you on the blog. I always count Battersea as a do not miss antiques event. More than just shopping, The Decorative Fair at London’s Battersea Park is an experience. And my team at The Antiques Diva & Co feels privileged to count several dealers at the fair as friends and favorite sources that our clients have special access to. Held 3 times annually, the fair’s reputation is well-known: interior designers from around the globe attend The Decorative Fair, often shopping with their clients, and many American dealers attend to stock their store – but private customers are welcome to attend also! Designers and stylists attend the Fair to search out original and unusual furniture, art and accessories to give their projects an individual touch. (Spotted: The Fair was recently visited by David and Victoria Beckham… they shopped with their decorator Rose Uniacke, and one of the UK’s hottest interior designers at present!)
Styles at The Decorative Fair range from French and English antique furniture to tabletop to mid-century modern. And what I love about the Battersea Decorative Fair is that not only is there something for everyone’s taste, there is also a range of price points. If you are seeking high-end antiques, you will find them; but The Fair also has smalls and decorative pieces that won’t cost a fortune – and may even fit in your suitcase!
Today’s guest blog is by Pippa Roberts, Specialist at The Decorative Fair, on the current trends in antiques and decor seen at London’s Autumn 2017 Decorative Fair – open now through October 8.
The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair – Battersea Park, London
Decorated ‘brown’ furniture
There has been a marked interest recently in fine, late 18th and early 19th-century furniture, with good embellishment and in richly coloured woods, such as Italian or French fruitwood or walnut commodes with ormolu/metal mounts or decoration. For international buyers pressed for time, there is no better one-stop-shop for European furniture than the Decorative Fair.

French Restoration period mahogany commode of small size with fine original mounts (and detail). Late-C18th North Italian walnut inlaid commode.
Classic country house style / maximalism
The country house look is definitely back in, and the Decorative Fair is the home of classic English country house furnishings: Persian rugs on floors, a mix of polished and painted wood furniture and nicely upholstered Regency sofas, elaborate mirrors, traditional portrait and landscape paintings, tapestries, etc. Chintz is back in, big time, in terms of textiles and pattern. Layering different periods of furniture and accessories adds instant ‘family history’ and an established, ‘been there forever’ look to a room. You can decorate an entire country house from top to bottom at the Decorative Fair! It’s the only fair you can sensibly achieve this at.

Pair of early C19th mahogany lyre-back hall chairs; carved gilded mirror with oval plate probably Flemish c.1710.

Knole sofa upholstered in velvet! (and in a very current ‘plum’ colour); C19th serpentine English sofa in vintage chintz.
White ceramics
White ceramics have been a big thing for the past year or two, and look set to retain their chic; groups of white German modernist vases, large Regency-style French tureens and jugs, and more ornately decorated pieces for impactful tablescapes and cabinet displays.

White ceramics remain on trend. Stands from past fairs shown here Jackdawes and Quindry.

White ceramics featured in stands from past fairs by Nick Jones.
Decorated folk furniture / art
Traditional pieces that have a homespun air: decorated furniture, either painted, or découpaged, or decorated with more unusual materials such as seeds, i.e. truly unique pieces.

Pine Seed Graduated Shelves: there are quite a few examples of pine seed decoration but few of this quality and intricacy. The shelves are almost entirely covered in these exquisite patterns made from flatted pine seeds. 90cm x 53.5cm x 16 cm (to be offered at the Oct fair by Streett Marburg & Charlotte Casedejus). Right: German Augsburg Arte Povera (folk art) painted decoupage small cabinet c1700 sold earlier this year.
Art Deco glamour
Art Deco design is selling well, especially glass – colourful, and looks great on the cocktail shelf/bar cart. You can see Deco style in many of the leading designer contemporary brands at present.

Deco turquoise ‘rope’ decorated vases by French ceramics house Sainte Radegonde, 1930s / 40s; this Aldo Tura 1960s lacquered goatskin drinks cabinet carries a strong deco aesthetic, his designs have been highly popular recently; a splendid stepped and waisted form facet cut Deco Josephinenhütte decanter with silver plate collar with flashed amber panels to the front and back, each finely engraved with stylised berry designs, c1930s, designed by Siegfried Haertl (this piece is coming to the Oct fair with one of our glass and decorative tile specialists, Richard Hoppé).
Bamboo and rattan furniture is still having a strong ‘moment’. As are bar carts of every style and era!

Selection of rattan and bamboo furniture photographed at recent Decorative Fairs.
Indigo blue / blue and white
This colour, and blue & white china, has been having a renaissance; classic blue and white Delftware pots or English china plates are being used once again by decorators, even using gilded sconces to mount them around fireplaces (as per the C17th habit) or in dining rooms. Indigo blue is a big interiors colour at the moment, so we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon.

Selection of C18th and C19th Delftware pots and vases can always be found at the fair; gorgeous indigo blue vintage Chinese folk textiles from new exhibitor Bleu Anglais.

Blue and white china of varying dates and styles on an exhibitor’s stand at the last fair; antique English blue & white china featured in the foyer display in April this year – the fair has a specialist, Sue Norman, exhibiting in this field.
Velvet upholstery and trimmings
Top of the list in terms of luxe upholstery trends right now! The Decorative Fair presented a passementerie foyer display a couple of years ago, and since then, tassels, trimmings, and fringes have been back with a vengeance in high-end interiors. Antique passementerie, metallic threadwork and haberdashery items are offered by many of the textile dealers (and others) at the fair.
Book an Antiques Diva Buying Tour
The Battersea Decorative Antiques & Textiles Details
- October 3-8 2017
- Battersea Evolution
Battersea Park
London SW11 4NJ
Vehicle Entry via Chelsea Bridge Gate ONLY - Tuesday 3rd October: 12 noon – 8pm
Wednesday 4th October: 11am – 8pm
Thursday 5th October : 11am – 8pm
Friday 6th October: 11am – 7pm
Saturday 7th October: 11am – 7pm
Sunday 8th October: 11am – 6pm - £10 on the door including catalogue which allows free re-entry
Tickets can only be purchased with cash - www.decorativefair.com
Vendors at The Decorative Fair are carefully selected specialists in antique and 20th-century design from Britain and Europe with an unrivalled selection of stock.
October is the last date for The Decorative Fair in 2017; if you’d like a private antique buying tour in 2018 (January 23-28, April 17-22, and Autumn 2018) to Battersea’s design extravaganza – plus our other London and English countryside custom antique buying tours.
Cheers! Hope to see you in London!
Toma Clark Haines – The Antiques Diva®
Battersea Decorative Fair Autumn 2014
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>It seems like my travel schedule has been insane lately! Between taking private and trade clients on tours, international speaking engagements and press trips, it’s been a whirlwind! But one of the perks of my job is being able to attend some of the best antiques fairs in the world. This week I had the privilege of taking a journalist from America on an Antiques Diva & Co tour of London which was perfect because it was in conjunction with The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park!
The Fair opened on September 30 and we were privileged to get a handful of Press passes which allowed us to enter the fair before the public. Being able to meet with dealers and see the inventory before it flies out the door is always a thrill. And being one of the top antique fairs, there are trays of champagne being passed, which fits perfectly with the Antiques Diva experience! As people line up outside to enter the fair, they are also served glasses of champagne… now that’s the kind of line I wouldn’t mind waiting in!
Of course there is so much to see at this fair— styles range from French and English antique furniture to tabletop to mid century modern. And what I love about the Battersea Decorative Fair is that not only is there something for everyone’s taste, there is also a range of price points. If you want serious antiques, you can find them. But you also can find very decorative pieces that won’t cost you a fortune and may even fit in your suitcase!
However, there are definitely serious shoppers at this renowned fair. Famous actors, international socialites and philanthropists all frequent Battersea. In fact, just a few days after we were there, Oprah Winfrey dropped by to peruse the stalls. Nothing like bumping elbows with celebrities while sipping champagne and shopping for antiques!!!
All in all I’d say that this is certainly a “do not miss” event. More than just shopping, The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park is an experience. And my team at The Antiques Diva & Co feels so privileged to count several dealers at the 2014 fair as friends and favorite sources that our clients consistently have access to. Sometimes it’s surreal to think that we have the same sources as celebrities and royalty…but the truth is, we do!
If you’d like information on taking an Antiques Diva & Co Buying Tour in any of our 8 tour countries, email us at to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com.
Happy Shopping,
The Antiques Diva®
Shopping the Autumn Decorative Fair at Battersea Park in London
Dear Diva Readers,
The Antiques Diva® team is ALL over the place this month. Gail, our UK Diva, joined Susan, our Italian Diva and me in Parma, Italy this past week for Mercanteinfiera meanwhile Lucretia, our Belgian and Dutch Diva was in London shopping the Autumn Decorative Fair at Battersea Park!
Lucretia writes reporting from the London Decorative Fair:
“By a stroke of luck, I happened to be in London during the Autumn Decorative Fair in Battersea Park, 1-6 October 2013. Curious and in possession of a free ticket, I had to go check it out. Afterall, it’s important for me as the Dutch & Belgian Diva Guide to understand what’s happening around the world in the antique scene. Interior decoration is kind of a passion for me. Where else than in cosmopolitan London can one get a better update on the latest trends?
The fair is relatively small and cozy, with 143 exhibitors each with a compact stand, allowing you to see the whole inventory without getting bored or exhausted. The atmosphere is relaxed, the vendors congenial, the prices affordable and negotiable.
There were a few dealers with traditional antiques, but the majority showed a mix of old furniture — mostly stripped down to the bare wood, sometimes whitewashed or with the original paint — and 20th century pieces. What really surprised me was the predominance of glass and metal furniture from the sixties and seventies. Coffee tables, nests of 3 tables, console tables, dinner tables, they have to be transparent, light, made of chrome or brass or painted black metal, with a glass top. Exactly the style we bought for our first home when we married in 1981 (you begin to feel really old when the fashion of your twenties makes a come-back)! Instead of storing it in the garage, I should bring it back to the living room and get rid of my mahogany!
The overall style was not moody like The Antiques Diva discovered at Maison Objet but rather delicate, with walls painted light grey or taupe, lots of mirrors, crystal chandeliers to catch the light. Symmetry is still going strong, you often see two identical console tables with huge mirrors next to each other, perfect doubles. Cheerfully bright upholstery (think pink, purple, turquoise) on vintage chairs and sofas was also a noticeable trend. On the other hand, the industrial design with its large proportions and rude surfaces is also still present, although not my personal favorite.
These antique and vintage dealers have to be inventive and original decorators nowadays, composing their stands using unusual objects in order to catch the attention of the visitors. Some did a great job, and they make a visit to the Decorative Fair in Battersea Park an uplifting experience!”
Your Belgian-Dutch Diva – Lucretia reporting Live from London!
PS – All this and don’t forget you can have a chance to meet our Swedish Divo in England this weekend at Esher Hall.
Diva Does Decorative Fair at London Battersea
Dear Diva Readers,
As I write this post, it’s late at night – the night before The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair 23-28 April 2013 Battersea Park, London SW11. My heart is pounding, I can’t sleep. All I can think about are ANTIQUES – tomorrow I’ll be arriving the pearly gates of great decorative antique pieces. I’ll be bringing a VIP Aussie client with me to shop – but I must confess – I might have to break my cardinal rule not to shop on tour with this client. The fair is just going to be that good! Bloody H-E-Double Hockey Sticks, my purchases just might break the bank.
This fair will host more that 140 of the top decorative antiques trade. Anyone who has watched tors” target=”_blank”>Million Dollar Decorators knows this fair is a 1st port of call for decorators worldwide – I particularly loved the episode in season 1 when Kathryn Ireland went to the show to decorate an old flame’s English country house. And Martin Lawrence Bullard is famous for haunting the affairs. But it’s not just Big Names in Lights that shop here… many of the American trade buyers who have built a name for having the best inventory in stock come over specifically for the event three times a year to see wonderful objects, furniture and works of art of all periods to tempt every aficionado of fine interiors. Traditional accessories from kitchenalia to wine glasses, textiles and quirky decorations such as antique shoes alongside ‘Grand Tour’ intaglios displayed under domes and taxidermy also under glass domes on a grand scale. The fair is also a serious source for good antique furniture from early English oak to Georgian walnut and Regency mahogany with Arts and Crafts and Art Deco pieces appearing more and more frequently.
Anyone who has followed the publicity surrounding Antiques Young Guns will have noticed that the main event will be hosted at this venue which is the ultimate source for discerning homemakers, designers and trade. The event, still known in the trade inner circles as “the Decorators’ Fair” is indeed an event for the Young Guns of the trade to aspire to and thanks to the generosity of the organiser David Juran they will have a bird’s eye view of this storming event from the complimentary stand in the foyer where a very varied selection of contributions from The Young Guns will be on display and for sale. The chance to submit stock to be showcased at what is an elite event for the more experienced members of the trade – The Heavy Artillery – was a driving force behind so many entries in the competition.
Keil and Stuart, the Fontaine boys, are now in their sixth year at The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Spring Fair and they seem to be on a gilded path with one successful fair after another, not forgetting their debut at Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair last year which was a sell out. Their prominent stand just inside the main arena at Battersea is always a buzzy hive of activity and a quick check on their web site this week confirms that they have been on yet another buying frenzy in France. The boys seem to have a policy of keeping the stock fresh at all times in the former town laundry which they have artfully transformed in Margate, Kent. They have regular sales of existing stock when prices really are slashed together with their annual boozy and lively “deballage” where they also showcase new stock, and then off they go to France to replenish it all with fresh delights. They have an extremely sharp eye for trifles and baubles you did not realize you simply could not live without but they are also very clever at structuring all of this with sleek usable furniture – each piece with an arresting little detail to give it that little flick.
Somebody who is heading along his own gilded path is Young Gun George Johnson, aged 35, who owns Lady Kentmores in Callander up the picturesque Trossachs region of Scotland. George has in a very short space of time made a name for himself in his role as one of the four hosts on Channel 4’s Secret Removers and since this appearance has been offered a new role in another nationwide show still under embargo! George writes regularly for my colleague Gail McLeod’s website Antiques News and Fairs and a number of other trade press and has recently been snapped up to write a column for Money Maker Magazine, giving tips on how to make a profit from collectibles. You might recall that I described his shop as “a cocktail stirred but not shaken!” – a confection of curios, collectibles and the macabre.
As a key member of the crack team of judges for Antiques Young Guns, George was not eligible to enter the awards but he is able to display some of his stock on the Young Guns stand at Battersea. He has chosen two of his favorite pieces of taxidermy which he acquired after a lengthy and circuitous journey to a remote castle in the North of Scotland where the Laird had invited him to come and buy a few pieces. George found the journey home a lot more enjoyable with some prize examples of pre-war taxidermy in tow!
SO… on Thursday of this week – April 25th,2013 – I’m lucky enough to be returning back to Battersea (after shopping the Cotswolds and Sussex) to attend the Antiques Young Gun Competition!! The contenders for winning the award of brightest light shining in the trade – in the under 39 category include:
Profiles of the shortlisted entrants for the 2013 National Antiques Week Young Guns award:
Robbie Timms (30), Bedfordshire
S&S Timms Antiques from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, one of the founding members of the original #AntiquesYoungGuns. He brings a new outlook to the traditional furniture side of the trade. Robbie launched the world’s first antiques shop iPhone/iPad App. Joined the family antiques business aged 16, and has ‘upped the ante’ by exhibiting at the UK’s top fairs.
Natalie Smith (32), Woodbridge
www.woodbridgeantiquescentre.co.uk
Opened her own antique centre at only 26 years old and proves that antique centres are not just an old person’s game. Got the antiques bug while visiting car boot fairs with her dad, took a degree in Italian, worked for a jewellers in Venice but really got into dealing when she helped sell some of her father’s collections.
Keeley Harris (36), York
Runs Discover Vintage & Vintage Emporium, has been making waves from her shop in York and from the various fairs she runs throughout the country. Fell in love with a Victorian doll’s house aged eight, and spent her teens buying at car boots and charity shops to sell on at antiques fairs. Interim jobs in events have helped her create very interactive vintage shows.
Kieran Mathewson (26), Herefordshire
Dealer in tribal art, architectural reclamation and country furniture. Has carved out a career through determination and a love for objects. First struck aged eight by a pewter tankard in a South African antiques shop that looked like one he had seen in a pirate movie -“I remember my heart racing, wondering about its history. That feeling is a high I have been chasing ever since!”
Paul Jones (29), N. Wales& Chester
Runs Morgan Fairs in Wales and has his own shop in Cheshire specialising in Victorian pine and country furniture, and smaller items including books, folk art and kitchenalia. His parents are in the trade (specialist Welsh and vernacular furniture dealers).
Paul was a mechanic until he realised his heart was really in antiques. Dealt at fairs for two years before opening his own shop.
Timothy Medhurst (21), Chelmsford
Turned a childhood love of coins in to a career as an auctioneer specialising in the numismatic world. Determined to bring a youthful edge to a field sometimes seen as old and stuffy. The youngest of our short-list, Timothy aged 10 was first amazed by a Victorian crown coin shown him by his grandmother. That sparked a collecting craze he developed into an online dealing business whilst still at school.
Matthew Nunn (37), Reading
Runs Apsley Antiques Ltd & Fleaglass Ltd and has been bringing the scientific antiques market to a whole new generation.
Spent years working in engineering but was hooked on antiques as a child, and started dealing when eBay launched.
Adam Partridge (39), Macclesfield
Adam is still a young gun, but has achieved so much in auctioneering after some major early set-backs. Well known from TV (Flog It! et al). His first purchase: a small oil painting, bought with pocket money aged eight, which he still has. Read classics at Oxford but spent more time haunting fairs and auctions.
Sam Loxton (33), London
Travels the world sourcing the finest jewellery for Lucas Rarities Ltd and has a love for the finest items. In his words: “I consider myself a champion of antique jewellery…” He adored old books and antiques; soon after school he was offered two jobs at once – with the National Art Library and with Christie’s as a porter in the jewellery department. He took the latter and has been utterly dedicated to jewels ever since.
Chris Oxley (36), Wiltshire
Another founding member of the #AntiquesYoungGuns, busy rejuvenating the timeless world of fine clocks. His parents established P.A.Oxley Antique Clocks, and Chris started going on buying trips with them from the age of 10. He joined the business after leaving school, and now runs it with his mother.
Alys Dobbie (29), Cornwall& E. Sussex
Owns two vintage shops under the Nana Dobbie brand, one in Brighton and one in Lostwithiel, Cornwall; causing a stir in the 20th century collectables and vintage worlds. Another who fell in love with ‘retro’ whilst car-booting with her dad. Tried art college but couldn’t resist temptation to deal. Studied in order to do her own modern furniture restoration, and says her business has only ever used recycled packaging!
James Gooch (30), Bedfordshire
Another founding member of the #AntiquesYoungGuns, runs Doe & Hope, a web-based antiques and curios shop that aims to bring a bit of fun and showmanship to the trade. Early obsession with antiques television programmes. With a BA in film & video, he first worked as a runner and researcher in TV production. A small legacy from his grandmother was what prompted him to set up shop.
For full exhibitor list and times see The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair website! In the meantime – I cannot wait to see you in London!!!
Let the shopping commence!
The Antiques Diva®
NATIONAL ANTIQUES WEEK – THE MAIN EVENTS!
Please visit National Antiques Week Main Events feature with images and full details of all events and promotions.
We are delighted to report on the main events for National Antiques Week which in addition to the Antiques Young Guns campaign culminating in a sparkling evening to celebrate National Antiques Week with an awards ceremony followed by a party at The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair.
Battersea – Roderic Haugh
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 100px; line-height: 90px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>A few days ago I mentioned that Becca Gauldie was going to be at the tor.html” target=”_blank”>Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair in London’s Battersea Park and today I want to introduce you to another sensational dealer – Roderic Haugh who trades regularly at Core One Antiques. In addition to selling in this Fulham antiques collective, Roderic also takes clients by appointment in London or Norwich where he has his workshops. In addition to selling art and antiques, he offers a restoration service for all types of antique furniture.
Today I want to share with you a few fun finds on the Roderic Haugh Antiques website (his site is chocked full of interesting finds) to whet your appetite before you attend next week’s London Fair! Get ready to shop til you drop because I promise you Battersea is going to be good this Fall!
This 1920’s Still Life is a Bargain at £590 – I’m utterly smitten by the colors and composition!
Anything Chinoserie is swoon-worthy in my mind and this George I Chinoserie Chest on a Stand for £3,600 is no exception. Propping this in your living room says DIVA!
This French Country Refectory Table (circa 1870) £2,600 is exceptionally wide and would make a great dining table for a casual country kitchen. I’ve been looking for something similar for years… and the price on this one is just right.
Rats! I was too slow in pulling my buying trigger – this Pair of Italian Giltwood Consol Tables is SOLD! Tant pis pour moi!
What a gorgeous collection for great decorative appeal – 4 Bottles for £690
This collection of vintage Horticultural trays, priced each at £18, could be positively darling decorating a a sunroom or enclosed back porch
These are just a few of Roderic Haugh Antiques fun finds! A decorative dealer since 1963 dealing in 18th, 19th and 20th Century furniture and objects with a difference, Roderic Haugh is one of the dazzling dealers at London’s famous Core One (one of my favorite stops in London). This antiques collective has 9 dealers, each with their own unique style, selling beautiful furniture and objects available to both private clients and trade! This year at Battersea Core One Antiques will have a good showing of dealers exhibiting at Battersea! In addition to Roderic Haugh, you’ll find Annabella Rothery and topheedwards.com/” target=”_blank”>Christophe Edwards.
Don’t forget to visit Roderic Haugh at The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Battersea this September 27 to October 2, 2011.
Happy Shopping,
The Antiques Diva®
Remember the Future
Hey Diva Readers,
As I write from Venice, Carnevale is taking place outside my window. The calles are filled with men and ladies dressed in carnival gear strolling alongside canals. The most popular place to finish one’s stroll is of course Caffè Florian on the Piazza San Marco. The theme of this year’s Carnevale is “Remember the Future” – taken from Salvador Dali’s quote “I prefer to remember the future.” As we come out of this pandemic, and life starts to have a semblance of familiarity, I think about how much closer we are to these memories. In the last quarter of this newsletter, I share a list of upcoming antique fairs in Europe where we’ll be taking clients on real life antique buying tours (and continuing our virtual services). I think this new world – in which we will be living post-pandemic will be like this – with a foot in each world, virtual and reality intertwined. To quote an old Arby’s commercial from my childhood…“Different is better.” The opportunity we have now is to choose the best from the last two years to take with us as we return to the future lives we all long to live. A lot of what we’ve shared virtually and digitally as a company has changed the way we do business at The Antiques Diva & Co – and our Instagram lives, virtual buying tours and podcasts will continue.
I’ve been talking…have you been listening? Listening to my podcast – that is! Each week on The Business of Antiques Podcast, I interview guests who share a wealth of information on how to become an antiques dealer and how to run an antiques store.
Eve Oliver – PR & Marketing Manager for IACF organizers of premium antiques fairs in the UK including Newark, Ardingly and Shepton Mallet – writes “I’ve been listening to your podcast and it’s incredible! I can’t get enough of it! I’m low-key obsessed at the moment!!!!”
Carson Kressley – of Rupal’s Drag Race and ORIGINAL Queer Eye for the Straight Guy kicked off the New Year on the Business of Antiques podcast by talking about his love for antiquing while traveling abroad.
Meanwhile, James Gooch joins us from England’s own Doe & Hope, as we explain how antique dealers can be cool hunters, Rich Shell talks about his new concept store in Colorado Springs – Evan Guy, and I personally share my END OF YEAR REVIEW. Here’s a pro hint…this end of year review works anytime you want to re-evaluate when you are in building a life and business you love. Your New Year – New Business – New You – can start today. My favorite episode is EPISODE 10 of Season 2 – You and Me – Me and You – where I debut my singing career (spoiler alert: I sing off key), as I tell you all about HOW we at The Antiques Diva help Antique Dealers increase their profit margin through sourcing, business coaching & development, antique dealer training, marketing services and website development.
As a Business Coach for Antique Dealers, I’ve learned that one of the most important things I do is help antique dealers determine, define, and execute their strategy to achieve the goal of building an antiques business that supports the way they want to live their lives.
As we kick off 2022, I repeat this question – you’ve heard me ask you 1 million times already in the last decade – What are your dreams? How do you want to be living your life?
Answering this question can be as simple as asking yourself “How do I want to start each day?”
My morning routine is sacred. And confession? I’m pretty pissy when that routine gets disturbed. I wake early. But that doesn’t mean I rise early. I stay under the covers two or three hours after my eyes open spending time thinking, reading, snuggling with the cats but mostly writing in that hour between wake and sleep when I can hear myself so clearly. My dream is to write a NY Times best-selling memoir – and I’m the girl who turns dreams to reality – so I’m pursuing my writing the same way I pursued my building my career in antiques. One step at a time. For me having a work schedule that allows me to take that time daily to write in the morning is an essential part of HOW I want to live. (You can read some of my musings at www.republicoftoma.com)
One of the things these last two years of the pandemic have shown me is I need to travel. Not the manic way I did before. I like my life now. Going to the gym. Regularly seeing friends. Connecting with them on an intimate level. Taking Italian lessons. Sleeping 8 hours a night. But Diane Vreeland said it best – “The eye has to travel.”
I’ll never forget the day I was sitting at Ombre del Leon overlooking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Venetian lagoon with my friend and director #watchthisspace Radek Wegrzyn and he asked the question – “What is your core need?”
I responded quickly, “Security.” I was having a horrible time making decisions about my divorce because I was afraid of financially taking care of myself. He laughed. “Toma, I can assure you if Security was your core need you wouldn’t be sitting here today.”
I sat for a moment. He was right. I answered again.
“My core needs are Adventure and Beauty. Independence. Flexibility.”
Security was a reaction against those words. A reaction to try and attach my parachute to the airplane when I jumped.
This winter I felt the need to travel. So, in December and January, I took an extended trip traveling across France. I drove from Venice with my 2 cats to Paris, Normandy, Biarritz, and beyond…. I ended the trip at Relais Mont Blanc. (Visit republicoftoma.com to read all about these adventures). During these days I took time to think about my priorities for 2022. I chose my words of the year… Yes. I said Words. Normally I choose just one. I chose Receive. But another word came to me… FLEXIBILITY.
This year I chose to Receive rather than make things happen – I’m really good at making things happen, but this year my mantra is “not by force but by grace.” Rather than demanding things go exactly as I want them to… I’m open and ready to receive the right opportunities that come my way.
Successful Antiques Businesses Have Successful Habits.
Here are a few tips from me – Toma Clark Haines CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co – on some questions for you to ask yourself – and answer – about your antiques business EVERY MONTH. Copy & Paste these questions into your calendar so they pop up on the first of each month!
- Review monthly sales. Where did the sales come from?
- What was the most profitable thing you sold last month?
- What was your most profitable sales day? And why?
- How can you repeat this?
- Have you noticed that you always sell a particular vendor/supplier’s inventory first? How much of your current inventory comes from that vendor?
- Any idea where the leads were generated?
- Have you checked your website numbers?
- What about your newsletter? What was your open rate? Did you send one last month? Will you send one this month?
- How is your social media performing?
- Did your followers grow? How did they grow?
- What singular effort brought in new followers?
- What’s one new thing you can do for marketing this month?
- What outstanding bills do you have?
- What outstanding inventory are you waiting to receive?
- Is there anyone who owes you money? Have you chased them down to receive those funds??
- Did you pay all your bills on time? (It’s good karma, what you put out gets returned to you)
Here at The Antiques Diva our mission is to EDUCATE and EMPOWER our clients. But here’s the question… What do YOU want to know!? Write me and let me know what questions you’d like us to answer.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
One of the coolest things to cross my desk recently were these fabulous Mid Century Holophane Parisian Street Lights.
We helped a client source these recently through our virtual antique tours and buying services. These street lights were made in France in the 1960s, and they have been converted into pendant lights.
We found these from 600€ per piece to 1000€ trade export price, plus our 10% buying service commission. A key element of these antique Parisian street lights is the borosilicate glass – which filters the light good enough for instagram – evenly illuminating the area surrounding it casting no shadows. Most of the pieces we found were 40 cm diameter (or 15.75 inches).
While they are not in perfect condition and have wear according to their age (as one dealer wrote, “imagine all the French school kids who threw rocks at the lights after school!”) – they have been restored and are ready to go – Adapted for the USA! Lighting is a great way to add impact and flair and glamour in your antique shop.
Did you know we even work in Murano and mainland Italy and can have handmade chandeliers made for you?
WHERE TO ANTIQUE SPRING 2022
Oh la la…It’s Paris Shopping Chic this March 2022.
As you know Maison Objet and Deco Off changed their dates from January 2022 to March 2022 – which means for the first time ever it coincides with Chatou – La Foire Nationale a la Brocante e Jambon, which is hands down one of my favorite flea markets in France. And to make matters even more interesting – this occurs in conjunction with the Chartres Deballage – wholesale only trade fair.
10-20 March Shop Chatou Flea Market
23 March Shop Chartres Deballage
24-27 March Shop Maison Objet
23-27 March Shop Deco Off
We are offering a SPECIAL PACKAGE:
WHEN YOU BOOK 4 DAYS this March 2022 GET 1 FREE
Inquire for details.
Join us for BREAKFAST IN PARIS?
Would you like to join us for an intimate breakfast in Paris on March 27, 2022? While our big Paris Flea Market Champagne Brunch was canceled in January 2022 due to the pandemic – we are still happy to meet you for champagne at the Puce de Paris on Sunday 27 March during the new M&O and Deco Off dates.
WHOLESALE SHOPPING IN PROVENCE
Our speciality at The Antiques Diva & Co is sourcing for and with “the trade”. Join us to shop the TRADE ONLY Antique Fairs in the South of France by shopping the deballages in conjunction with antique warehouses, flea markets, and one of a kind boutiques.
Feb 20, 21 & 22
March 20 & 21
April 24, 25, & 26
May 22 & 23
June 26, 27 & 28
VIRTUAL TOURING IN ENGLAND
One of the biggest advantages we are offering antique dealers is the opportunity to be everywhere at once. Even when you can’t travel abroad, you can join us for some virtual Antique Tours in England and France. In England, let Gail McLeod, VP of The Antiques Diva & Co, give you the inside source on decorative antiques. We’ll take care of all the details – custom plan your shopping experience, liaise with international shippers, negotiate, translate, and be your “back office” support team in Europe as we help you buy antiques abroad and ship them home sweet home.
Email me, toma@antiquesdiva.com, to book your appointment to schedule your virtual antique tours which allow you to shop in Europe from your armchair. Availability is first come, first serve and booked in 1 hour increments so make sure to reserve your time-slot today.
31 March – 3 April – Bath Decorative Fair
23-27 March – Chelsea Antiques Show
(make sure to listen to the podcast interview with Sophie Woods about this show)
4-8 May Battersea Decorative Fair
13-15 May Petworth Park Antiques Fair
26-29 May Henley Decor Fair
And Last But Not Least – book either a virtual or REAL LIFE Antiques Tour right here at home with me in Italy – at Mercanteinfiera. We can do virtual appointments or real life shopping tours
March 10 & 11 TRADE DAYS Mercanteinfiera
Mamma Mia, this newsletter has been a whirlwind. As I write it – it feels like we’ve settled into a new normal. No – the world won’t be what it was before. And we wouldn’t want it to. We don’t want to lookback – but to go forward – better than ever before.
As I close, I’m using an OLD photo of me from a photoshoot with Susanna Ollmann just before the pandemic. With our Carnevale theme, I couldn’t resist but to use this photo I never got to share! 🙂 I’m in many ways softer. More serious. Less polished. More me. I’ve handled hard things and I think as a result I am more open to going with the flow handling what life throws at me. I suspect we all are changed in a million little ways. What I know is I’m ready to step into the future with all the knowledge of the past evolving the way I live my life and do business. And I want to help you do the same. Book your free consultation to find out about Business Coaching for Antiques Dealers
I encourage you to email me your questions and concerns and tell me what topics you’d like me to cover in this newsletter and on our podcast The Business of Antiques. And I ask one great big favor? Would you go to wherever you listen to podcasts – iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts – and subscribe and leave us a 5-star review. This helps us get sponsors, achieve higher ratings, and reach more listeners. Lastly, if you’re not following me on Instagram, make sure to follow today @RepublicofToma and @TheAntiquesDiva
Warmest regards and Bonne Shopping!
Toma
Toma Clark Haines – CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co
A Different World
When I last wrote a blog post we lived in a different world. I simply stopped blogging here on Antiques Diva last year for a variety of reasons – both personal and professional.
But Baby –and just in time for the holidays – I’m Back!
Whatever your view on the pandemic – we can all agree on one thing – the world is now a different place. The last two years of NOT traveling – of being in one place – of finalizing what felt like a neverending divorce – of spending a lot of time alone – at home here in Venice – has changed me too. I am in a different place.
I’ve spent the last two years reconsidering not only my travel-based business but also my entire way of life. Finalmente I learned Italian (Non parlo bene italiano ma sto facendo progressi.), and somehow I think in learning a new language – new words and new ways of saying things – I was also teaching myself a new way of thinking.
With time in one location I was finally able to be consistent in going to the gym. I am incredibly proud of myself because I went to the gym every week for a year. #IHaveBunsofSteel. Perhaps my favorite thing I’ve done during the pandemic is learn to drive a boat in the Venetian lagoon. It’s a metaphor in a way – learning to navigate new waters with a variety of opposing forces – currents, winds and man-made waves from passing vaporettos.
I loved my pre-covid jetset way of life – but being grounded has grounded me. It has balanced me. I have different priorities. From a business perspective – taking the time to re-evaluate my company has made me a better business person with a higher profit margin and diverse revenue streams.
When the pandemic hit, I thought I would lose my company. We lost 90% of our antique tour business for the year within a single week. When times are tough – I always do 3 things:
- First I cry like a little girl. Crawl under the covers and hide. Take a really long nap. And probably drink too much wine.
- Then I get smart. I call it the Hunting and Gathering phase. I process. Evaluate. I ask both myself and others a lot of questions. I read. I listen to podcasts. (Check out mine wherever you listen to podcasts, click the hashtag for direct link) #BusinessofAntiques. I learn. I spend a lot of time thinking about things. Sometimes people see that thinking as non-action… but thinking is the most important part of my process. It’s sort of like learning to drive that boat… when you learn to drive a boat you have to take time to feel the water around you.
- And then I get even smarter by refining…Refine. Refine. Refine. This is my pattern. As my mom (and Nietche) always said, #WhatDoesntKillYouMakesYouStronger
If you don’t polish antique silver – the silver darkens. For silver to truly shine, you need to keep polishing it.
Refine. Refine. Refine.
Who you are today is not who you were yesterday or who you will be tomorrow. This is true for you as a person, but it’s also true for you as a small business owner. Your business will change over time as your needs –and those of your clients – and change. You have to keep polishing – refining – your business the way you would do silver.
VIRTUAL ANTIQUE TOURS
As a company The Antiques Diva & Co is known as being the world’s largest company offering antique buying tours in 16 countries. Tourism came to a stop in 2020. As soon as the stores and flea markets were reopened post lockdown, I began offering VIRTUAL ANTIQUING TOURS (You can WATCH a slew of the promotional tours of the Paris Flea Market, Antiquing in England, and the South of France on Instagram @republicoftoma to get a feel for the experience)
During a time when our client base couldn´t travel abroad – we brought the experience of being abroad VIRTUALLY to you through video. Now, even though the borders have opened again post-covid – and Americans are allowed to travel to Europe – we continue to offer both in person/real life antique buying tours as well as virtual tours depending on the clients needs.
The reality is – even when it’s not a pandemic – clients can’t always travel abroad. Sometimes it’s faster to fill a container via Facetime video calls and Photos than to take a trip. Plus, it saves you a bundle of money on traveling expenses! We have spent the last 9 months refining the process of sourcing via video so we can now offer you the best experience based upon months of trial and error in what works…and what doesn’t.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Join me – or a member of my team – to do a #ToTheTrade Virtual Tour of an Antique Fair by booking a private tour slot. (email me toma@antiquesdiva.com)
Shop with us at the Wholesale Deballages in the South of France, Brocantes, The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park in London or in Bath, Mercanteinfiera in Parma as well as the Paris Flea Market, Ile sur la Sorgue and more.
The Virtual Tour takes place on Facetime or Whats App Video.
You Have to Wake Up Really Early. But – video phone – by waking at 3am or 4am – you can literally shop with us LIVE as we shop the wholesale antiques fair on your behalf! That means you get to interact directly with our vendors. We inspect objects together. You are even involved directly in negotiations. You get to ask all your questions LIVE!
These video tours are supplemented by sending a slew of targeted PHOTOS of inventory.
Most of our vendors give us first dibs when they have new inventor. With global sourcing being a competitive market – having first dibs gives our clients an advantage over their competitors.
My team then sends you targeted customized photos each week – until your container is filled – based upon what we are receiving from vendors and what we are discovering in our travels.
SHIPPING CRISIS
WIth global supply chain issues and a world wide shipping crisis – there will be delays for receiving inventory in 2022. The only way to beat it is to have good connections, realistic expectations on delivery times, and inside information on which shippers are successfully navigating the crisis. But here’s the deal…if you would like to receive your inventory in the first half of 2022, NOW is the TIME to BE Proactive. You need to start buying NOW if you’re going to want to have a container by end of SPRING/EARLY SUMMER. Once we have confirmed clients who have started sourcing – we are able to work with our shipping contacts to BOOK your container or GET YOU on a WAITLIST for and EARLIER delivery of goods.
Our unique advantage in this industry is our BUYING POWER. At any given moment we have up to 7 containers at sea. Your advantage in working with us is that you have not just your buying power as a dealer who sources in Europe once or twice a year – but rather the buying power collectively of all our clients.
If you can’t wait for a container – consider restocking your store temporarily with smalls and accessories. We have an entire album of frequently available accessories we can help you with to give your antiques store a refresher while waiting for a container.
BOOK a FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTING CALL WITH ME to DISCUSS SOLUTIONS TO YOUR BUYING AND SHIPPING NEEDS
MORE THAN TOURS:
OUR ANTIQUE DEALER TRAINING PROGRAM & MARKETING SERVICES
I started my business The Antiques Diva & Co in 2008 at the height of the global recession. It was the worst possible time to start a business. And yet… troubled times are when there is the most opportunity. My business became a huge success because of that recession. While a lot of dealers were getting out of the business – and a lot of stores were closing – others were making the decision to take the plunge into sourcing globally. And I was there to help them buy antiques overseas. My company was their solution for learning the ropes quickly on how to buy antiques in Europe. Providing solutions for antique dealers is our Sweet Spot as a company. Along with my team, I work to identify the problems and come up with a variety of solutions to help antique dealers run successful antiques businesses while living the life of their dreams.
Well-positioned antique dealers have thrived in this pandemic as sales of furnishings and interior design products have reached an all time high.
Over the last two years, I have spent the majority of my time working with clients in our Antique Dealer Training and Mentoring Program
In our Business Coaching for Antiques Dealers, my colleague and I have helped our clients refine their entire antique businesses – helping clients develop multi-prong approaches for online sales as well as for in person shopping experiences.
Additionally, at The Antiques Diva & Co we started offering Marketing Services for Antique Dealers – helping clients to rebrand and market their business. We started a service building websites for antique dealers and offered monthly content management services for our clients newsletters, and we have even done social media for clients. Confession: I may or may not have pretended to be my client more than once on social media commenting on interior designers Instagram posts to help my client build relationships with the right designers. I know what to say to each designer to help my dealer client make the connection faster and smoother. Once there is a rapport, I step out of the social media scene and let my client take over from there!
The Republic of Toma
While you were not hearing from me often here on The Antiques Diva blog these past two years – I WAS blogging. I was just not blogging where you usually find me. Or on the topic you normally expected. I started a new blog, The Republic of Toma.
The website is still underway, and the identity is not fully developed as I have a million new ideas brewing that I will corral heere eventually. But for now, if you want to read my personal musings – about life, love, and other mysteries – follow me at the Republic of Toma. I will keep you informed when additional product launches are on the way!
The Business of Antiques:
In the spirit of keeping you informed, it’s with great pleasure – I announce THE BUSINESS OF ANTIQUES podcast IS BACK with Season 2.
For the 1st episode of Season 2, we sit down for a conversation with Erin Gilbert, VP of Sales, for Chairish comparing various sales strategies for selling antiques and telling you Why You Should Be Selling on Chairish. Next up is LAPADA CEO – When Freya SimmsTalks People Listen. Followed by a fabulous conversation with Rich Schell on The Advent of the Concept Store. I personally think the concept store is the future of antiques. We even talk auctions with KC AUCTION HOUSE.
I have a slew of subjects scheduled from talking about the shipping crisis, to discussing why concept stores are the future of antiques, and how to do an end of year review for your company then preparing a marketing plan. Stay tuned.
Make sure to subscribe wherever you normally listen to podcasts – Itunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, Spotify, or TuneIn Radio.
Announcing Our New Sponsor: The British Shop!
The British Shop transports fine art, furniture and antiques by air, land and sea around the world. David Hockney once said “Art has to move you” and The British Shop offers a service which moves ART AND ANTIQUES with personal care delivering care. Whether you’re shipping an entire container or a few items via consolidation – The British Shop is your solution for shipping antiques from Europe to the USA. Schedule a CALL with Malcom Disson of The British Shop by visiting their website https://thebritishshop.com/. Tell them you heard about them on the Business of Antiques Podcast to receive a special offer on your Insurance for your delivery!
My Mission: Net Net over the last Two Years at The Antiques Diva & Co we have updated our business so we are a full service consultancy for Antiques Dealers – helping clients with everything from sourcing antiques to providing shipping solutions to educating dealers and offering business coaching and marketing services. Mamma Mia, my goal for 2022 is to get a new website that really shows who we are and what we are doing.
In Simon Sinek’s book, The Infinite Game, he tells the story of the difference between presenting at Microsoft and Apple conferences (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOftmUJ6a4). Microsoft spent their conference talking about how to beat Apple, while Apple talked about helping teachers teach and students learn. This story made me smile. I realized as CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, I’m playing The Infinite Game. My objective is to stay in the game and to continue to serve the antiques industry overall listening to your problems and continuing to provide solutions to help you as an antiques dealer be more successful, have a more profitable business, provide structure and confidence, and most importantly help you to live the life of your dreams while pursuing your dream of being an antiques dealer. After all, Dreams Do Come True.
Call Me.
Or rather, let me call you. I’m offering a free 1 hour business consultation to help you change the way you do your antiques business.
Happy Holidays. I promise I won’t wait so long until my next post.
My warmest wishes,
Toma
Toma Clark Haines – CEO The Antiques Diva & Co https://antiquesdiva.com/
Founder Republic of Toma https://www.republicoftoma.com/
UK Antique Trends
Brexit has had an impact on buying antiques in the UK. In short, England has gone on sale for American buyers! Now is the best time to buy antiques in England. If you’re only going to shop one place, I would say shop in England. England is one-stop shopping – the best of France is already there. For hundreds of years, the Brits have been scouring the world collecting antiques. Our English Antiques Diva® Buying Agent Gail McLeod just might be the most connected woman in the world of antiques. She is owner of Google’s top-ranked antiques fair website Antiques News & Fairs, Editor in Chief of the Antiques are Green website, vice-chair of the new Antiques are Green Trade Association and co-founder of Antiques Young Guns.Today Gail is sharing the top UK antique trends last year and the 1st two months of 2018. You can shop these trends at the 30th annual Bath Decorative Antiques Fair in March, as well as other UK antique fairs, on an Antiques Diva England antiques buying tour.
Antique Trends in UK 2017
Here in England, we are blessed with a complete melting pot of inventory which has arrived on our shores from the Colonies and there has never been an occasion when I have been stumped by a request from a Diva client! Spanish Colonial period pieces for a Hollywood mansion? Step this way! A collection of gravestones and a church spire for a luxury theme park? No problem!
2017 saw some new trends following a few years of nonstop ghostly Nordic furniture and large-scale reclamation quests, with a thirst for more grown-up pieces including oak and mahogany. At the recent Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair at Battersea there was a complete stampede on the opening day on a stand selling what we call in England American export goods – writing boxes, tea caddies, oak framed mirrors, library accessories, oak framed botanical and sporting prints, barometers, brass and copper accessories.
The return to what was sold by the container load in the 80s and 90s is seen elsewhere in the decorative trade, French marble top confectioners’ tables, brass and iron bakers racks, faux bamboo armoires and chests of drawers, heavily carved fruitwood armoires, painted English chests of drawers and confit pots all selling like hot cakes.
Two recent Antiques Diva tours have been almost exclusively oak and mahogany small-scale furniture – joint stools, lamp tables, luggage stands, corner display cupboards, long sets of dining chairs, all available at such buyable prices – for now! When the market demands these piece will start to rise again.
Downton Abbey and The Crown tv shows have influenced overseas private buyers who want a piece of Merry Old England that looks like it is going to last for years – and it probably will! The shipwrecked look still has its appeal to Millennials but the solid pieces are appealing more to the Baby Boomers although a recent NY based Millennial furnishing a house here in Notting Hill chose almost exclusively William IV mahogany and C19th Chinoiserie pieces for their drawing room. Another client from CO chose an outstanding Italian bureau plat with brass ormolu, very formal and imposing and she had been looking online and in the US for 4 years but found the perfect piece on our first call!
Many of our clients are trade buyers who are servicing the buying requests for both Millennials and Baby Boomers so these private tours give us a bird’s eye view of what is hot – or not. We have very few inquiries in the UK for Mid Century and Industrial pieces but architectural reclamation is a staple here. The British architectural reclamation trade is a vibrant and successful part of the business and we have helped with some interesting projects in 2017 supplying beautiful linenfold paneling from the library of a known estate, wellheads, mill wheels, stone roof tiles, stone flooring, chimney stacks and gargoyles. This trend is a constant rather than fashion led.
The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair March 8-11 has many examples of what’s trending in the UK, Muddy Stillettos forecasts what will be available at the fair in Retro rehab: Mid-century Scandi, folk art, architectural reclamation, garden antiques – and the resurgence of our old friend ‘brown’ furniture (photos courtesy Muddy Stillettos).

DO YOU WANT TO SHOP FOR ANTIQUES IN ENGLAND?
BOOK AN ANTIQUES AND DESIGN TRIP WITH THE ANTIQUES DIVA
Cheers!
Toma, The Antiques Diva
Quintessence and Stylish Shopping By Susanna Salk Take an Antiques Diva Tour
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>As an antiques & design blogger myself I’m often asked what design blogs I read… and one of my favorite is Stacey Bewkes’ Quintessence Blog. From art and architecture, interiors and design, fashion and jewelry to books and movies, food and wine, travel and more, Quintessence has become a trusted source for well-researched, original content in the online world. I love that she takes us behind the scenes to some of the world’s most gorgeous properties and gives us a peek into some of the very best shops all over the globe. We get to tag along as she attends exclusive events, meets design icons and tastemakers and connects the dots to bring you the story behind the style. In addition to blogging, Stacey was revolutionary in the blogosphere when she teamed up with Susanna Salk to produce and edit one of the best design video series.
Imagine my excitement when these two dynamic women confirmed that they wanted to take an Antiques Diva Tour of Mercanteinfiera with me! I couldn’t wait to get these ladies to Italy and show them the ropes of navigating Italy’s largest antiques fair which takes place twice a year in Parma. With over one thousand vendors and several buildings, it can be tricky to weave your way through the thousands of international shoppers – but don’t worry, we know the fair and its vendors like the back of our hand!
Once we started shopping, I could see why these two women are known as international tastemakers. Their eyes are trained and I watched as they gravitated toward piece after gorgeous piece! Some of their favorite finds were a large mirror, a stately lion statue, a rustic armoire, architectural ornaments, and a pair of oversized urns. They also pointed out that attending fairs like Mercanteinfiera is a great way to get styling ideas as the exhibitors create interesting displays. I couldn’t agree more!
In a blog they wrote about their Antiques Diva experience, they write, “In our two days at the Parma antiques fair, we effortlessly wove through the multiple massive buildings, following Toma and Susan (our charming and knowledgeable Italian Diva) to meet special friends and dealers, from Toma’s favorite purveyor of Murano glass to the creative couple from Florence who fashion chic new treasures by blending antiques with modern artistry,to her dealer friend Maurizio from Sicily (now located in Florence).”
Read the entire blog and watch the fun video they shot in the video series to-mercanteinfiera-the-parma-antiques-fair/” target=”_blank”>Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk.
Thanks ladies for coming over and living La Dolce Diva for a few days! We certainly had a blast giving you just a glimpse of what we do on a daily basis all across Europe. When you’re ready for round two, why don’t we hit Les Puces in Paris… or The Decorative Fair at Battersea in London… or hop in the car and let us introduce you to our secret sources in the Belgian countryside… So many options, so little time!
Ciao,
The Antiques Diva®
Wrapping Up 2014 with The Antiques Diva
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>As we wrap up 2014 and I reflect on this year I’m reminded of words by Charles Dickens,“it was the best of times and…” well, the best of times! I cannot help but think “Wow!” It’s been a fabulous year of growth for us here at The Antiques Diva & Co. We’ve grown to being the largest antiques sourcing company in Europe, offering customized buying tours in 8 countries (and counting) and working with a team of 18 locally-based guides. If I could sum up the year in three words they would be Clients, Collaborations and Celebrations!
We kicked off 2014 in January with our first ever Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Fete coinciding with Maison et Object and Deco Off. With over 150 mega VIP guests in attendance the event received great media coverage and we were able to film a special tour of the tor-at-large-tv-paris-flea-market-tour” target=”_blank”>Paris Flea Market with Editor at Large. Such was last years success we’re doing it again this January 25 2015 for our second annual fete at the Paris Flea Market in conjunction with special guests tors-page-januaryfebruary-2012-a-72280%20″ target=”_blank”>Michael Boodro, Editor in Chief of Elle Décor, one of my favorite “Frenchy” interior designers, Timothy Corrigan and the owner of the Paul Bert/Serpette, Jean-Cyrille Boutmy. (RSVP now for details to:toma@antiquesdiva.com”>toma@antiquesdiva.com! You’re invited!!)
In February (and again in September) we were able to once again take VIP groups of American Interior Designers to Mercanteinfiera in Parma, Italy. Attending this large antiques fair is always a treat, but most especially when the clients are as fun as tobifairley.com/” target=”_blank”>Tobi Fairley, Denise McGaha, Jon Call and Mark Cutler! Later in the fall we were delighted to film Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk along with Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence for an upcoming episode on antiquing in Italy, Diva Style at Mercanteinfiera! Watch this space! Both trips were filled with antiques sourcing, photo shoots and copious quantities of food & wine. This month I was also delighted to add a new member to our team at Diva Headquarters – Andrew Skipper!
Then in March I hopped on a plane and headed to the USA to speak alongside Michael Bruno founder of 1stdibs at the Design Bloggers Conference. It was such an honor to meet so many talented design enthusiasts and to be able to share my story of turning a blog into a business. Again, many lasting relationships were forged at this fantastic conference!
Just days later I was back on a plane headed for the UK. Our lovely Diva Agent Gail and I met up with Antiques Expert Judith Miller who gave our group of clients a private tour of The Bath Decorative Fair, which happened to be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a Champagne fete. Yes, Champagne does tend to follow me around. At the end of the month, I headed back to NYC to speak at the IFDA New York Design Center. What a jam-packed month!
Criss-crossing the USA, I then flew to Atlanta to speak at ADAC and then spoke in both Los Angeles and San Francisco (special thanks to Kneedler Fauchere for hosting a fete in my honor). I was also delighted to attend the launch party of San Francisco Cottage & Gardens where I befriended fashion icon tos/a.231403390383998.1073741831.175759922615012/231407023716968/” target=”_blank”>Joy Venturini who moments before this photo was taken officially told me I was the “best dressed” for the event! What a treat it was to see so many clients and make new friends!
Then it was time for High Point Market which is THE MEETING PLACE for all my clients and colleagues. Here I hosted – what else? – a Champagne tour of the Antique & Design Center after leading a Style Guide lecture on the Louis (lest you think antiques are boring… this talk involved plenty of sex and scandal to spice up the antiques and history!!!!).
But I couldn’t stay long at High Point – I had to jet back to Milan, Italy for Salone to meet my Italian Diva Guide, Susan, to lead a VIP tour for Blog Tour Milan! Our lovely clients enjoyed this gorgeous city with us culminating in our party at the famous Campari Bar. After all that jet-setting, it was time to meet my husband in Tuscany for some much needed down days of relaxation at the Villa Bordoni. I’ve been fortunate my husband has been able to travel with me on some business trips as I criss-cross the globe and we met in exotic destinations.
May brought along plenty of client tours, including taking The Antiques Roadshow Magazine on tour throughout Belgium. But then in May it was back to the States for Spring Market at the D&D in New York where I spoke on a panel about Antiques in the 21st Century. Then in June a life-long dream of mine came true! We kicked off our first tours” target=”_blank”>Antiques Diva Venice Tours with our new Diva Guides Orseola and Chiara! Exploring this enchanted city on the arms of two locals has given me access to a world I never thought I’d know as an insider.
July took me to The Windy City of Chicago for a speaking engagement at the Randolph Street Antique Market where I did a promo spot on to-chicago/219911/” target=”_blank”>ABC in Chicago! Then it was off to Las Vegas Market where I spoke on Antique Trends and was delighted to be named one of their Design Tastemakers!!
August brought some much needed down time in Thailand as my husband and I traveled to Thailand together to spend time at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok followed by shopping in Chiang Mai (Watch this space for upcoming Diva News! Will the Diva Do Asia?) followed by an amazing week at the Anantara Elephant Camp in the Golden Triangle learning to drive my own elephants. Taking in this magical place was truly what we needed after all the hustle and bustle of this whirlwind year!
In September I was back in London, leading a VIP tour alongside industry sage and icon Stephen Nobel. Taking in exciting inspiration and sourcing unique antiques was the name of the game—along with lots of bubbly, bien sur! By the end of the month I was back again in London, taking a lovely journalist from Traditional Home on a special tour which coincided with The Decorative Fair at Battersea.
Then in October after spending time in Italy for Mercanteinfiera I flew back to the Big Apple to speak at the D&D Building for Fall Market. But I couldn’t stay long because up next was High Point Market where I spoke yet again about my Antiques Diva Style Guide. High Point is always like a reunion! Such a pleasure to see so many familiar faces. Before I knew it, I was back to Italy for another VIP event – attending the opening night gala at the to.pdf” target=”_blank”>Gotha Biennale with special VIP guests Darcy Fulton of John Rosselli and Jackson McCard of Bunny Williams’ Treillage!
In November we capped off the year with our last Antiques Diva event as I returned to NYC, speaking alongside the grande dame of antiques Judith Miller, Traditional Home magazine antiques editor Doris Athineos and Olga Granda-Scott of The Highboy at Jonathan Burden, Antiques and Works of Art. I was also able to go to the opening night gala of Holiday House New York with my dear friend and client Justin Shaulis whose room “Gallery Hopping in Miami” was simply a show stopper! I was also particularly partial to client Louis Navarrete’s Bohemian Rapsody!
All these events… and I’ve not mentioned the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS YEAR. As a company my 18 guides and I served more clients than ever before! Our busiest week of the year we had more than 25 clients spread across 6 of our tour countries!!!! Thank you for your support, your love and…baby, we quite simply could not do it without you.
And that brings us to December where I’ve fallen into a pile of exhaustion as we entered our slow season, as I spent my holiday in the Arctic Circle. You must add the ICEHOTEL to your bucket list. It’s amazing. I’ve spent the last week dog sledding in the tundra, reindeer sledding (and making one too many sightings as those buggers crisscross the roads in the Nordic) and stargazing while watching the Northern Lights. All in all I’d say it’s been a full, fun and fabulous year.
As we prepare for 2015, I can’t help but think that the BEST is still ahead! This past year has had many highs (and a few lows as well) and the lesson here has been on priorities. In January 2014 I told my husband my goal for the year was to jump off cliffs…. free falling to see where these risks I was taking would take me. The year has yielded more returns than I ever expected.
Thank you to all of my clients, friends, family and followers for everything and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2015!!! Let’s make it a great year!
Happy New Year,
The Antiques Diva®