Round Top Antiques Show Sept 20 – 30
The Arbor International Antiques & Interior Design Show in Round Top, Texas, is one of the biggest antique shows in the South! Last year I attended The Arbors Show at Round Top for the first time and was simply gob-smacked by the quality of the antiques offered for sale; the warmth, friendliness and plain old southern hospitality of the vendors (from 13 countries!); and the scenic hills and beautiful countryside. My #NoPassportRequired Champagne Tours at Round Top were just plain fun, and I was simply blown away by the quality of antiques, vintage and accessories being offered!
#WatchThisSpace: The Antiques Diva® is launching special Round Top Antiques Show group tours in 2018!
Toma, The Antiques Diva® is leading our Round Top Antiques Show tour with local experts and Diva Guide Doni from Girls’ Guide to Paris (a French antique dealer who exhibits here) from April 2-7 2018: 4 days and 5 nights of finger-licking bbq, antiques and vintage as far as the eye can see and further; country music, Texas blue bells and seriously good wine. At the biggest antique show in the world you’ll discover gems from Belgium, France and Holland as well as mamma’s attic down the road. There is something for all price points plus we’ll help you negotiate and ship it all home. And the location in Texas Hill Country is gorgeous. Every dealer and shop owner who is serious shops here, Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper shops here – so why haven’t you been yet? More details coming soon…
#NoPassportRequired Antiques Diva Champagne Tour at Round Top Antiques Show
Round Top offers more than antiques – everything is bigger in Texas! In addition to the impressive display of European and American antiques – many museum-quality – The Arbors offers:
- custom furniture
- fine artworks
- handcrafted jewelry
- vintage fashion
- live music
- food trucks with everything from beer to champagne
- special events
Note: Be sure to scroll down for details on Round Top’s fundraiser Designer Dream Spree & Dwell with Dignity Event to benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims on Sept 28
Antiques Diva Champagne Tours at Round Top Antiques Show in 2016
Be sure to visit two of our favorite vendors at Round Top this week: Pandora de Balthazár, featuring fine linens and European textiles and Pandora’s fabulous European Sleep System (I confess: I’m working from bed right now!); Lolo French Antiques et More, direct importers of French antique furniture and accessories – plus their scene-stealing French bulldog, Louis (don’t miss Mimi’s monthly column on The Antiques Diva blog!).
Round Top Arbor Antique Show
Located in Texas Hill Country, historic Round Top is a town tiny in size, mighty in charm, and as peaceful in spirit as the gentle hills in which it nestles. Here, amidst looming oaks and verdant ranch land, picturesque vistas can be captured…land meets sky in soft, mist-laden light… a 12-acre antique festival!
- American Legion Post #338, 1503 N. State Hwy. 237, Round Top, Texas 78954. (One Mile North of Round Top Square and Six Miles South of Hwy 290.)
- September 20th opening at 9am through September 30th at 4pm
- Special Events:
Fri. 22nd – Karaoke
Sat, 23rd – Live Music
Mon. 25th – Live music in corridor for late night shopping
Tues. 26th – Live music in corridor for late night shopping
Thurs. 28th – Designer Dream Spree & Dwell with Dignity Event to benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims – Tickets $100
Fri. 29th – Karaoke
- Special Events:
- Website: www.arborantiques.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoundTopAA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arborantiques/
Texas Champagne BBQ:
Live Music, BBQ and Drinks to Benefit Those Impacted by Hurrican Harvey – September 28, 2017
Trade in seeing fashion on the runway for showing up in your own fashion for a true Texas night.
Due to the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has caused, Round Top made the decision to cancel the Texas Boho Chic Fashion Show & Champagne BBQ. Curtis Ann and Julie Dodson of the Designer Dream Spree want this event to benefit those that have lost so much in the last few weeks! Both show promoters wanted the event to be one that is all about Texas! You can’t get any more Texan than listening to country music, drinking beer (& champagne) while eating BBQ from one of the top 50 best BBQ places in the state of Texas, Truth Barbeque out of Brenham, Texas. Carson Kressley will still be rockin’ it Texas Style with us too!
Julie Dodson has teamed up with Dwell with Dignity to help turn houses into homes again for people that have lost so much. All proceeds from the evening will go to helping those in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Purchase tickets and details -> http://bit.ly/2rYORGn
Come on down, y,all!
Toma – The Antiques Diva
Lolo’s Carefree Summer Getaway Through France pt 2
Lolo’s Travel Tips
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
– Lao Tzu
Hmmm… Lolo and I must be great travelers! We left Birmingham for our carefree summer getaway through France with way too much luggage (mostly mine), one carry-on going clickety-clack as we rolled it out the door (also mine), and no hotel reservations at all — anywhere (my responsibility). The reason for our trip was to shop three large antique fairs in the South of France and visit Lolo’s family afterwards. Since I had made no reservations other than our flight to Paris, things could have really gone awry, especially with all of France about to embark on les grandes vacances. Fortunately for us, they didn’t. We filled a 40-foot container full of beautiful French antiques and spent a lovely week with family.
Last minute purchases at the fair.
Lolo has perfected the art of truck loading.
Lolo and Gigi
Since returning home, I’ve had a little time to ponder some of our decisions. While I strongly suggest getting off the tourist track and experiencing the “real” France as we did, I have to admit we might have approached some things a little too carefree, resulting in foils and fumbles, smiles and tears. In the end, however, our work-cation was just as I’d hoped (minus the little red convertible) — one filled with family, food, fun, and romance. It wasn’t about the destination, it was all about the journey!
La burrata for lunch at Restaurant à Côté in Uzès.
Strolling along the promenade in Carnon-Plage.
Le Croisic, best known for its fishing industry, was one of the first tourist resorts in Brittany.
Imagine the art world if Monet had only painted water lilies in Giverny, without ever learning to paint en plein air? What if he never visited the Louvre or never traveled to Algeria or never lived in Argenteuil or Vétheuil? There are so many great destinations waiting to be seen. I hope these travel tips help you enjoy your next journey and that you will always take time to smell the roses!
What We Learned From Our Work-cation
With a little care and just enough (but not too much) planning, you can improve your odds of having les grandes vacances. What tips can you offer?
À Bientôt!
Mimi
Lolo’s Carefree Summer Getaway Through France pt 1
Lolo French Antiques Guide to Experiencing the Real France
It’s August and back to school time. Those lazy, crazy days of summer are slipping away — in America, that is. But not in France. Vacation is sacred to the French. Five, seven, even nine weeks of vacation per year is not unusual for them. From the first week of July until early September, the French are “hard at vacation”… not, “hard at work!” Les grandes vacances (the summer holidays) are generally divided between the juillettists (Julyists), those who take the month, yes “month,” of July off, and the aoûtiens (Augustians), those who begin their month-long vacation in August.
Lolo and I experienced this sacred rite first hand during a recent buying trip/vacation in France that took us from the picturesque villages dotting Provence to the coastal scenery and seaside resorts of the Loire-Atlantique. I had dreams of driving through France in a little red convertible. But, that was not to be!
We were very “hard at work” buying in the South of France, traveling back-and-forth between three large fairs and two major marché aux puces. We were in France, however, and “when in France, do as the French do.”
Morning Haul
Meaning we shopped the antique fairs and puces all morning, then lingered over delicious lunches, eating our fill of crusty baguettes, crevettes, huîtres, and ratatouille while sipping fabulous regional wines, and more often than not, chugging a Coke Zero avec de la glace (as one needs to stipulate, “with ice”). Afternoons and evenings included more shopping, more food, and a lot of driving, whether sightseeing or traveling to our next destination.
Delicious seafood platter of shrimp and oysters, Sete, France
Antique shopping in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Driving in France… that’s a sore subject! Not because we were traveling in a big box truck instead of a shiny red sports car, not because the box truck we rented for the fairs and markets was too high for many of the bridges we needed to pass beneath or too wide for the narrow streets we had to maneuver, but because the air conditioning wasn’t working during the unexpected summer heatwave! Now, I’m a country girl at heart. I’ve ridden plenty of miles in a pickup truck with the windows down and a cooler of ice cold beverages in the back, but after two days in a big box truck with no a/c, no cooler (because you can’t buy bags of ice), temps over 100 degrees, and nights spent in hotels that were “climatized” (to nothing lower than 73 degrees), my split personality was beginning to rear its ugly head. Laurent realized it was in everyone’s best interest to repair the air — ASAP! After several desperate phone calls, he found a dealership that could fix it. In less than three hours, “we were on the road again, the best of friends, goin’ places that we’d never been.” Hallelujah!
Field after field of lavender in every shade of purple
We continued on our buying trip. The best moments were when we veered off the suggested GPS routes and stumbled upon hidden antique shops, quaint medieval villages, and a 12th-century Benedictine abbey that was converted into a wine cave in 1791.
Hidden treasures
Abbaye de Valmagne, nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Vines”
We made new friends, took selfies in lavender fields, sunflower fields and random vineyards, and dined outdoors along various riverbanks and canals. We gaped in awe at the beautiful surroundings, living life comme il faut.
Vineyard selfie on our way to Uzès
Once we were done being “hard at work,” it was time to claim our own les grandes vacance. We hopped a short flight to Nantes from Montpellier and spent a fun-filled week with Laurent’s wonderful family. It was magical.
Family time
There was tons of laughter, lots of story telling, despite my terrible French, and more delicious food! We shopped the local seafood and produce markets instead of antique markets. We ate langoustine straight out of the Atlantic and fresh vegetables right out of the garden.
Fresh produce at local market in Nantes
Langoustine for dinner
We took a riverboat cruise down the Erdre with Laurent’s sister acting as our personal tour guide. She’s a remarkable local historian and was so generous sharing her knowledge with me. It made the days Lolo and I ventured off by ourselves much more fascinating and enjoyable.
Summer sailing camp underway on the river Erdre
We continued to linger over lunches, after all, we were still on French time — everything was closed from noon until 2:00 pm. We saw dungeons and jails, salt flats and saltwater marshes.
Salt flats, Guérande
We walked (and walked and walked), and climbed all 350 steps of the Grand Degre that leads to the Abbey at Mont St. Michel. We piddled around his mom’s house, watched French TV, and slept with the windows open. I can’t wait to return in the fall!
Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most exceptional examples of religious and military architecture from the Middle Ages
For almost three weeks we wined and dined in sun-drenched towns and fog filled villages. From the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur regions in Southern France to Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Atlantique in Northwestern France, we got a “taste” of the real France, with its gorgeous countryside, narrow, winding cobblestone streets, castles and cathedrals, bubbling fountains, outdoor cafés and of course, beautiful antiques.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue waterwheel
Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit and its Romanesque Tour Fenestrelle (Window Tower), Uzès
Medieval town of Clisson
While there’s nothing more quintessentially French than the Eiffel Tower (or the Louis XV bergère), every Francophile should get off the tourist track for a carefree getaway full of fun, romance, and incredible seafood (I’m talking every kind of little shelly creature you can imagine) paired with the best wines in the world. As the title of this summer’s dramedy starring Diane Lane, Alec Baldwin and French actor, Arnuad Viard suggests…. Paris Can Wait, there’s so much more to France.
Here’s a look at three of our favorite South of France side trips.
Have you experienced the real France? If so, tell us where your carefree getaway took you. And look for Lolo’s Travel Tips From Our Carefree Summer Getaway next. We had a few foils and fumbles along the way, but managed to go with the flow and have one of the best work-cations ever!
Bon Voyage,
Mimi
The Armoire de Mariage: A French Wedding Tradition
Lingerie, opulent embroidered sheets, and treasured textiles — these are just a few of the pieces a young French mademoiselle would have made or collected as part of her bridal trousseau, a centuries old wedding tradition that originated in France. The family heirlooms and handmade linens that a bride-to-be was expected to bring to her new home as part of her trousseau was often an indication of her family’s wealth and typically included twelve pieces of each: napkins, tablecloths, dishtowels, bed sheets, nightgowns and petticoats, all hand sewn and hand embroidered. Since wealthier families often had live-in seamstresses that would do most of the sewing (instead of the bride and her relatives), well-to-do brides might bring hundreds of pieces of linens with them — including linens for the servants — as well as custom dresses and gowns sewn by dressmakers in Paris. Oh la la!
When fourteen-year-old Catherine de Medici arrived in France in 1533 to marry into the French royal family, her uncle, Pope Clement VII, spared no expense on the many trunks of lace, linens, bed hangings, gowns and silk included in her bridal trousseau. It’s said her sparkling gowns were embroidered with three pounds of gold and two pounds of silver — that her sheets were made of the finest silk and her lingerie from the most delicate lace and gold and silver cloth. Catherine may have been considered an Italian commoner at the time of her marriage to Henri II, but her bridal trousseau was nothing less than dazzling. 
Of course most young girls didn’t marry royalty, but being sent off in style was of such importance that a wedding would often be canceled if the trousseau was incomplete. It was often more expensive than the wedding itself, as it was expected to contain all of the clothing, including gloves, hats, stockings, dresses and gowns, that a young madame would need for her married life.
I’m sure you read Toma’s recent blog post on the tradition of the trousseau and how families often began preparations at birth. Once the “I do’s” were said, a new bride was expected to have all she needed to set up her new home — from linens and lace to petticoats and parasols. Preparations for the armoire de mariage (wedding armoire) that would store this carefully curated collection throughout a girl’s lifetime also began at birth. Neatly folded antique linens, ruffles of delicate lace, family heirlooms, and countless napkins and table cloths that were once part of treasured trousseaux can still be found stored in elaborately carved marriage armoires in master bedrooms across rural regions of France today. And you can be sure they’re stacked from the bottom, not the top, to ensure strict rotation.
Similar to a hope chest, the beautiful armoire de mariage is much larger and hand carved with motifs of wealth and prosperity that represented good wishes for the newlywed couple.
Antique French Louis XV Normandy armoire de mariage
Intricate carvings include lovebirds evoking love, baskets of flowers representing fertility, pairs of nesting doves symbolizing the “nest,” sheafs of wheat and grape vines describing abundance and domestic prosperity, and musical instruments and sheet music as an allegory for harmony.
Traditions vary, but it is said that in parts of Normandy it was common for a father to cut down a large tree when a daughter was born and use planks from the tree to make the armoire de mariage once the daughter was engaged.
In other parts of France, it was common for a father to make a wedding armoire when a daughter was born and give it to her during adolescence. As the girl grew up, she would fill it with items from her trousseau and take it with her to her new home after she was wed. By the 18th century, wedding armoires were made by craftsmen and given to the newlywed couple as a gift from the bride’s parents. In Brittany, it was customary before a wedding for the marriage armoire and the bride’s trousseau to be carried to her new home in a brightly decorated cart drawn by a pair of oxen draped in flowers. The bride’s mother would fill the armoire with the trousseau once it arrived and the father of the bride would then throw open the doors in a dramatic fashion to the “oohs and ahs” of all the guests. Afterwards, the priest would bless both the marriage armoire and the marriage bed before the two families sat down to dinner together.
Wedding bells are ringing and the bridal season is in full swing now.
Why not consider giving your favorite bride and groom some lovely home spun, home sewn, and home embroidered French linens that were part of some young girl’s trousseau many, many years ago? Nothing feels and smells like good linen that has been freshly laundered. And even if you don’t have a marriage armoire yourself, try storing your favorite linens in an antique French armoire. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes! It’s a perfect blend of French charm and modern storage. Everything looks nicer and you’ll find yourself using your linens more. After all, they’re meant to be used every day!
Country French Louis XV style Normandy wedding armoire
And if you’re lucky enough to have an armoire de mariage, take some time to really look at the carvings and see what all you can discover. You’ll be surprised! A whole lot of love went into these armoires!
À Bientôt!
Mimi
Sit Up And Take Notice — Your Guide to Stylish French Seating
Lolo French Antiques Bergères at Home
A favorite pair of Louis XVI style bergères tucked away in a corner of my living room. A perfect spot for conversation or to enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail.
It’s no secret I have a thing for chairs, especially French chairs. From the House of Bourbon to the House of Bonaparte, stiff and straight backed to padded and tufted, fancy fauteuils to chic chaises, I’m obsessed with French chairs. They’re so much more than just functional objects to sit on. They’re like pieces of art — colorful canvases within exquisite, hand-carved frames, some gilded, some painted, some á la capuchine. With their beautiful upholstery and regal frames, French chairs are the perfect combination of style and function. They work as well with traditional interiors as modern interiors. They bring to mind visions of king’s thrones with ladies-in-waiting, smoky gentlemen’s clubs, and memories made at holiday gatherings.
Sit up and take notice of eight of my favorite French chairs.
Dagobert
Pair of intricately carved Dagobert chairs made from solid walnut during the Renaissance Revival period, circa 1870s.
Thought to be the oldest existing example of European furniture, the Dagobert chair began as an “X” shaped or curule stool in the 7th century. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that backs and arms were added and heavily carved wood versions with grotesque figures appeared. The most notable example, now in the Louvre, is the alleged gilt bronze throne of King Dagobert I (603-639 AD). Though not the comfiest chair, it’s a classic French chair that can easily be incorporated into any decorating style. If it’s fit for a king, it’s fit for you. Grab the Dagobert chair when you need extra seating.
Often Seen… tucked in a corner, in pairs, in a hallway.
A Closer Look Reveals… most often dark wood, carved grotesque figures frame the back of the chair and grotesque faces are found at the ends of the arms, distinctive curule design of the base, where intersecting curves or an “X” define the legs and the seat, they sometimes fold, cushions often added for more comfort.
Os de Mouton (Louis XIII)
Set of six Louis XIII style Os de Mouton dining chairs with chapeau de gendarme backs, circa 1880s.
During the 17th century, grand dining rooms in châteaux all across France were filled with os de mouton (sheep bone) chairs. Their stately stature and shapely legs give them a classic, timeless appearance — while graceful carvings, paired with upholstered backs and seats with nailhead trim, add elegance. With legs shaped like those of a lamb, this classic Louis XIII chair is the perfect dining chair. Take your seat in an os de mouton chair with friends and family ‘round the dining room table. 
Often Seen… at dining tables, as an accent chair, next to a side table.
A Closer Look Reveals… sturdy, heavy, fixed upholstery, decorative gilt or silvered nails, more comfortable and were more commonly used for ordinary domestic purposes, os de mouton chair is the most notable example of the era.
Fauteuil (Louis XIV)
Pair of antique French Louis XIV style fauteuils, circa 1830s.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every chair should be a throne and hold a king.” The high back upholstered armchair with heavy carvings and rich upholstery, known as the fauteuil, was more like a throne during the reign of Louis XIV. While the Sun King ruled, chairs were status symbols and commoners could only hope to own one. A hierarchical seating system featured a fauteuil, majestic and royal by design, for the king and queen to sit upon. Original designs were often signed as proof of their significance. Be the king of your castle. Select the fauteuil as your throne. 
Often Seen… in pairs, flanking buffets or armoires, as fireplace chairs or library chairs.
A Closer Look Reveals… upholstered armchair with straight lines and open sides, elaborate ornamentation reigned supreme, legs were figural, baluster and claw, many with pied de biche (hoof foot), most have stretchers, pads were later added to the armrests for more comfort.
Bergère (Louis XV)
Louis XV style painted Bèrgere
Besides a crusty baguette or a fine Bordeaux, there’s nothing more quintessentially French than the en vogue Louis XV bergère (shepherdess chair), with its signature “S” shaped cabriole legs. The 18th century was indeed the Golden Age of the chair, and unlike earlier regal seats, the smaller and more feminine bergère was designed to accommodate the opulent fashions of the day. Chair arms were shortened to account for hoop skirts, while chair backs were lowered to spare huge coiffures. The embroidered silk upholstery was meant to complement the patterns and colors of the boiserie. The carved wood frames, closed arms and loose seats of the bergère blend style and comfort seamlessly and add a touch of noblesse to any room. The bergère’s ability to fit in anywhere speaks to the influence of royal mistresses. You’ll be sitting pretty in a plush bergère. 
Often Seen… in pairs opposite a sofa, grouped in a formal seating area, or tucked into a corner of a bedroom
A Closer Look Reveals… included fabric covered panels between the arms and seats, there’s no mistaking the legs, shaped like an animal’s hind legs, stretcher supports disappear, easily adapted to suit the needs of all classes, from royal to provincial, every refinement in comfort was attained.
Bergère Corbeille (Louis XV)
Antique French Louis XV style bergère corbeille.
Another popular 18th-century French armchair, the bergère corbeille, with it’s carved, basket-shaped wood frame above short padded arms and upholstered, loose cushion, was also designed for cushy lounging. Great care was given to the upholstery work in order to achieve the maximum of comfort. Don’t let someone else get your seat. Put all your eggs in this basket. Choose the bergère corbeille every time. 
Often seen… in pairs, opposite a sofa, tucked in a corner.
A Closer Look Reveals… feminine, closed arms, a wide seat and basket-shaped back, short padded arms, cabriole legs.
Bergère à Oreilles (Louis XV)
Pair of 19th century French carved giltwood Louis XV bergère à oreilles.
Amongst the wide range of accent chairs available today, the 18th century French wing chair, the bergère à oreilles (with ears) is easily recognized by its upholstered side “wings” which were originally introduced to shield the face from the heat of a roaring fire or to protect the upper body from drafts in cold, damp houses. It also provided support in case one nodded off. This popular chair is sometimes playfully called a bergère confessionale, as if the occupant were hidden from view, as in a confessional. Cozy up with a book by the fire in a bergère à oreilles. 
Often Seen… in pairs, as fireplace chairs, in a library or study
A Closer Look Reveals… protruding, upholstered wings, enveloping and closed forms provide support and comfort to the head, back and arms, as sophisticated now as it was two hundred years ago.
Prie-dieu
Charming antique French Louis XV style prie-dieu carved from walnut, circa 1870.
Primarily used for decorative purposes and not usually thought of as an accent chair, the prie-dieu (prayer chair) — the seat of which is not intended for sitting but kneeling — makes a great seat for tiny tots. Pull them up under the coffee table and they’re great for playing games, doing puzzles or coloring. They also make a good seat for kids to sit in while eating in front of the TV. Need extra seating for the little ones? Pull up a couple of prie-dieux next time. 
Often Seen… used for decorative purposes, in a corner.
A Closer Look Reveals… very low, serves as a kneeling chair for prayer, upholstered seats and carved wood backs.
Fauteuil Confortable (Art Deco)
Handsome pair of French Art Deco moustache back fauteuils confortable in original leather with brass nailhead trim, elephant arms and block style wood feet.
Now referred to as simply a “club chair,” the famed French fauteuil confortable (comfortable armchair), was an essential part of 20th-century luxury furniture, introduced during the late 1920s by way of trendy gentlemen’s clubs. These timeless club chairs exude luxury and character, evoking an era when well-dressed men met and relaxed in plush leather chairs with a good cognac and a Cuban cigar. The original round form was legendary, but it soon evolved and new forms such as the “moustache” back with lip-like curves across the back were introduced. Rugged, yet handsome with its clean but, sinuous lines and refinement, the fauteuil confortable is still very much admired today, offering an instant sense of history. Everybody will want to sit in it, so you’ll want more than one, or you’ll have to share. Relax in comfort while watching the big game in the fauteuil confortable. 
Often Seen… in pairs or groups of four, in libraries or studies, tucked in a corner, opposite a sofa.
A Closer Look Reveals… variation of the arm chair that has low seats, arms, and backs, the curved back and armrests are heavily upholstered (usually in leather) and decorated with nail head trim, large seat and plush cushion provide the utmost comfort.
How do you decide which chair is right for you? Do you like sexy curves? Or bold, straight lines? Whatever your preference, there’s a little (or large) French chair that’s perfect for you. Like the perfect little black dress, the perfect French chair will add personality and charm to any space. It will also add a little color and maybe some drama, as well as extra seating. Next time you want to curl up in a corner with your favorite book or create a conversation area to share secrets and charcuterie with your bestie, consider a stylish French chair — or two. I chose two Louis XVI style bergères for my corner. I love the fact that they have a history and a story to tell. One day I’ll upholster them, but for now they work with just burlap. What’s in your corner of the room?
Ciao!
Mimi
Mercanteinfiera, Italy’s Largest Antiques Fair
Antiquing in Parma at Italy’s Premier Antiques Fair
Fancy meeting up with a group of fabulous designers, delightful dealers, (antique dealers, of course), magazine creatives, gracious guides, and one Diva extraordinaire to #shopeatplay in Italy for five days. Well, that’s exactly what Laurent and I did last month during Mercanteinfiera, Italy’s largest antiques fair held in the historic and gastronomic city of Parma, Italy, famous for its Renaissance and Romanesque architecture and prosciutto, parmigiano cheese and Lambruscu.
Our Antiques Diva & Co VIP group left to right front row: Laurent Gouon, Mimi Montgomery, Toma Clark Haines, Orseola Barozzi Rizzo, Michael Mitchell left to right back row: Jordan Marxer, Pandora de Balthazar, Chiara Zanella, Kristi Hopper, Tyler Hill, Michael Bauer
Twice a year, Toma Clark Haines, the Antiques Diva, and her Diva Guides take a VIP group of mostly interior designers and antique dealers on a trip that can only be described as an “antiques lovefest” because not only did we fall in love with the beautiful Italian antiques we saw, but we also fell in love with the people and places of Italy as well as everyone in our group. (While The Antiques Diva & Co NORMALLY only does one on one customized antique buying tours, a few times a year they work with 3rd parties to put together special VIP Group Tours; Mercanteinfiera is one such occassion. We were lucky enough to be part of that group!) What we thought would be a “look see” turned into an outright buying trip filled with more food, fun and friends than we could have ever imagined!
to-Ombre-Rosse-where-we-all-gathered-for-dinner-our-first-night-in-Parma-1024×768.jpg” alt=”Alley filled with large lamp-shaded overhead leading to Ombre Rosse where we all gathered for dinner our first night in Parma.” width=”700″ height=”525″ /> Alley filled with large lamp-shaded overhead leading to Ombre Rosse where we all gathered for dinner our first night in Parma.
to-Plate-1024×1015.jpg” alt=”Our first plate of salumi in Parma” width=”700″ height=”694″ /> Our first plate of salumi in Parma
Antique Diva Guides Orseola and Chiara with Pandora.
Tyler Hill shopping
buy directly off the trucks as dealers
were unloading and setting up
The nine-day shopping extravaganza, which attracted more than 50,000 purveyors of antiques and designer finds from around the world, opened to the public on February 25th, but as VIP guests of the AD&CO we were fortunate enough to have early access during the pre-trade and trade days. This allowed us the ability to buy directly off the trucks as dealers were unloading and setting up. It was a bit crazy with everyone heading in different directions, dodging doggies and dollies (the furniture moving kind), but it provided us first dibs on the crème de la crème of Italian antiques and wares of over 1000 dealers.
We arrived early for Pre-Trade Day as dealers were bringing pieces off their trucks.
Dealers are set up in five different pavilions selling a mixture of styles and periods of antiques and vintage furniture, jewelry and fashions, lighting (lots of lighting), art and accessories. Because Toma was in full-on Diva mode and making history in London at the House of Lords with the first ever Facebook Live post at the Houses of Parliament while speaking at the 9th Annual LAPADA Conference, she wasn’t able to join us the first day. We were in very capable hands, though. Her amazing Diva Guides, Orseola Barozzi Rizzo and Chiara Zanella, took charge and managed to navigate our large group through the multitudes of shoppers. They made sure that we each found what we were looking for, whether it was an 18th century Baroque Italian painted cassapanca or the nearest ATM. They also made sure we could communicate properly. Everyone in our group was from the South, and we could all be heard asking “quanto costa?” in our best southern accents!
A Few Vendor Booths at Mercanteinfiera
Taxidermy at Mercanteinfiera
Murano Chandelier at Mercanteinfiera 2017
Religious Antiques Booth at Mercanteinfiera
ton Steamer Trunks” width=”700″ height=”933″ /> Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunks at Mercanteinfiera
Murano Glass Stems
Our Goal: A Large Monastery Table
Since Laurent and I had one goal in mind, to find a large monastery table, we were thrilled to find not one but two 18th century tables almost immediately – and decided we best take them before someone else did. One table was fourteen feet and the other was twelve feet – hard-to-find sizes, at reasonable prices and both in excellent condition. We had already arranged to have our “collector” there just in case, so we immediately called him and let him know we had made our first purchase of the day. He would be collecting any items we purchased and taking them to our warehouse in Nantes, France. When Laurent goes to France in April to make a container, he’ll add the pieces from Italy with what he buys in France to be shipped back to our shop in Birmingham, Alabama.
Monastery Tables we purchased
About Laurent
A few things you need to know about Laurent. He’s been importing antiques for 25 years and has his own sources and does his own containers, usually four to five a year. So he was really reluctant about buying anything during this trip. He thought everything would be way over priced, and many things were because it’s a very high-end trade show, but once we started shopping, we realized what a wonderful opportunity we had been given.
Pair of 18th century Tuscan benches and one of four hand-carved cherub heads we purchased
even established antique dealers, set in their ways,
can really benefit from one of AD&CO’s many tours
In the two days that we attended Mercanteinfiera, we were able to purchase some incredible Italian antiques and were also able to find sources and make contacts that we will use in the future. Without the AD&CO, none of this would have been possible! We can’t thank them enough! It just goes to show even established antique dealers, set in their ways, can really benefit from one of AD&CO’s many tours. We plan on taking another tour in either Belgium or Sweden as soon as we can. Time is precious. And the time saved having Diva Guides with us to make introductions, translate and negotiate when necessary, and take care of the small details (like reading a menu) made all the difference in the world. Our imaginations could not have dreamed up anything more perfect. The energy, creativity, ingenuity, experience and the professional and personal attentiveness shown to us by Toma and her Diva Guides made this buying trip a truly magical journey.
Ciao,
Mimi
LAPADA: Establishing Trust With Clients presented by Toma Clark Haines
LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers will host its ninth edition on Thursday 23rd February 2017, from 9:30am to 5pm in the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords. The event is kindly sponsored by Rawlinson & Hunter, ArtRatio, Besso Limited, Cadogan Tate, Malca-Amit and Antiques Trade Gazette.
Broadcast on Facebook LIVE
Interested participants not able to attend the conference in London are invited to watch Toma’s address Thursday, Feb 23, 2017 at 3pm GMT (10am EST) broadcast on FACEBOOK LIVE on the Toma Clark Haines Facebook page.
ESTABLISHING TRUST WITH CLIENTS
presented by Toma Clark Haines | CEO, The Antiques Diva & Co.
What factors influence a customer’s decision making in buying from one dealer over another? What creates a sense of trust in establishing long-term relationships with clients? Toma Clark Haines runs Europe & Asia’s largest antiques touring and sourcing company. Toma will talk through what she sees as the main drivers in creating trusted relationships between buyers and sellers offering tips on how to develop these relationships and how to best communicate with American clients.
Media Announcement London, December 2016
LAPADA ANNOUNCES 2017 CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
A unique proposition in the UK’s art and antiques trade, the annual LAPADA Conference is the most prominent industry forum of its kind. LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers will host its ninth edition on Thursday 23rd February 2017, from 9:30am to 5pm in the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords. The event is kindly sponsored by Rawlinson & Hunter, ArtRatio, Besso Limited, Cadogan Tate, Malca-Amit and Antiques Trade Gazette.
As business transactions increasingly move from the physical to the digital realm, this year’s LAPADA Conference will focus on how art and antiques dealers can trade online more securely, better protecting themselves and their clients. Experts will impart professional advice on a range of topics from dealing with cyber-attacks and protecting clients’ data to how to comply with Distance Selling Regulations and understanding copyright laws. Additionally, there will be a discussion on how to build trust with clients, with a particular focus on the American market.
“The LAPADA Conference is designed to help our members keep abreast of significant changes that affect the trade and to provide practical information that they can apply directly to their own businesses. We listen to feedback from dealers throughout the year and endeavour to address the issues about which they are most concerned.”
Rebecca Davies, LAPADA Association CEO
Scheduled talks include:
UNDERSTANDING CYBER THREATS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
Dan Sloshberg | Cyber Resiliency Expert, Mimecast
Cyber-attacks are increasingly common and target small and larger businesses alike. Learn more about the tactics hackers use, how to spot them and what you should do to best protect your business.
For more information please contact Zoe Ramsay at Cultural-Agenda at lapada@cultural-agenda.com tel: +44 (0)20 7245 1066
LEGAL PITFALLS OF ONLINE & DISTANCE SELLING
Philip James & Danielle Spiers | Partners, Sheridans
Whether you transact online or simply connect with customers via email, there is probably more due diligence required than you realise. In this session we will get practical advice on how to safely manage and store your clients’ data, compliance with Distance Selling Regulations and information around the mysteries of copyright.
ESTABLISHING TRUST WITH CLIENTS
Toma Clark Haines | CEO, The Antiques Diva & Co.
What factors influence a customer’s decision making in buying from one dealer over another? What creates a sense of trust in establishing long-term relationships with clients? Toma Clark Haines runs Europe & Asia’s largest antiques touring and sourcing company. Toma will talk through what she sees as the main drivers in creating trusted relationships between buyers and sellers offering tips on how to develop these relationships and how to best communicate with American clients.
MAKING TAX DIGITAL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Craig Davies | Partner, Rawlinson & Hunter
By 2020 most businesses will be required to keep track of their tax affairs digitally and to update HMRC at least quarterly via their digital tax accounts. Craig Davies will talk through what this means for individual businesses and how can you prepare yourself for the changes ahead.
Over the years the LAPADA Conference has welcomed a selection of world-class speakers, including Sir Stuart Rose, Philip Graves and Nigel White, to engage, inform and inspire the trade; giving guests a fresh perspective on today’s business climate. Past topics have ranged from cultural etiquette to digital marketing and Artists’ Resale Right to retail psychology.
Blenheim Palace, Waddesdon Manor, The Wallace Collection and Goldsmiths’ Hall have played host to the LAPADA Conference. Due to overwhelmingly positive feedback, LAPADA are delighted to return for a sixth consecutive year to the House of Lords by courtesy of its Chairman, Lord Chadlington.
LAPADA, The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers, is the largest society of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK. Established in 1974 it represents over 500 members across five continents, experts in their fields, whose specialities range from fine art, jewellery and furniture to contemporary works, sculpture and ceramics.
A three course lunch will be served in The Cholmondeley Room, providing an opportunity for colleagues and speakers to network.
Tickets are available to the public and early booking is advised.
LAPADA offers delegates a special opportunity to take a tour of the House of Lords and House of Commons. Those who wish to take part should indicate so in their booking form and will need to arrive by 8.45am for the guided tour, beginning at 9am. Limited spaces are available.
For more information please contact Zoe Ramsay at Cultural-Agenda
at lapada@cultural-agenda.com tel: +44 (0)20 7245 1066
Five Days of French Christmas Traditions
French Christmas Traditions
I love Christmas! It is the most wonderful time of the year! A magical time of twinkling lights and tinsel trees, lords a-leaping and ladies dancing. A time to splurge on fine wines and feasts with friends and family. It’s also a time of year steeped in traditions that have been passed down through the generations – holiday traditions that bring back childhood memories of popcorn strands, paper chains, colored lights and a shiny tin foil star atop the tree; of eight tiny reindeer and a song about dancing merrily.
My holiday traditions encompass much more now, however. Just
as Santa takes on many shapes, many sizes, Christmas traditions do also, varying from family to family and country to country. You won’t find an “elf on the shelf” wreaking havoc on our household and our stockings are still hung by the fire, but with our own jolly French elf… uh, I mean cook… in the family, we do indulge in a little more food and fun. From foie gras and the Bûche de Noël to French santons and the nativity scene, this Southern family has added some à la française to our pa-rum pum-pum-pum.
In France, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas markets. French towns and villages light up, vin chaud flows freely and the merriment begins. Christmas in France is a grand and joyful time, with celebrations focused on the birth of Jesus, family, friends, and food, of course.
French culinary customs have a tendency to be over the top, and Christmas is no exception. There’s nothing like celebrating with friends and family around the dinner table after the Christmas Eve service until the wee hours of the morning. With only five days until Christmas, I’m sharing five Gallic traditions that will have you and yours dreaming of a French Christmas. Try a few…
Lolo French Antiques’ 5 Days of French Christmas Traditions
Postcards from Père Noël
Each year in late November, children around the world begin sending their Christmas wish lists to Père Noël by way of a postal office in the small French village of Libourne. About 60 volunteer La Poste “elves” sort through and reply to every letter – over 1 million from 140 different countries. Santa’s first official response was in 1962 when Le Sécretariat du Père Noël was started by the Ministère des Postes et des Télégraphes. For more than 50 years, letters addressed to “Père Noël, France” have been answered. Postal officials say this French station probably gets more letters than any other country because it’s the oldest of its kind. The operation costs an estimated $1.4 million each year.
Shoes by the Fire
French children don’t hang stockings by the fire on Christmas Eve. Instead, they leave their shoes or slippers by the fireplace, filled with hay and carrots for Père Noël’s donkey to eat. Père Noël takes the hay and carrots and refills the shoes with small presents, candies, fruits and nuts for children to find Christmas morning.
Three Kings Day
The people of France gather together on January 6th each year to celebrate the day the Three Wise Men or Magi visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem. They mark the end of the holiday season much like they do all celebrations – they chow down on food that’s fit for a king. A traditional galette des rois (Three Kings cake) is offered as a gift during the feast of the Epiphany, also known as La Fête des Rois or Three Kings Day. Inside the cake is a small object or bean, known as a féve. The person who discovers the hidden féve is declared King for a day and wears a gold paper crown.
Le Réveillon de Noël
Le Réveillon de Noël is the traditional late night feast held to réveiller or wake up again once families return from la Messe de Minuit (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve. While the menu varies from region to region, delicacies including oysters, lobster, foie gras, escargot and a turkey or goose stuffed with chestnuts are common. Dessert always includes la Bûche de Noël.
55 French Santons
La crèche de Noël (the nativity scene) is very popular in France. It’s usually displayed from the first Sunday of Advent until February 2nd, the date of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, known as la Chandeleur (Crêpe Day). During the French Revolution, public nativity scenes were prohibited so small figurines called santons (little saints) were created in Provence for display in the home. The Provençal crèche includes the Holy Family, shepherds, animals, angels and Three Wise Men, as well as bouchers (butchers) boulangers (bakers) and various other village people – for a total of 55 characters – all waiting to welcome Baby Jesus, who isn’t added until midnight on Christmas Eve.
The countdown is on! As you finish decking the halls, wrapping the gifts and making the menu, there’s still time to add some French cheer to your home this year. You can read about more French Christmas traditions on our home page. Be sure to let us know if your holiday plans include any Francophile festivities. But wherever you are and however you’re celebrating….
Joyeux Noël,
Mimi
Who’s Who and What’s What When Identifying French Furniture Periods and Styles
Identifying French Furniture Periods
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since falling hopelessly in love with an adorable Frenchman it’s that French people definitely appreciate the finer things in life. They’re famous for l’art de vivre. From fine wine to fine furniture, from the Eiffel Tower to the fields of Provence, the people of France surround themselves with art and furniture that spans hundreds of years of impeccable style.
The task of identifying French furniture that’s often two hundred years old can be daunting though. How do you tell a Louis XV buffet from an Empire buffet? What’s the difference between a period piece and a style piece? There’s so much to learn. But you don’t need a Ph.D in Art History to grasp the basics. I’m making everything easy for you. Our Timeline of French Furniture Periods takes away the guesswork. From the French Renaissance to les Années Folles, you’ll learn how to identify the styles you love best by following Louis — our Frenchie (which you’ll see a lot), on a trip through time as we look at the various French furniture periods and the primary motifs and elements of design for each.
What’s most important to remember when trying to decipher who’s who and what’s what is that the periods in French furniture design follow the time periods associated directly with the reign of a particular king, politician or military leader. While each king’s style differentiated his reign from the others, there’s much overlapping of styles. Take the acanthus leaf for instance, it’s used in almost every period, the swirls and curls just vary.
The difference from one monarch’s style to another is usually only a matter of a few degrees of decadence, with a couple of transitional styles thrown in between for good measure. When a piece was actually crafted during a particular king’s reign, Louis XV for example, it’s identified as a Louis XV buffet or a period buffet. It will often have the stamp of a known ébéniste and will be more valuable than a style piece, which has the style motifs typical of the Louis XV period, but was made at a time after the Beloved’s reign — then it’s referred to as a buffet in the style of Louis XV or a Louis XV style buffet.
For nearly two centuries, the House of Bourbon ruled not only the courts of France, but also its worlds of fashion and decor. The “Fab Four,” Louis XIII, XIV, XV and XVI, had a huge influence on the arts and design. These four famous kings introduced French society to music, art, fashion and furnishings. Louis XV style is the epitome of French furniture at its finest. The period is regarded by many as the Golden Age of French furniture, a period of grand creativity, influenced by scandal and royal mistresses like Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. It was all about comfort in the 18th century and Louis XV style was designed for the comfort and glorification of beautiful women. The classically French bergère was introduced. This cushy armchair has stood the test of time and blends stylishly into the most contemporary of rooms.
But French furniture lost its position of dominance with the execution of Louis XVI and The French Revolution, making the early 19th century the last great period in French furniture making.
Whether you mix it up with the delectable designs of different periods or let one style dominate your decor, what’s your favorite? Let us know about the styles you love best.
À Bientôt!
Mimi
Antiques Diva Master Class with Daniel Larsson – Part II
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;”>Last month on the blog I sat down with our Swedish Divo Guide, Daniel Larsson of D.Larsson Interiör & Antikhandel, and asked him to share his knowledge about Swedish antiques in what I called “The Antiques Diva Master Class”. Today I want to continue that conversation and pass on some of Daniel’s insights into what’s hot right now when it comes to antique Swedish pieces in home decor. Let’s chat with Daniel!
Divo Guide Daniel Larsson
Antiques Diva:
What do you think defines Swedish Décor and Swedish Antiques?
Daniel Larsson:
While there are several styles under the “Swedish Antiques” label, the provincial Gustavian Style with the pale tones and simple lines is definitely one of the most recognizable and desirable. These pieces possess a particular elegance. This style fits in any interior whether your look is modern, rustic or classic.
Antiques Diva:
What are the essential antiques to set a Swedish tone in home décor?
Daniel Larsson:
As far as specific pieces go, I would say the Swedish long case clock is a must have and fits most homes from modern to more classic. This clock is typical to Sweden. There are two styles with different shapes to them: a masculine clock which has straight lines and a feminine clock which has softer lines. So the style you choose will effect the feel of your home.
Mora clocks are the most well known. The female clocks have a belly and a different shape. The male clocks are less popular than the female.
The Mora clock, Sweden’s popular “feminine” style long-case clock
The masculine version of Sweden’s popular long-case clock. Notice the straighter lines
Antiques Diva:
Any other Swedish pieces that are highly desirable?
Daniel Larsson:
Swedish country furniture including drop leaf tables and Swedish dining chairs are highly sought after. While they are pricier than the French chairs, there are not a lot of dealers with original chairs. But the real thing that is desirable in Swedish Antiques is ORIGINALITY.
Antiques Diva:
When it comes to antiques that’s what everyone really wants – ORIGINAL PIECES FROM THE PERIOD – and our specialty is helping our Antiques Diva clients find exactly that on their Sweden Antique Buying tours.
Daniel Larsson:
And while we help a lot of foreigners buy Swedish Antiques, the thing I think that is important for people to realize is that we Swedes also want these pieces. The Swedish people want quality and to be honest quality isn’t cheap. But buying quality in Sweden is a better value than elsewhere. Regardless of where you buy them, good Gustavian chairs will go for a lot of money. They’re desireable.
But often when you buying Swedish outside of Sweden you will pay the same price for the later reproductions in the Gustavian style from the late 19th C as you would in Sweden for an original period chair from 100 years earlier in the late 18th C. This makes it much less expensive to buy in Sweden because you’re getting period authentic pieces.
Antiques Diva:
It’s difficult because clients don’t always understand that Gustavian Style doe not mean Gustavian Period. There is a difference in age and quality.
Daniel Larsson:
When buying Swedish Antiques you really have to be careful to know the difference – are you buying Gustavian STYLE – which is not from the Gustavian period – or Gustavian Period?
Antiques Diva:
Talk to me about maker’s marks.
Daniel Larsson:
In Sweden, true Gustavian pieces sometimes have a maker’s mark to establish their authenticity to the period. Some dealers say it is important to know who made the chair, for instance, because it gives provenance. In fact when the chairs were originally being made this was just a matter of practicality. We Swedes – even in the 18th C – are a practical lot! If you bought a chair and it broke then you knew who to go to fix the chair. The maker’s mark was sort of like a guarantee. “Buy it from me, and if it breaks, bring it back and I’ll repair it.”
Antiques Diva:
What are the trends in antiques at the moment in Sweden? Do the locals love Gustavian antiques the way the rest of the world does?
Daniel Larsson:
In Sweden, good modern quality pieces are popular. Everyone knows mid-century modern is HOT right now but I can also see that Art Deco style is gaining quite a bit of popularity. But the Gustavian style has always been and always will continue to be popular among the Swedes. There isn’t one interior magazine in Sweden, regardless of style, that does not include one Gustavian piece in an issue. Our style is different from rest of Europe. Even IKEA is mimicking the Swedish style. In the 1980’s and 1990’s IKEA did a Swedish 18th C line that today has gained collectors value and is selling for more money than back when it was launched! Have you seen the recent IKEA catalog? They just did their version of a Swedish standing tall case clock.
Antiques Diva:
You can’t talk about Sweden without thinking of it’s most famous export – IKEA!
Daniel Larsson:
I honestly believe that IKEA is doing more positive things for Swedish furniture than negative. While it is of course budget furniture they are doing it with some style. In Sweden – and I think across Europe this holds true – you’ll actually find IKEA often in high-end homes.
Antiques Diva:
I’ve said it before and will say it again – Decorating with Antiques is about the mix of High & Low. So Swedish decorators pair a Gustavian armchairs with an Ikea Coffee table and the mixture just works. Swedish pieces, whether old or new, are relevant to the way we live today!
Thanks for joining us in this Antiques Diva® Masters Class!
The Antiques Diva®
