In the world of home furnishings, no one needs an excuse to incorporate a retro piece into their homes. As a matter of fact most will try to get a knock off of something famous, scouring IKEA or Target in hopes to brush with beauty. But like most things beautiful a fake--even if it is called ‘faux’-- doesn’t compare to the real thing.
A quick turn through any given antique market in Europe and one can see original designs in their natural habit. These privileged few haven’t been discarded in an attic, but rather preserved waiting to catch the eye of a browsing buyer. I, being that buyer, have the opportunity to touch, question, and pick at every flaw. But lets be honest even the most tarnished of discarded Scandinavian trash is valuable. The workmanship still puts its contemporaries to shame. Besides, who wouldn’t want the bragging rites of saying ‘this is an original Borge Mogensen Spanish Chair’? Why it rolls of the tongue like a vintage wine.
The problem with antiques is that they are not just lying around your neighborhood furniture store. Sometimes they are halfway across the world with no knowledge that somewhere there is a home they could make fabulous. But thank heavens we provide a service to unite you with your perfect piece. Now at Jacobs & Ismail Imports the catch of the day are two original Borge Mogensen Spanish Chairs. For more information visit our shop page at www.jiimports.com/shop.htm or email info@jiimports.com.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 8/28/06
Labels: Decor
The road to La Rambla--for those of you lucky souls who have never traveled it--is hot, winding and arid. The dessert like conditions challenged our little mini car to the max. And just when we thought we could not stand to bare another sharp turn, or tumble weed, we were spit right in the middle of one of the main ceramic resource of Spain.
The city is delightful once you get pass a small city centers filled with one-ways that seemed to be designed just to keep foreigners out, and the 45 degree Celsius weather that really makes you want to stay in the car with the air-con on blast. But if you manage to find the little section where they make all the ceramic goodies you will feel as if you have died and gone to ceramic heaven. The town is filled with artisans who make everything from tiles to bowls, and a bunch of “widgets” you didn’t even know one could be molded into clay.
The colors range from sharp yellows to vibrant blues and every color of rouge in the book. Each design can be made to order. But be careful because they come in limited supply. And you will never understand why it is so difficult to order 200 of one design until you see the artisans hand painting and glazing each plate in the back. But in the world of La Rambla anything is possible. Every town from Seville to Madrid sings their praises and racks up on their goods.
These companies are like the ‘Keebler Elves’ they have no websites, or rational sense of contact, though I swear to you they exist. For more information on the ceramic of La Rambla or to place a special order, visit our website at www.jiimports.com/shop.htm and click on Ceramica or email us at info@jiimports.com.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 8/27/06
Labels: Decor
What can we learn from Paramitas? Their ability to adapt proper use of hearts and bright colors in women’s clothing makes Popeye’s ‘Olive Oyl’ chic. Though I never thought to derive my fashion sense from a cartoon character, apparently someone thought it was a good idea, so much so that they placed the moderately priced clothing collection in a brightly decorated store, with snobby sales associates to boot.
On first glace Paramitas seemed like a children’s play land. I expected to see a pool of balls or pizza served to juvenile clientele. But this mess of red hearts, and cartoons splashed in a haphazard fashion on everything from cotton to leather was intended for adult use. But once you get pass the clothing that one can only hope no one makes a whole wardrobe, there exists an interior design that is a successful experiment in primary colors. Of course it picks up where their clothing failed miserably, white walls accented with cherry reds, sappy greens and sunflower yellow. Tying the colors together are whimsical cartoons affirming the playfulness of the brand.
What I learned from Paramitas was that even though I wouldn’t want to dress like a childish billboard, the integration of whimsy in store décor is refreshing. I have seen this trend attempted in other retail outlets, but usually it is not suitable. Since graffiti has become fashionable--thank to “Sex and the City”-- more people have been interjecting a bit of ‘G-fab” into their lifestyles. Paramitas has achieved it a way that in one of the most politically correct fashions. I wonder what new trend ‘Olive Oyl” will inspire next season.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 8/27/06
Labels: Retail Report