Madge in New York – Episode 2 – 1stdibs

Madge In New York - Episode 2 - 1stdibs

Adventures in Mid-Century Design

Saturday morning Mr. Madge indulgently accompanied Madge to a mid-century nirvana – 1stdibs@NYDC. If you haven’t heard of 1stdibs.com, it’s the online source for upscale antiques and vintage pieces. Starting 10 years ago with just furniture, the site now encompasses everything from clothes to jewelry to homes.

A few years ago 1stdbs opened up a showroom on the 10th floor of the New York Design Center. Although the NYDC is “to the trade only”, anyone may take the ride up to the 10th floor 1stdibs galleries. Of course you better come holding some major green.

Madge and Mr. wandered the floor agog at the selection and also at the prices. Here are some of our favorites.

Madge is a nut about lighting fixtures and this booth had a great collection of mid-century chandeliers.

Iconic swivel armchairs from Finnish designer Aero Aarnio. Love the space age look of the chairs with the ethnic look of the Moroccan style metal coffee table. Mixing styles and eras always makes a room more interesting.

A more traditional look, but the nine panel floral piece Is absolutely stunning against the red wall.

OMG! But if you have to ask darling you can’t afford it! Nine foot Draping Fringe Light from the 1960s. $17,500

This reminds me of a Marimekko wall hanging Madge & Mr. Madge had in their first apartment.

Madge fell hard for a pair of these Italian lamps. Stupendo!

A rack of wooden bowling balls from the late 1800s. Tag indicates that they are made of Lignum Vitae which is one of the hardest woods known and was used for this type of item before the invention of resins and hard plastics. Wouldn’t this rack make an amazing room divider in a Soho loft?

And the pièce de résistance, a vanity and dresser by Italian designer Gio Ponti from the Hotel Parco die Principi in Sorrento circa 1964. The pair is $34,000.

Well after this tour Madge was positively verklempt and Mr. had to quickly convey her to the nearest refreshment stand and ply her with champagne until she recovered.

Next episode – A Trip to the Hat Shop

Madge in New York – Episode 2 – 1stdibs