Mary-Helen McCoy – The Influence of the Fashion Design World on Antiques

In this fast and crazy world we live in fads come and go in most everything. For the art and antique business this is particularly true. During the 80′s and 90′s antique period furniture was very popular with Interior Designers and architects. “Antique” dealers were growing on trees as many entered the business without a clue, except knowing they would travel , go to various markets (the usual suspects) eat good food, sleep well and “oh how much fun this is” to be in the trade and open shops of English, French or Italian tastes. The books and magazines were filled with the delights of these ”dealers”. Serious dealers spent their time trying to explain why the pair of Louis “the hotel” fauteuils at the shop down the street cost a fraction of the Jacob fauteuils sitting in their gallery. Since 2001, there has been a decline in the demand for antiques which in my opinion was spurred on by the events in New York with the Trade Center bombings. A more austere approach to design began to take hold, minimalism, modern and such became popular along with a new generation of young people who wanted their furnishing in their homes to be unimportant.

Now we have the Great Recession or for antique furniture dealers The Great Depression II. Earlier in the year I wrote an article that the pendulum was beginning to move ever slightly and now I have heard on good authority that this is in reality could happen soon. We must be prepared to strike and take advantage of an opportunity. Recently, I have been looking at various fall fashion shows on the Internet. There are elaborate productions showing the most glorious fabrics reminiscent of the 80′s with romantic floral patterns, Renaissance designs, textures and colors collaborated with intriguing sets of the period. I have also been told from my design sources, as I play a dual role as an Interior Designer, that the coming season will have many fabrics which were popular in the 80′s. Now, this may not catch on overnight however it will catch on because the shelter magazines have to sell something new. With these backdrops what will the popular furniture be?……The answer is Antiques for those who know the difference and Brocante (used furniture) for those who either do not care or do not know. Either way, a look is upon us and we should be excited!

The problem is that the economy must improve for all of this to play out and houses must be sold so there is a demand for furnishings. Even if the housing market remains sluggish, our clients with the money may get an itch to renovate an existing home or redecorate.  So, I encourage all of you to sit tight, pay attention to what is happening in the fashion world, which in turn has an impact on the design world, and could result in some sales of our “old friends” sitting around waiting for a good home….Good Luck to all!….

Mary-Helen McCoy