Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/32301
Conventional Wisdom These designers share their most memorable design finds, from Karl Springer to Roland Mellan and André Dubreuil. CELERIE KEMBLE The mid-century master Known for her richly layered tradi- tional interiors, Celerie Kemble is the first to admit her schooling is more antiques than avant-garde. However, since attending Design Miami/ years ago, the decorator was hooked, enjoying the opportu- nity to seek out mid-century master- pieces and to push her boundaries discovering new artists. CK: I don’t collect for impor- tance, just for the things I love. I’m a huge texture person—any- thing with exotic materials from Ron Seff or Karl Springer. And I’m totally obsessed with Jacques Adnet right now. His stitched leather desks and letter trays are the best. I’m also hop- ing to find more mid-century lighting. I love the experimental shapes and materials. One of my favorite finds was a 1970s twisted plywood lamp by Alan Friedman, (below), that I used in a client’s Tribeca apartment. DELPHINE KRAKOFF The skilled collector With an eye for what’s next and rev- erence for things past, Delphine Krakoff creates sophisticated, com- fortable interiors. An avid collector of design—from Tiffany Lamps to Joris Laarman furniture—her great- est finds are unique interior illustra- tions and Line Vautrin mirrors. In addition to her global travels, she often visits her favorite galleries and auction houses any where, any time—online. DK: Reed [Krakoff] had seen a unique Andre Dubreuil clock, (below), 10 years ago at a Euro- pean auction house and loved it, but he hadn’t been able to buy it then. Lo and behold, I found this exact piece had reemerged 10 years later at an auction house in Vienna. Be- cause of the Internet and all of the research that you can do online, I think that people go the big fairs today because they re- ally want to. FRANK DE BIASI The art-world aficionado A background in contemporary art and the history of design gives interior de- signer Frank de Biasi a unique perspec- tive to every project he approaches. de Biasi is a fair enthusiast, often commis- sioning pieces from new artists he finds, tracking down rare collectibles, and ex- pertly mixing it all together. He shares his perspective on the importance of Europe in today’s modern world. FD: I love going to art and design fairs, especially in Europe. There’s so much happening there; it is the best place to be. One of my fa- vorite finds was this Roland Mellan cabinet, (below), we got from David Gill Gallery. I’ve always admired the artist’s use of metal and thought it could be a perfect stor- age piece for a young couple’s home in Florida. Even though their taste is fairly traditional, they loved it too, and the contrast between the traditional and the contempo- rary still looks very fresh. 82 CULTURED KEMBLE: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN; DE BIASI: JOHN ELLIS