THE WATTS TOWERS of Simon Rodia

An other one of my collections are pique assiette ( or picassiette ) vases from the 1920’s. 


 Picassiette is a style of mosaic that incorporates pieces of broken ceramics—plates, dishes, cups, tiles—and other found objects into the design. The appeal and expressiveness of picassiette lies in the ideas of lateral thinking, humour, recycling, and the significance of the found objects.


I have always wanted to visit the Maison Picassiette in France but never did.So when I heard about a similar project in Los Angeles I had to go and explore... 

The Watts Towers,consisting of seventeen major sculptures constructed of structural steel and covered with mortar,are the work of one man : Simon Rodia.

Working alone ,for thirty-three years ( 1921-1954 ),using tile setter’s tools and with no drawing board designs,scaffolding, bolts or welding, Rodia constructed his master piece.

Rodia was famously taciturn when it came to discussing his project:”I had it in mind to do something big, and I did” is about as detailed as his explanation went.

In 1954, when he was nearly eighty, Simon Rodia suddenly quit.He deeded the site to a neighbor and walked off to never return.Thanks to a group of concerned citizens this site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Monuments.  

www.wattstowers.us/

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!

FISHS EDDY, We do dishes…

It seems that the Fishs Eddy store has been my neighbour for many years I guess, as this year they are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

What started as a chance encounter with endless stack of restaurant dishware of all sorts,plate,bowls,platters,cups and saucers ended up in one of my favorite store. A store dedicated to dishes (remember it’s one of my other passions and I can’t tell you how many sets I have and collect ).What was originally all vintage has changed to incorporate new collections;” Manhattan Blue Plate” and “Food Bank” being two of my favorites.The atmosphere they conjure is one of a old convenience country store,complete with portraits of long lost family members.

Rummage trough their dinnerware,flatware ( did I mention that I also collect vintage Hotel silverware ? ),glassware,service ware (great selection of cake stands) and even a gift registry.

With the holidays approaching all you need to set up a beautiful and unique table is here.

Right now their E-commerce only represents a select group of their most popular items, but it’s enough to make you want to redo your whole kitchen.

889 Broadway and 19^th St.

NY, NY 10003

212 420 9020

www.FISHSEDDY.com

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!

C Wonder,a world of colors.

Christopher Burch latest fashion venture is C. Wonder , a lifestyle brand that includes clothing, home decor and accessories with its first store now open in Soho. The average price in the store is under $40. Burch said, “We came to the store from the point of view of the customer. It was critical to us that we give luxury with an extraordinary price point" 

Entering the store  trough giant green doors a world of colors await you and you know I love colors.

My favorite and most expensive piece in the store is a flower printed scooter for $1900,but you can find wonderful statement jewelries ( enamel bamboo bracelets $58 each ), signature rain boot $68,pillows,dog collars and leashes ( $16 ) for your four legged friend.Nylon pouches and bags available in a variety of size and colors who can be monogrammed in the store.It's an all life-style world out here.  

Final touch ; the dressing room with their own system to personalize the lighting and the music.

Soon coming the E-commerce site, so keep posted !

http://www.cwonder.com/

72 Spring St. at Crosby

New york, NY 10012

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!

THE END of HISTORY

By now you are all aware of my love for fleas markets and antiques stores.

One of my favorite things to hunt for other then dishes is art glass and potteries.

I own a big selection of blue potteries from the 40’s and 50’s all arranged by “grouping” so it’s always a pleasure to visit “The End of History” store in Manhattan’s West Village. It opened in 1997 at a time when minimalism and beige was all the rage in interior decorating. Since then and thanks to them perception of colors in the home have changed.

The store has one of the world’s largest selection of mid century art glass and Scandinavian ceramics from the 1950’s to the 1960’s all displayed in color vignettes.

Because they have an inventory in the thousand of unique pieces they don’t have an e-commerce site but if you like a piece on their blog or have a special request they will do everything possible to ship it to you.

THE END of HISTORY

548 1/2 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

212 647-7598

theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!