Jane’s Carousel,come ride with me...

If like me you are still a child at heart you need to visit Jane’s Carousel in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, where it is magically set on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The Carousel was created in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio.

Bought at auction by Jane and David Walentas on October 21, 1984. Their bid for the entire Carousel prevented it from being sold off piecemeal.

It is a classic 3-row machine with 48 carved horses, and 2 chariots. The wood carvings, often attributed to John Zalar and Frank Carretta, are among the finest of their kind. In addition, the scenery panels, rounding boards, crests, center pole and platform are all original to the Carousel. It was the first Carousel to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Carousel is now housed in a spectacular Pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. 

The carousel is operated year-round for the enjoyment of children of all ages. $2 admission.

http://janescarousel.com/

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!

SCHIAPARELLI & PRADA: IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS

What everybody is talking about today is the MET Gala tonight for the opening of the new exhibition of the Costume Institut at the Met.

Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias's "Impossible Interviews" for Vanity Fair in the 1930s.The exhibition will showcase approximately ninety designs and thirty accessories by Schiaparelli (1890–1973) from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and by Prada from the late 1980s to the present.

Schiaparelli, who worked in Paris from the 1920s until her house closed in 1954, was closely associated with the Surrealist movement and created such iconic pieces as the "Tear" dress, the "Shoe" hat, and the "Bug" necklace. Prada, who holds a degree in political science, took over her family's Milan-based business in 1978, and focuses on fashion that reflects the eclectic nature of Postmodernism.

I am very excited about seeing more of Schiaparelli designs,especially after my encounter with the « Shoe » hat last month at the wonderful exhibition « Hats : An Anthology by Stephen Jones » at the Brad Graduate Center.Not so much about Prada,I have never been a fan…Strange, as I am a lover of kitsch and bad test,but I like my women to be chic.

In anticipation of the exhibition Bergdorff Goodman has dedicated their 5th Avenue window to it.

On View May 10–August 19, 2012 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

http://www.metmuseum.org/

And to see who was best or very often worst dressed go to
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/olivia-bergin/TMG9251798/Marc-Jacobs-at-the-Met-Ball-2012-I-just-didnt-wanna-wear-a-tuxedo-and-be-boring.html

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!

            

MOOD INDIGO

An all-new range of collecting…

Fiesta in light green

When I first arrived in America 35 years ago I already was an avid collector. I always had a passion for dishes and was already collecting Limoge, Sevres and some 60’s Villeroy & Bosch, when suddenly I was faced with an explosion of colors and patterns with names like Fiesta, Harlequin and Riviera.

This display cabinet full of Fiestaware look like my cupboard

Fiesta in Orange

At the time the 26^th St. flea market was a good source, so were the thrift store. But when researching a specific piece I will go to Mood Indigo in Soho. After 25 years there, 5 years ago they relocated at the Showplace Antique and Design Center.

FireKing

Stangl

Russel Wright

Eva Zeisel

There you will be able to complete or start your collection with pieces of Fiestaware, Russel Wright and Eva Zeisel. If you feel like a “Mad Men” character you will have a huge choice of bar accessories as well as objects from famous NY nightspots as the Stork Club.

One of my favorite things in the store is the extensive grouping of the Lady Head Vases and the novelty Salt and Peppershakers. 

You will also find an extensive collection of New York World Fair memorabilia’s...    

And deco Bakelite Jewelry.

I highly recommend a visit and when there, tell them you did find the store on NicNatChat.

                                                                                         

 

http://www.moodindigonewyork.com/index.htm

http://nyshowplace.com/home/1_0_menu=9.aspx

A bientôt,

Pierre Candra

for NicNat Chat!