Curating a Lifestyle: Destination, Antiques!
For anyone seeking one more reason to collect unique and beautiful antiques, art and jewelry, Scott Diament and his production team for the Palm Beach Show annually deliver the holy grail of treasure hunting. Across the five days of Presidents’ Day weekend, top collectors and antiques enthusiasts will once again escape their winter doldrums to the elite resort town, browsing choice offerings from more than 160 renowned international exhibitors.
Converting the Palm Beach County Convention Center to an art and design mecca, Diament’s team relies on trusted, repeat exhibitors to bring their best merchandise and elegant displays. From the dramatic selections in London-based Peter Finer’s inventory of fine arms and armour to the sophisticated antique and vintage baubles from New York’s prestigious Fred Leighton, more than 50,000 visitors are treated to an incredible variety of material, spanning every genre and juxtaposing many periods and movements. Interested in American Indian Arts? Simply pop in the booth of Marcy Burns, a leader in the category. Looking for an exceptional American painting? There are few options more revered than Debra Force Fine Art. Americana aficionados will be treated to the ultimate selection when visiting the booth of legendary Jeffrey Tillou Antiques. From Oriental rugs to English silver, French furniture to Danish modern, grab a map of the world and chart your journey, as dealers from all over the United States and Europe bring their coveted wares to accommodate your “one-stop-shopping experience” of anything you might dream of collecting.
A hallmark of the social season, the show’s Preview Party has become a standalone destination event. “The Preview Party on Friday night has become one of the hottest society nights in Palm Beach,” notes Diament. “It’s a who’s who of antiques and art cognoscenti, political dignitaries and socialites, and a chance to shop the show before anyone else.”
Need some ideas on how to make a statement with your own collection? This year, renowned interior designer, Campion Platt will curate the 2015 Designer Showcase. An award-winning designer, Platt boasts a dazzling client list of celebrities who appreciate his focus on personalized spaces. “No two of our projects are the same,” says Campion, whose projects are driven by client-generated wish lists. Under Platt’s direction, the Designer Showcase will be a “don’t miss” highlight of the 2015 show. Featuring room vignettes by leading interior designers utilizing art, antiques and accessories from exhibitors, Platt’s curated exhibit should prove a magnificent manifestation of an authentic and liveable approach to collecting.
Don’t let the guest or exhibitor list intimidate. Diament’s goal is to offer an environment that fosters the understanding and appreciation of antiques, not just the enviable chance to buy big ticket items. Passes for the four-day weekend are just $20, with complimentary access to the educational lecture series. According to Diament, “In 2014, seats at practically every lecture were filled to capacity with some lectures leaving standing room only. This year’s line-up of speakers will surely inspire a similar response from attendees.”
So, whether you are an art enthusiast or simply art-curious, grab your sunscreen and dive into the engaging world of collecting at the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show. Can’t make it to sunny Florida in February? Don’t fret - thanks to CollectorsNet.com, launched by the Palm Beach Show group in 2010, you can view and purchase from an exclusive, handpicked community of Palm Beach Show Group dealers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, visit palmbeachshow.com.
Article orginally appeared in Januar/February issue of Sophisticated Living Columbus
