The 1950's Returns
While many baby-boomers still have fond memories of Happy Days reruns and Grease flashbacks, it's another generation that seems to be spinning the wheel forward, at least according to David Kirk, who runs a 1950's vintage themed store in Nevada. "It's all about the kids" says Kirk. "I've been doing this for almost forty years, when boomers were my only customers, but today it's like a third-generation removed." Kirk says that many of his 'younger' clients love the vintage leather jackets, sunglasses, retro-converted car seats, and sock-hop poster memorabilia that adorns his store walls. "It's not Mid-Century stuff per se," says Kirk, "but more like the chrome and vinyl soda-shop bar stools - or what I like to call juke-box décor." Kirk, who also runs an online version of his 50s store, says that sales really began to take-off last year. "I have absolutely no idea why," he mused, but thinks that some of the newfound interest in his 50s-themed Americana items may just be part of a younger generations desire to harken back to what was often perceived as a simpler and less strenuous time in life to grow up in. "I've sold more bobby socks and saddle-shoe combos to kids in their 20s over the last ten months, than over the last five years," says Kirk, "There doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to it, other than perhaps a possible breaking trend."  ​

American Folk Art - Portraits
According to some of the top auction houses, sales of Early American antiques are beginning their rise back to prominence within the decorative arts scene, however, a number of auction researchers are also reporting that one particular genre within this field is showing stronger than expected sales. Included in this group is Christie’s Sallie Glover, a specialist in Early American Folk Art who has been predicting the rise in art portraiture for a number of years now. “American folk portraiture appeals to many different types of collectors,” says Glover. “These works can go just as well with traditional American furniture as they do with a modern interior.” Glover's sentiments seem to match other results for online auction reports that also indicate a noticeable rise in popularity for this type of art form. Doris Henley, an Early American themed online dealer who also aggregates realized auction prices for her business, says that sales of her folk art portraits have ballooned over the past ten months. "I could see it coming," says Henley, "at first it was just a dribble, but then it really opened up about a year ago and the prices started to climb." Henley says she doesn't expect the popularity of folk art to wane anytime soon. "Brown wood and history are just coming back into vogue," she says, "this run has a long way to go yet."

Decorated Chests
Inaya Abbas, who runs a specialty themed bricks-and-clicks business devoted to antique blanket boxes and chests, says that while numbers ramped-up after the pandemic and remained constant for the next couple of years, it wasn't until the end of 2023 that she really began to notice an uptick in requests for items and sales of some of her more ornate inventory. "Shaker stuff was selling," says Abbas, "but the more exotic chests that I'd had shipped back from Asia and the Middle East really started to move by the early part of 2024. It's as if a light went off and everyone suddenly decided they had to have a blanket box - it's been crazy busy," she says. Abbas, who's been selling within the decorative arts scene for almost fifteen-years, believes that we're just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg now as people move further away from today's modern motif as a core decorating principle. "I think it's just time for a change, people seem to want more warmth and color now."

Rotary Phones
While it may be hard for some to fathom, since it might only seem like yesteryear that we were all on landlines (we were), Jin Chang says that sales from his retro collection of last century's rotary phones has been on a skyward trajectory since he opened his private collection website to the public and online sales in 2022. "Most of my buyers are Asian kids who love tech stuff." says Chang, "but it's slowly beginning to change." Chang thinks that most of his clients just want that connection to early past tech, and they're willing to pay for it. When he first started out, Chang claims that finding inventory was easy - it was plentiful and cheap - but no longer. "You can still buy some cool 'hole-dialers' at good prices," he notes, but admits that much has changed over the last year or two. "I now have to compete for inventory in some places," he says, "it's not like the old days where you could literally find examples that had been thrown out with the trash." Chang believes that on average, prices for many of his better quality rotary's have probably doubled in price over ​the last year, and he doesn't see that slowing down anytime soon. "I've got more demand than supply," he says, "so until that changes, I think the market will continue to remain strong well into 2025."  

Vintage Studio Ceramics
Once lacking in the doldrums, vintage studio ceramics finally look to be making a comeback as well, at least according to many auction-house insiders and industry dealers. Benjamin Walker, Bonham's head of global decorative arts and design department, says that the auction house is seeing a comeback in interest for clay. “The international market for contemporary British ceramics is well established and has been growing in strength,” says Walker, “We’re now seeing a growing trend in American studio ceramics that is following this interest. Over the past five to ten years the category has gained more public interest and climbed in value.” Recent sales would seem to back-up Walker's claim, as examples from auction results showing a 1968 Hans Coper vase (with top) being sold for a record-setting $790,000 last year. Pam Newley, a New York artist who works in clay, and who also runs an established online gallery devoted to early twentieth-century American ceramics, says that she's also seen a marked increase in interest by consumers for quality ceramic pieces as well - and not just those from studios. "Ten years ago there just wasn't that much of a market for clay anymore," she says, "but in the last two or three years it's all started to come back." Newley, who's been in business for almost thirty-years knows it's cyclical, of course, but says that, "It's just starting-up again," so for those looking to get in on the ground-floor as collectors or re-sellers, "now would probably be a good time."

For most though, trying to ascertain the vagaries and movement patterns of 'in-demand' objects within the field of the decorative arts can often make one feel like you've got a better chance of nailing water to the wall, than getting a reliable market prognostication of things to come. However, as David Kirk is fond of reminding people who visit his store's 1950s-inspired website, "Figuring out what's going to be hot and collectible is easy; it's all just a matter of heading back to the future again... right?"

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
​

New York - The antique and vintage industry is currently experiencing what many believe to be a modern revival, drawing in a variety of decorative arts enthusiasts from a number of different backgrounds and tastes. 

Whether you've been curating a collection of early American rustic furniture for decades or are just beginning to appreciate the timeless elegance of Mid-Century motifs and designs, there's an undeniable surge of energy pulsating through today's decorative arts industry. With the advent of platforms like Mercari and Chairish, and the meteoric rise of freshly prepared events like the Rooftop-Night-Market at Vintage Land, or the booming popularity of Round Top Antiques Fair, the landscape for antique and vintage shopping is undergoing a dynamic transformation as a new generation of buyers seem to have finally embraced the allure of decorative collecting.

Terri Alrod, a notable figure in the New York design scene with over four decades of experience in the field, says she's observed a seismic shift in how people are integrating antique and vintage themes into their living and collecting spaces today, while also noting that some items and styles seem to be surging in popularity over others. We reached out to Alrod and six other prominent designers and industry-insiders from various regions to uncover the antique and vintage items that savvy investors might want to consider acquiring now, in order to secure some potentially significant resale value down the road.

2. Vintage Watches: Timepieces from renowned watchmakers have become coveted heirlooms and investments. Vintage Rolex and Omega watches, in particular, have seen a recent surge in value, reveals Boston based watch expert David Mallory. "The craftsmanship and prestige associated with these brands have made them highly desirable among collectors," he says. Add to that the celebrity endorsement from megastars like Tyler The Creator, and Pharrell Williams flaunting their own vintage examples, and it has made acquiring these items almost aspirational. Mallory says that these media star's 'wrist choices' are influencing a broader audience, with a subsequent ripple effect that is creating a surge in prices. ​

New York - While we've all heard the popular refrain before about how great antique sales were during the heady 1980's, it would seem that today's current market may now be on a trajectory to repeat that performance. After years of market fluctuations, antique dealers are experiencing what many describe as a renaissance reminiscent of the industry's 1980s peak, albeit with some distinctly modern characteristics. A number of seasoned veterans and decorative arts analysts say they've witnessed a market shift in the past couple of years that points to a convergence of factors for creating what some are calling "the perfect set-up" for the sale of antique and vintage goods. 

"I don't know if we're there quite yet," says, Tom Patterson, an east coast antique dealer who's been in the business for almost fifty years, "but we're getting pretty close." Patterson, whose family run concern has been in continuous operation since 1965, says that while sales of dark furniture are just starting to come back, sales of Art Deco, early Americana, and even some late Victoriana have all jumped dramatically over the past few years. "It's a younger buyer whose looking for more than just a deal on used furniture," says Patterson, "and it's not just Mid-century stuff either, we're starting to sell to a whole new batch of next-gen Yuppies who are much more concerned with quality and distinctiveness than ever before." While sales have risen sharply, Patterson cautions that it may still take another year or so for the trend to fully set in and reach numbers comparable to the 1980s, but believes that recent sales show the pendulum is finally swinging back towards a more traditional type of decor with today's buyers.

New York - There's no question about it - the secondhand market is currently experiencing a golden age. The resale of antique and vintage goods, particularly furniture and decorative items, has become one of the most popular and profitable market sectors in today's economy. With the recent rise in inflation, and the cost of living hitting new highs, consumers are turning to secondhand treasures for both aesthetic satisfaction and financial practicality. This movement, driven by economic necessity, has transformed the way people perceive pre-owned goods, elevating the antique and vintage sector to a level of prominence not seen in decades.

This perfect storm of factors, including high inflation, a renewed focus on sustainability, and the allure of unique, high-quality craftsmanship, has created an unprecedented demand for many antique and vintage pieces, says decorative arts analyst Sam Waterman. Pulling aggregate data mined from industry related sources, Waterman's New York based analytics firm says that sales are not just strong, but "growing almost exponentially." Waterman points to a recent report by Business of Home, which revealed that when the U.S. inflation rate reached a four-decade high, it quickly prompted consumers to rethink their spending habits. "Where once people might have turned to brand-new, mass-produced furnishings," says Waterman, "today they are increasingly embracing the antique and vintage market, not only to save money but also to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time."

New York - With the arrival of fall heralding the beginning of the hottest selling season for antique and vintage markets, we thought it might also be the perfect time to reach out to a few long-term industry insiders from within the decorative arts field to get their take on some of the top lessons learned when it comes to the best buying practices for a successful "pick" of antiques and collectibles. For some, this hard-earned wisdom has occasionally come at the expense of a few mistakes, which is why many of the participants were only too happy to share their expertise in the hope that others might avoid similar pitfalls along the way.

Trust Your Instincts
For almost all queried, this simple mantra came in at number one with virtually every dealer and curator polled. While research is essential, 'don't be afraid to trust your gut' was the most familiar refrain heard. "Often, the pieces that truly speak to you are the ones you should invest in," says David Lee, owner of Pixel Playground Retro Games. If an item resonates with you personally, it's more likely to hold sentimental value and potential financial appreciation.

Condition Is Key
While the history of an item is important, its condition is equally crucial. Dr. Lori Verderame, an antiques appraiser and host of "Ask Dr. Lori LIVE," points out, "Even the rarest antique can lose significant value if it's in poor condition. Restoration can help, but it’s always better to find pieces that have been well-preserved." She advises collectors to look for items that are in as close to original condition as possible, as these will retain or likely increase in value over time​.

The Value Or (De-Value) Of Restoration
Tom Robinson's east coast refinishing shop, which has been conducting high-end Georgian furniture restorations for over thirty years, says that restorations can be a double-edged sword. While it can restore an item's former glory, it can also diminish its value if not done correctly. "I've had many novice antique dealers come to me with items they bought 'on sale,' who didn't notice the botched restoration until later when they got it home." By that time it can often be too late says Robinson, who notes that it's incumbent upon the buyer to really examine the more expensive pieces closely before plunking down any cash. "Take some time to lift, prod, poke, turnover, or do whatever is necessary to get a full view of what it is you're buying, and make sure you ask the seller for any known 'fixes' that have been attempted." Robinson says that learning what's considered an "acceptable" restoration often only comes with experience. 

Do Your Research
Research is a cornerstone of successful antiquing. "Understanding the period, style, and maker of an item is essential," says John Atzbach, a specialist in Imperial Russian antiques. "Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, whether you’re buying or negotiating prices." Online databases, reference books, and expert consultations are invaluable tools for anyone serious about collecting​ or selling within the industry.

Keep An Eye On Trends
While personal taste can help guide you as a collector, being aware of market trends can be a necessity as a dealer. Michael Andrews, an auctioneer at Andrews & Co., notes, "Certain styles and periods come in and out of fashion. Keeping an eye on what's trending can help you make smarter purchases that appreciate in value." For example, he highlights the ongoing popularity of mid-century modern furniture, which has continued to rise in price recently, despite its decorative resurgence occurring almost twenty years ago. 

Patience Pays Off
Patience is a virtue in the world of antiquing. "Some of the best finds come to those who are willing to wait," says Jane Smith, a veteran antique dealer at Heritage Antiques. She recalls how she once spent years searching for a specific Victorian brooch, only to find it unexpectedly at a small estate sale. "Don’t rush the process. The hunt is half the fun, and patience often leads to the best discoveries," she advises.

Finally, one of the most important lessons according to many of those we spoke with, was the simple concept of 'enjoying the journey.' Antiquing is as much about the experience as it is about the acquisitions. "Don’t get so caught up in the value or rarity of an item that you forget to enjoy the process," says Dr. Lori. "Every piece has a story, and the joy of discovering that story is what makes antiquing such a rewarding endeavor." Whether you're visiting flea markets, estate sales, or antique shops, most dealers were unanimous in their belief that one of the most important aspects of 'antiquing' was to simply savoir the adventure and the connections made along the way.

- A.I.A. Staff Writer's

New York - Finding that perfect blend, whether it be one's morning coffee, or a list of the current market's best-selling and most popular antique and vintage items can often require a little experimentation to get the desired effect. However, one source that often trumps all the rest when it comes to the simple facts regarding popularly sold items (and nothing more), are the hard and cold "realized" sales numbers provided by auction houses. When fully aggregated over a relative period of time, these statistics can add some serious heft to the tale of what's actually selling within the decorative arts world at any given moment. 

Which means that if you're searching for sales patterns that can have a meaningful impact on your bottom line as an antiques and vintage dealer, or as a collector wondering about present day values, then it's probably going to be worth your while to take note of how 2024's auction results are trending when it comes to marketplace sales. With that notion in mind, staff writers decided to reach out to a few auction houses, gathered some statistical reports, and then tabulated the information, which revealed several categories that have been performing exceptionally well recently, as shown in the results below. 

1. Fine Art and Jewelry: High-value sales in fine art, including Impressionist and mid-century Modern art, continue to be prominent. Antique and vintage jewelry, especially from renowned designers, is also fetching high prices at many of the top tier auction houses​ according to both Chirstie's and Sotheby's.

2. Luxurious Vintage Handbags: Especially those which come adorned with diamonds and gold hardware have been fetching impressive prices. For instance, Heritage Auctions recently sold one Hermès example for $185,000. Even basic Hermès bags, like the Rouge Garance Evelyn, can still sell well. An Evelyn bag recently displayed a 'sold' listing on eBay for just over $2,000.
​
3. Vintage Political Collectibles: Perhaps it's just a spinoff effect from the current political landscape, but many online auction sites are reporting strong sales of Items related to political campaigns, such as buttons, posters, and memorabilia featuring images of candidates from the 1920s or earlier. Collectors are apparently appreciative of the historical significance and nostalgia associated with the pieces as the significant move up in pricing seems to reflect this interest.

4. Mid-Century Modern Furniture: According to LiveAuctioneers, this style remains highly desirable, with pieces from designers like Eames and Herman Miller continuing to achieve significant price increases. While demand was down slightly in some eastern urban areas like New York City, the overall auction results seemed to indicate that the interest in mid-century modern furniture continues to be a popular choice in almost all other locations across the country​.

5. Vintage Watches: Collectibles, including vintage watches from brands like Rolex, Cartier, Bulova, etc. are all highly sought after in the current market with strong realized prices. However, according to the curated online auction site Bidsquare, condition, rarity, and provenance still play a crucial role in determining their final value at hammer-time. Other more common bands such as Timex and Casio also proved to be winners with bidders.

6. Kitchenware and Barware: While many may have thought that the explosive resurgence in vintage kitchenware items, especially from brands like CorningWare, may have come and gone, according to numbers from the online auction site HiBid, nothing could be further from the truth. Cornflower Blue examples continue to list at extremely high prices with some selling in the thousands of dollars - apparently driven by collectors' nostalgia and their increasing scarcity as online buyers snap up dwindling supplies.​

9. Sports Memorabilia: Finally, Goldin Auctions says that iconic sports memorabilia, such as game-worn jerseys and autographed items are continuing to attract high prices, with a Michael Jordan game-worn jersey selling recently for $10.1 million. However, it's not just the uber celebrity sport tie-ins bringing in the cash, according to Goldin's website, as even average examples from the sporting world, such as collector cards and signed equipment from mediocre stars, are also bringing in substantially higher sale prices. 

​While pricing and trends can of course change like the wind, "realized" auction results can nevertheless highlight a broad area of interest within the decorative arts field that is backed by actual sales numbers. And, while many of the items and categories represented here seem to exude a certain historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and a touch of nostalgia, it would also appear that the majority of collectors who are footing the bills for these items are particularly focused on the well-preserved pieces that can offer them a clear line of provenance, and hopefully a potential upside in future value, in exchange for their high-dollar auction house investments.

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
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​NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.

New York - With the close of one of the most memorable and groundbreaking Olympic games ever, due in large part to its stellar location and use of recycled venues, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics manged to captivate and interest not only sports enthusiasts, but also dealers and buyers of Olympic collectibles, who noted that prices for antique and vintage items related to the event had been surging in value recently. Experts within the industry attributed the trend to a combination of nostalgia, unique historical significance, and the allure of owning a piece of Olympic history. For many antique and resale dealers it was an opportunity to profit from an event that only comes about every four years while also being the hundredth-anniversary of the last Olympics to be held in Paris (1924).

Dr. Lori Verderame, an antiques appraiser and host of "Ask Dr. Lori LIVE," emphasizes the emotional connection and historical value of Olympic memorabilia. “Each Olympic Games is a unique event that carries its own set of symbols, stories, and memories,” she explains. “Collecting items like torches, medals, and pins allows individuals to own a piece of that history, which only grows in value over time," she says.

New York - It's definitely not your grand parents Bicentennial dining room, but it may just contain a few of those long treasured nationally themed items. At least according to a rising group of dealers, interior designers and emerging collectors who say that Americana is experiencing a revival not seen since the mid-1970s. Many of these industry insiders claim that in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among millennials towards embracing the early American and Bicentennial style as part of a shift away from post-war modernism and the Mid-Century motif. This surge in interest has not only revived appreciation for these historical pieces, according to experts, but has also significantly impacted their market prices.

The growing demand for early American and Bicentennial style antiques has inevitably affected their market prices. "We've seen a significant increase in prices over the past few years," reports Michael Andrews, an auctioneer specialising in antique furniture at Andrews & Co. "Items that were once considered relatively affordable are now fetching near premium prices at auctions." Andrews attributes this price surge to the combination of limited supply and increasing demand. "These pieces are finite; once they're gone, they're gone. As more millennials enter the market, competition for high-quality items has intensified, driving prices up." Andrews also notes that even reproductions from companies like Ethan Allen, who released a wave of nouveau Colonial Revival designs during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations are now also bringing high dollar values at many sales.

Michael Diaz-Griffith, a New York 'Antique Winter Fair' alum, and author of 'The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors,' says that he's been anticipating a renewed interest in the Bicentennial style for a number of years. "Millenials aren't minimalists," he says. In his book, Diaz-Griffith profiles young collectors who have decorated with funky Americana pieces rather than striving to create period correct historical rooms. During his years working at the Winter Fair is when he first started noticing his own generation beginning to eschew post war moderismn in favour of very old, and very quirky Americana pieces. 

For many in the industry this trend appears to be showing no signs of slowing down. With millennials continuing to prioritise sustainability, authenticity, and a connection to the past, a good number of dealers believe that early American and Bicentennial style antiques will likely continue to be highly sought after for the foreseeable future. "It's more than just a passing fad," concludes Palmer. "It's a reflection of deeper values and a shift in consumer behaviour that seems to be here to stay." Colonial Interior's, David Thompson is also bullish on the trends staying power and believes that the millennial embrace of early American and Bicentennial style antiques is a natural progression from the younger 'post-modernist' years to something more mature and traditional. "It's a heritage-trend that not only enriches their living spaces with historical significance," says Thompson, "but it's also helping to revitalise the antique market, ensuring that these treasured pieces continue to be appreciated and valued by future generations."

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
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New York - For Janie Roan, the 4 a.m. start time was all part of the bargain as she trundled out of her Brooklyn based apartment in the hopes of making it to Maine by opening time for one of the state's annual fall antique and vintage fairs. "There's a beautiful butternut chest of drawers being offered by a dealer up there," said Roan, "that's hopefully still going to be there when I arrive."

Roan certainly isn't unusual in her early morning quest for that perfect piece of furniture, but what is unusual about this particular scenario is her age and previous interests as they relate to the decorative arts. Growing up in Brooklyn, the 28 year old says that in the past her primary source for decorating often involved a trip to Ikea or Crate & Barrel. "Flat-pack furniture was just part of my generation," says Roan, "but somewhere along the way, it just started to shift and align with my ideas about sustainability and creating a living space that felt warm and cozy rather than austere and cold."

Prioritizing her belief in a balanced socio-economic future, Roan says that her discovery of buying 'old and used' items came to be somewhat revelatory. "I simply had no idea there were so many unique designs and pieces from the past that were out there and still available for purchase," she says, "it was almost like the lifting of a veil." While Roan's personal collection has grown over the past few years, she also acknowledges that many of the items that are of interest to her today are becoming harder and harder to afford. "Five years ago when I first started searching for antique three-drawer chests, they were cheap, very cheap," she says. "Today, that butternut chest I was chasing would have likely been gone before noon if I hadn't gotten there early." Roan adds that with many of her friends now accompanying her on the early morning upcycling adventures, it's become both a boon and a bane for her collecting passion. "It's great that we can all share a ride together," she says, "but my friends are also the one's helping to drive up the prices."​

Many dealers in major urban centers are likely to concur with Roan, as prices have been escalating quickly on almost everything from Early American rustic to even semi-ornate Victorian pieces. Jonathon DeVries a long-time dealer from Newport, Rhode Island, who frequents and displays at antique shows up and down the Atlantic coast, says that he's witnessed an explosion in interest and prices over the last three or four years that he attributes directly to a younger generation. "It's even younger than the millennials," he says, "we're getting kids in their early twenties who are becoming primary buyers." DeVries thinks that while millennials may have started the trend, it's definitely Gen-Z's who are moving the ball forward today. "Things like Pyrex and Corning Ware dishes, that we used to give away, have recently jumped up in value so quickly that we're not even sure what to price it at anymore," he says. However, it's not a straight across-the-board value increase for everyone acknowledges DeVries, with some of his dealer friends inventory still languishing at the end of shows. "If you're trying to sell giant over-sized Victorian pieces to the younger generation living in apartments or condos, then you're going to be missing the boat," he says, "but if you stick to the smaller items like washstands and side tables, they'll move quickly." ​

Henry McDavid, a young dealer from New Hampshire who now specializes in antique spool furniture, says that he started in business as a 'picker' when just out of college in his early twenties. "Heading out of 2010 probably wasn't the best of decades for antiques, that's for sure," he says, "but one thing that was great about that time was the price." McDavid quipped that he could literally buy out-of-favor items like Victorian and early spool furniture for pennies on the dollar, and in many cases for free as long as he agreed to haul it away. "It's astounding to think," he says, "because today, I can't keep these pieces in stock." McDavid acknowledges that even items like odd sized spindle beds that require specially sized mattresses are usually spoken for long before hitting the showroom floor. "I'm lucky that I had sufficient storage to keep these pieces for a later day," he says, "but in reality, it was also just good timing that a younger generation came along and were interested in this kind of stuff." McDavid says he's long been trumpeting the news that buyers are much younger now than before, and seem to be more aggressive when it comes to getting what they want. "Five years ago people were making lowball offers or asking for a markdown, today it's a bidding war, and they're usually under the age of thirty." While McDavid's listing prices on his spool-themed website have risen sharply in recent months, he's also quick to point out that that it won't take long for source sellers to start raising their 'asking' price. "I was ahead of the curve," he says, "but I doubt those same folks will be letting me haul it away for free again." ​

New York - According to a number of reports coming from the front-lines of the decorative arts scene, it appears that the corner may have finally been rounded for the long awaited return of 'brown' furniture's status as an in-style icon. After years of all-white, minimalist interiors, brown furniture - the kind associated with most antique shops - is no longer suffering from the 'brown is down' moniker, and instead seems to be riding a wave of popularity putting it back into form and fashion with designers, dealers, and collectors alike.

Magazines and international newspapers, such as Homes & Gardens, The Telegraph, and digital lifestyle media companies like PureWow, are all awash in stories of the power of 'browns' return to prominence within the decorative arts industry. Individually renowned designers such as Martin Waller, founder of the Andrew Martin design firm, and Suzanne Duin, from acclaimed Maison Maison interiors, also seem to be in agreement that it's 'browns' time to shine once more. Duin says she shares her colleagues belief that 'there's a desire for the natural and a craving for earthy themed tones again,' but also thinks that brown wood has a broader general appeal and is a 'warmer and more contemporary alternative to just a grey decorating canvas.'

New York - ​While most antique dealers are aware of the fact that they can simply go online and tap, tap, tap, till their heart's content when it comes to sourcing out antique and vintage items, the question still remains for many in the industry as to whether or not this is truly the best option for those wanting to obtain the best possible inventory at the best possible prices. Yes, 'smalls' can be shipped, and online items can be viewed from the comfort of your home, but are you really getting the best resale deals for your business when hitting up sites like Chairish, scrolling Marketplace or watch-listing eBay?

For a growing number of dealers, that answer is increasingly becoming a hard no, as many in the industry are once again returning to a tried-and-true method for stocking up on inventory that allows for in-person inspection of items, point-of-sale haggling, and a load-and-leave option to bring it all home the same day. For those of a certain age, finding these honey-holes often used to require a secret handshake or possibly even a knowing-nod (wink, wink), but today, with a little intrepid investigating from staff writers, and some on-site tips from a few industry-insiders, we've put together a list of what we think are some of the best locales for sourcing out a variety of great antique and vintage finds from across the country, and in Canada too. 

​Adamstown, Pennsylvania
Adamstown, often referred to as Antiques Capital, USA, lies in Lancaster County. Here, around twenty antique and vintage stores beckon collectors with some unique finds and what many report as dealer friendly prices. Sheila Hayes, a long term east-coast picker and regular to the Adamstown scene, says this is the first and often best stop along her twice-yearly antique buying trip. "Prices are fair," she says, "but more importantly there's just so many quality items to choose from." Hayes believes this plentiful supply of quality pieces is what makes one-stop-shopping for her store a lot more possible. "They're showroom ready," she says, "and they tend to move quickly with buyers." Spots to hit: Black Angus Antiques Mall, a good collection of antique furniture, collectibles, and vintage jewelry (check hours of operation). Mad Hatter Antique Mall, over a hundred booths showcase a wide selection of vintage goods from a group of eclectic dealers. Extravaganza Sales; plan your visit during one of the area’s periodic antique sale events and you'll get additional discounts. Visitor numbers are still down somewhat post-pandemic, so haggling and deals should be expected.

​Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona
Nestled in the scenic Verde Valley, Old Town Cottonwood boasts a world famous eclectic secondhand and vintage scene with a variety of shops and stores all within walking distance. Papillon Too; from antiques to vintage items, this is often considered a go-to staple for resellers looking for unique must-have top quality vintage items. Prices are on the higher end, but examples are often in pristine condition. J & J Antiques; multiple dealers with reasonable prices on rustic antique and vintage items. Most of the stores in this area contain an eclectic mix of quality pieces with dealers who are motivated to sell. Locals report that foot-traffic has also been impacted by online buyers and reticent post-pandemic travelers, leaving plenty of opportunity for walk-in's and those who like to negotiate. As an added bonus, if you happen to get thirsty while there - you're in luck - as the town is also famously known for its craft beers.

New York - According to the latest industry report from the online reseller site Chairish, antique and vintage furniture shopping hit a record high this past year, with sustained growth predicted to  remain at outperform for the remainder of 2024 and likely beyond. For most working in the resale industry this is incredibly good news, but there is of course one caveat to this wonderful report; what exactly is it that's selling so well? For many dealers 'in-the-business' these types of industry proclamations have become somewhat of a familiar refrain recently, with many often relying more on headlines than actual product examples when fleshing out their press releases. However, with a little investigative digging, show-stopping and some intrepid reporting from staff writers, we've managed to put together what we think could be a few solid bets for some 'outperforming' antique and vintage trends that you might just want to keep an eye on in 2024.   

​Coastal Grandpa
"Grandpa Core, Country Club Chic, or whatever name it is you'd like use," says Jennifer Bush, an interior design consultant from New York, "is a decorating style that has definitely arrived on scene." Bush says that while there are multiple monikers for this movement, it's really just a return to the more masculine decorating design motifs from previous generations. "It's not only back to brown furniture," says Bush, "but brown leather, dark fabrics, and wooden framed hunting scenes resting above leather wrapped country club chairs, in a wood paneled drawing room." Bush says if there was ever any doubt about brown furniture being back in, there shouldn't be now. 

Textiles
For showgoers Anna & Christy Merrimack, whose blog and TikTok channel cover the hottest buying trends at antique and vintage fairs, it's all about fabrics and wall-hangings these days. "These aren't your great Granny's doilies," says Anna, "but full-sized antique tree-of-life tapestries and textiles." The sisters say that without a doubt, they've witnessed more sales of textiles at shows over the past year than anything else, with prices almost trebling in a matter of months. "It's all part of a return to a warmer ethos," says Anna, "and you can see it being represented in the stock that dealers are starting to carry at many of their shows." ​

1970's Modular Furniture
​Max Fennec's South Beach vintage and supply store has always been a popular go-to for many in the interior design scene. And while Fennec says that he stocks a wide array of vintage items to suit as many tastes as possible, it's become increasingly apparent that certain items related to 1970s furniture have surged disproportionably in popularity recently. "Five years ago I maybe had two requests a year for Umbo modular shelving systems," says Fennec, "Today I'm lucky if I can even find two examples to buy a year." Fennec noted that demand is not just limited to Umbo pieces either, but anything modular that screams of the 70s motif. "I really don't see this trend cooling off anytime soon," he says, "particularly in the coastal south where our architecture and buildings tend to blend well with these kind of funky space-age designs." Fennec admits that while he still sells plenty of Mid-Century goods, it's the distinctive 70s stuff that's now taken over his leadership board. "I'm literally buying it as fast as I can," he says. 

Statuaries
Trends can change pretty quickly when it comes to outdoor vintage décor, at least according to Shirley Smart, whose bricks & clicks vintage garden center in upstate New York, has seen a number of passing fads come and go over the past few years. But one trend that Smart says she's noticed has remained strong, has been the public's increasing interest and demand for antique and vintage animal statuaries. "I'm selling many broken and damaged antique examples for more now than I was charging for pristine pieces just a few years ago." Smart acknowledges that's it's also a trend that hasn't altered its course in quite a while, "Statuaries have been on an upward trajectory for some time now," she says, "and based on current sales, I don't really see that changing." Smart also noted that it wasn't just the animal statuaries that were moving well, but virtually all forms, including fountains, planters, decorative objects and garden sculptures in general.

Chiclet Sofas
For Charlotte Taylor, her money is on vintage chiclet sofas for one of the best 'buy' trends heading into 2024. Taylor reports that her west coast vintage design house can literally sell any example, in literally any condition, before it even hits the showroom floor. "I used to spend time and money on reupholstering," she says, "but today it's completely unnecessary, as I make just as much selling them in 'as is' condition as I do refurbished." Taylor notes that while 1970s examples top the list for chiclets, virtually any style of loveseat from Hepplewhite to Victorian, up to 1940s-clamshell and 1960s-channel backs are all selling well. 

Venetian Glass
Rounding out the list of possible up-and-coming trend candidates for 2024, Jay Bower, whose online concerns include a number of upscale Etsy and Chairish shops, says that he's found the greatest change in demand for any one item over the last year has been for Venetian glass. Bower says he was initially surprised after listing some Venetian barware for sale that sold out almost immediately, and which was quickly followed up by requests for more. Since that time Bower says he's gone all-in, adding everything from sconces and glasses to vases and even chandeliers to his online inventory. "I'm selling three to one compared to last year," he acknowledged, "and with a much higher profit margin." Bower believes that with many antiques rising in value now, it only makes sense to be paying attention to what’s trending in the decorative arts field, after all he says, "If I don't, someone else certainly will."

As with any medium that relies upon a crystal ball, expected returns and results are likely to vary greatly. However, with a little planning, some due diligence, and a bit of research into the matter, savvy buyers might just find themselves at the forefront of some of this year's hottest breaking trends by taking note of these observations. If not, well... there's always next year. 

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
​

Anthony Harper, the school's lead researcher, says the key to getting meaningful survey results that antique and vintage businesses can actually use to help plan their inventory and buying strategies for the upcoming year is based on receiving actual sales data, alongside item-specific requests from buyers, which can then be used to indicate interest within a particular collecting genre. ​

​New York - Thrift stores, flea markets, second-hand stores, and garage sales have long been known as treasure troves for those seeking valuable and unique items. Despite the perception from many that these places only offer worn-out and past-their-prime goods, they often contain hidden gems that can hold considerable value, especially as baby boomers continue to divest themselves of goods and chattels in larger and larger numbers. For those in the antique and vintage business, many of these locations have long been a staple of supply when it comes to stocking up on their inventory. However, for an increasing number of dealers, 'recent finds' have made the trek to many of these venues all the more worthwhile, with some claiming multiple once-in-a-lifetime scores now happening on a far more frequent basis than in the past.

For Karen Dowd, who works as a realtor in an upmarket rural area just outside of Boston, part of her business involves estate liquidations that can be required in order to finalize sale conditions for a home. Dowd says that over the past few years she's seen an incredible uptick in the number of baby-boomers who want to downsize quickly, with as little 'muss-and-fuss' as possible. "They're often in a rush to get into something smaller," she says, "and that can sometimes lead to them disposing of items en mass without a lot of consideration for what they're letting go of..." Dowd says that she helps as many of her clients as possible to keep family heirlooms from her exit-sales, but laments that many of them just want to be rid of the extraneous baggage, while others are simply 'okay' with whatever she can get for the goods. While Dowd acknowledges that she's no expert in antique and vintage items, and that her sales are just an added feature she offers her clients to help expedite their move, she also knows that plenty of undervalued items have slipped through the cracks. "I've sold numerous jewelry box-lots at sales that I'm sure probably had some legitimate gems in them, but like anything else, it just comes down to time," she says, "especially with so many boomers now listing and selling their homes." Dowd believes that for every sale she conducts today, almost half are probably not vetted as thoroughly as she'd like. "Five years ago we would have labelled and priced every single item, today, I'm lucky to do three-quarters of that - people are getting deals, there's no question about it." 

In order to understand why many in the decorative arts industry are claiming witness to the rising prevalence of undiscovered treasures in second-hand locales, you need look no further than the current data and history behind it, says Terry Wolmack, a leading analyst for online Estate Sale Listing companies. "It's important to understand the demographics behind the boomer phenomenon," he says, "this generation still constitutes a significant portion of the population, and as they enter their retirement years or downsize their homes, many are finding themselves overwhelmed with the task of decluttering and divesting possessions accumulated over their lifetime. This process often leads them to donate or sell items that may hold hidden value." As a result, says Wolmack, second-hand stores, flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales have once again become prime hunting grounds for dealers not only seeking out more common inventory, but also for those rare and unique items that may have gone unnoticed by those presenting the sale. Wolmack noted that the main complaint he now gets most frequently on his quarterly survey-questionnaire to estate sale liquidators, is that they simply can't cope with the volume of goods they're having to divest, and the sorting process that goes along with it - especially when it's a boomer sale. Wolmack says that a lot of clients who use estate sale service websites as part of their business are acutely aware of the fact that it's also not just a capacity issue when it comes to understanding the fine print, but a knowledge issue as well. "If you don't have a good working background in antique and vintage items, then steals-and-deals are going to happen," says Wolmack, "it's just a function of how the marketplace works."​ 

Carla Neal, a dealer and reseller on Etsy and OfferUp, believes that technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in the increasing prevalence of hitting the jackpot at many of these venues. "The advent of online platforms, such as eBay, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces, has revolutionized the way people buy and sell used goods," says Neal. "Baby-boomers, who are typically less tech-savvy than younger generations, often rely on more traditional methods of selling their belongings. Consequently, valuable items that could find a massive market online may end up at local thrift stores or garage sales instead." Neal says this creates an opportunity for astute buyers to uncover significant treasures that may have gone unnoticed by other sellers or enthusiasts. "I tend to scour the older boomer neighborhoods for garage and estate liquidation sales," she confides, "it's where I've made some truly outstanding finds." Neal says that on one particular outing recently, she came across a mid-century home that was heading to market, with the owners wanting to dispose of the chattels in a rushed curbside sale. "It was all the original furnishings and decorations from the mid-50s," she says, "I literally bought them out of house-and-home." However, Neal also believes that another factor influencing the greater number of 'super-finds' now occurring within the market is simply related to age. "The older people get, the less concerned they seem to be with possessions - it's of less value to them than time - and consequently they're often willing to let things go for far less than market value," she says.

Sometimes it's just first-hand experience that leads to this conclusion, as Darla Hendricks discovered, when visiting her parents while helping them transition into a retirement home across the pond in England. "I'm actually in the antique business," said Hendricks, "so finding out that my parents, who were both prolific collectors of Art Nouveau throughout their lifetimes, were going to just give away most of their collection to charity stores came as a bit of a surprise to me." Hendricks says that she arrived just in time to stop the pick-up, and that while she couldn't afford the cost to ship the entire collection back to the States for herself, she was able to wrangle a deal with a number of local antique dealers for many of the better pieces. "They weren't being taken advantage of," she says, "it's just that they couldn't be bothered at their age with a complicated disposal process." Hendricks also recounted that many of the English antique dealers that she spoke with were also of the mind that a lot of good examples from long-held collections were starting to come onto the market. "I'm not sure if it's just the last generation of baby-boomers relinquishing their collections, or something else," said Hendricks, "but you definitely had the sense that many of these dealers were looking to buy entire collections, and were willing to pay top-dollar (or Pound) for them."

For many in the industry, the baby-boomer generation is often seen as possessing items from periods that are considered retro or vintage by younger individuals. These items not only carry historical value but also represent a cultural and sentimental connection to the past. Younger generations, seeking to decorate their living spaces with unique and distinctive pieces, are drawn to these venues in the hopes of stumbling upon hidden gems that hold not only a personal nostalgia, but that can also lead to a substantial collectors value. Terry Wolmack perhaps best summarizes the theory by noting that, "It's understood that remaining boomer's are likely to have the choicest decorative arts collections in the world, so it's only natural that in those attic spaces and garage-wall storage shelves, you're also likely going to come across some of the best 'finds' in the world as well." 

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
​

New York - It wasn't that long ago that antique and vintage dealers everywhere were clamoring for anything Mid-Century Modern (MCM). Even poorly imitated copies of this twentieth-century motif were being snatched up as quickly as they were being produced. However, over the last few years, many in the decorative arts community have been noticing a change in tastes, one that seems to favor a shift away from the more austere lines of the MCM movement, and towards a more playful and vibrant aesthetic complemented by bold colors and a mish-mash of design elements. Known as the Memphis Design Style (MDS, or "New" Memphis Design Style), this peculiar and somewhat quirky decorative arts period from the 1980s seems to be having 'a moment' with many of today's vintage collectors and buyers.   

Originally conceived by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass and twenty-two other like-minded colleagues, they formed the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, with an infusion of rebellious spirit directed against the prevailing design trends of the era. They rejected the sleek and streamlined styles such as mid-century modern and brutalism, opting instead for a more avant-garde approach.

This group unveiled their innovative Memphis Style at the 1981 Milan Furniture Fair, the renowned Salone del Mobile. Their creations merged the influences of Art Deco and pop art, featuring audacious color palettes, daring geometric shapes, inexpensive materials, and patterns that clashed in a seemingly chaotic but deliberate manner. This audacious style garnered international recognition and polarized consumers, who either embraced or rejected it.

Carey Saunders, a long-time vintage dealer from southern California, says she's been all in on the Memphis Style for a number of years now. Like many dealers on the west coast, Saunders says that she'd always been heavily invested towards MCM inventory in the past simply because of its salability. "For years that's all we sold," she says, "but I remember a time as a child when my folks had this 'look' in our two-story condo, so I started searching around for items that reminded me of that." Saunders says that by 2018, she'd amassed a fairly extensive collection and began to offer it for sale on her website under the Memphis Design Style moniker. "I had no idea it would be so popular," she conceded, "it literally took off from day one." It's not just young people either, according to Saunders, who says that while the design motif probably fits in with young modern urbanites more than anyone else, she's also seen it adopted by older collectors who have a sense of nostalgia for the 80s theme and time period. Colorful furniture like the Bel Air armchair by Peter Shire from 1982, symbolizes what Saunders believes is the essence of the Memphis Style.     

However, it's not just those in the antique and vintage business that are noticing the trend, says Trevor Albero, who works as a consultant for a Roma design studio with offices in both New York and Italy. "Many of the downtown buildings we refurbish and restore are also furnished by us as well," he says. "In the past that would often include a good number of MCM pieces, but today we're executing a lot of Memphis Design style elements into our overall approach." Albero feels that MCM has reached it's zenith with many of his firms clients, "They want something new, not necessarily linear, but something with a little more color and pizazz." Albero says he's also aligned with many others within the industry in the belief that nostalgia is one of the primary drivers behind the renewed interest in the Memphis stylings. "The 1980s was a period marked by a unique blend of exuberance, optimism, and innovation," he says, "as people look back on the decade with fondness and nostalgia, they often seem to be drawn to the design elements that evoked those spirited aesthetics." Albero believes that Memphis Design's signature use of vibrant colors and playful shapes resonates with those who have a deep-seated affection for the 1980s, and serves as a way to infuse a sense of nostalgia into contemporary living spaces. "Many people confuse the overt, over-the-top look of the Memphis Style with it's more refined and toned-down aesthetic that blends easily with other similarly themed pieces," he says, "it's all about balance."

For Karen Smith, whose vintage resale business, and Miami interior design firm that preaches all things 80s, it's been a long road coming to where we are today. "I've always loved the crazy colors and design features that came with the Memphis Style," she says. "but it's clearly not for everyone." Smith says that there are definite demographics and geographic considerations related to this motif. "I don't think Memphis will necessarily work on a farm in Idaho as well as it would on South Beach," she says, "but then again, I wouldn't expect to find many antique or vintage dealers offering this type of décor in the heartland either." Smith says that up until about five years ago finding any authentic pieces from the 1980's was difficult, but that today she's seeing plenty of reproductions on previously themed MCM home furnishing sites like West Elm and even more mainstream companies like Wayfair. "At one point in time MCM was just about all I saw on these sites," she quipped, "but today there's definitely more choice, including a lot of Memphis stylings." 

However, even with the increase in demand, many antique and vintage dealers say they're going to take a 'wait-and-see' approach. For Pamela Arnold, who manages a group of vintage booths at an indoor antique mall near Chicago, it's all about scope. "Memphis Style may be having a bit of comeback," she says, "but the reality is that it wasn't that big of a movement to begin with, not like Mid-century modern was." Arnold feels that Memphis stylings will likely be much more regional in popularity than anything. "I can see both the coasts getting into this," she says, "but I really think it's a very particular type of décor that's going to have to be paired with a very particular type of home and individual."

In the end, Carey Saunders also believes that the Memphis Style is likely to exhibit only a regional charm at first, in much the same way MCM did, but thinks it will slowly expand to other urban centers beyond just the coasts. "Memphis is a combination of nostalgia, a desire to break free from minimalism, and a fascination with unique and playful aesthetics," she says. The move toward artistic expression in interior design and the limited availability and rarity of original pieces is what Saunders sees as the likely fuel for growth. "If you look at the trajectory and reemergence of MCM," she says, "there are striking similarities as to where this might go..."

- A.I.A Staff Writers

New York - It's not everyday that you hear longtime decorative arts dealers exclaiming the virtues of the antique and vintage business, but that's exactly what happened recently at one of the country's largest antique shows in Round Top, Texas, this year. With over eleven miles of vendors, Round Top has grown to become one of the most important national antique venues for serious collectors and buyers alike - rivaling even the famous thrice-yearly Brimfield shows for marketplace dominance. 

For those who took to the backroads of Texas to visit the festival, business was brisk. Very brisk, according to many of the well-established dealers who participated in the show. Robert Phillips, who's worked as a longtime industry reporter for a number of antique and decorative arts publications, wrote that he intended to spend most of the show interviewing dealers about what was selling best, but instead, came away surprised to find out that it was pretty much everything in their inventory that seemed to be moving. "Most dealers I spoke with were just stunned at the cross-section of buyers," said Phillips. "They were literally snapping up Mid-Century to Victorian and anything else in between." Phillips says that some of the older dealers whom he spoke with at the festival's close, had even begun drawing parallels to the golden-years of the industry back in the 1980s, when prices were at an all-time high. "It wasn't everyone, to be sure," said Philipps, "but you could just tell from many of the old-timers that it was like a cresting point - something they hadn't seen in almost forty years."

However, for those on the 'other side' of the table, like Andy Shelton, an avid collector of vintage and Mid-century lighting, who's been collecting for over three decades, it's become much more of a slog recently to score a deal. "I used to be able pick up good vintage pieces for peanuts," say Shelton, "but it's becoming increasingly difficult with more and more younger collectors entering the market." Shelton remembers a time not too long ago when there was virtually no one under thirty at Round Top, or almost any antique and vintage show for that matter. "Finding quality items at cheap prices was easy-peasy," he says. "Nowadays you're literally jostling with every beanie-capped, bearded hipster for standing-room only at the sales tables." Shelton admits that while it's getting harder to buy at reasonable prices, the flipside is that his own long-term collection has also soared in value. "A lot of the dealers are making good money now," says Shelton, "which is great in one way I suppose, because it'll allow them to sus out and offer up even better finds in the future." It's not that Shelton wants to pay more for his collecting habit he says, "It's just that I have to recognize current market conditions for what they are; not what I want them to be." 

​For others though, it's not just the 'larger' shows that are witnessing the price increases, but many of the smaller venues as well. Becky Carlin, an east-coast dealer who shows at events from New York to Miami, says that prices for many items she used to discount have risen sharply in the last couple of years. "It's not every single piece," says Carlin, "but it definitely started with the Mid-Century craze and has gradually expanded into other areas." Carlin wasn't around during the heyday of the 1980's, but says she's heard plenty of other antique dealers talk about the "glory days," and thinks there's a pretty good chance we might be headed that direction shortly. "Most of my buyers are now young twenty and thirty-somethings," she says. "They've got the collecting bug and they're just starting to move into their maximum earning potential." Carlin says that five years ago rustic pine washstands and harvest tables wouldn't move for months, but that now she has a wait-list for some of these items. "It's a different buying aesthetic than what it used to be," says Carlin, "today's younger buyers are not just interested in price anymore, but also in the history behind the pieces." ​

Taking that one step further, Don Holtz, a young entrepreneur who sells vintage furniture and retro-style decorative pieces on sites such as OfferUp and LetGo, says that it's no surprise that antique and vintage prices are rising. "The trend of going vintage has stormed onto the scene for a number of reasons," says Holtz. "Firstly, people are becoming more conscious about sustainable living and promoting the value of old items rather than buying new, and secondly, because of the uniqueness and rarity that many of these products afford." Holtz says that most of the queries he gets online related to his listings are from people in their twenties and thirties who want something different to decorate with, other than just the local flat-pack selection at their big-box store. "When I started selling, just before Covid began," says Holtz, "my prices were all negotiable - they had to be - I was selling stuff from the 1970s and 80s." Today, Holtz says he gets multiple bids on most pieces that he lists. "Prices have definitely gone way up," he notes, "especially for some of the older 70s white plastic modular stuff like tables and chairs." Working with a small budget at first, and not wanting to leave anything to chance, Holtz also formed a membership of online sellers into a group that were able to share information amongst themselves about market trends and sales when first starting out. "It's been a real eye-opener for us to see where things have gone," he said, "especially when comparing sales figures - which have jumped dramatically for all of us in the past three years." Holtz doesn't know exactly what to attribute the increase to, but like many others, feels that it's probably a combination of new buyers, who are also likely to have a new (and more sustainable) outlook when it comes to investing in the decorative arts.

There are probably a multitude of yet-to-be discovered reasons for the recent resurgence in popularity (and rise in price) related to today's antique and vintage marketplace, and while this increase may not be reflected in absolutely every geographic region or area just yet, there can be absolutely no doubt that just like a rising tide, it will be coming. Or, as Mr. Phillips so succinctly summarized from his visit to the Round Top festival in Texas recently, "The allure of historical pasts is compelling, and antique items possess that aura of elegance that is very seldom found in modern-day products, making them not only extremely desirable, but available... for the right price!" 

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
​​

​NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.

New York - In a captivating legal case currently being adjudicated in the French justice system, questions are being asked about whether individuals who've sold antiques or artworks later determined to have a significantly higher value can seek additional compensation over and above the original sale amount. The case revolves around an unnamed eighty-one year old woman and her eighty-eight year old husband, who stumbled upon an African mask while clearing out their vacation home.

As the couple sorted through their belongings, most of which were destined for a garage sale, they decided to put aside an African mask and sold it to a local antiques dealer for a seemingly modest sum of €150, equivalent to approximately $157, in September 2021.
​
However, several months later, while perusing their local newspaper, the couple was taken aback by the revelation that their once-unassuming mask had just fetched a staggering €4.2 million (approximately $4.4 million) at an auction in Montpellier for African art. From the auction records it was revealed that the mask was in fact an especially rare example of a Fang mask used in certain secret African rituals, and came with a fascinating history, having been brought back from Gabon by the husband's grandfather, a colonial governor in Africa at the beginning of the twentieth-century.

With a growing sense of injustice, the elderly couple decided to take legal action against the antiques dealer who had purchased the mask from them. The core of their argument centered on the suspicion that the dealer had a much better understanding of the mask's true worth when he acquired it. The antiques dealer, for his part, did not put the mask on display in his shop. Instead, he sought appraisals from two auction houses, Drouot Estimation and Fauve Paris, which estimated the mask's value to be around €100–€120 and €400–€600, respectively.

However, the dealer's decision to seek a third opinion from a specialized auction of African objects in Montpellier was a game-changer. After subjecting the mask to carbon-14 dating and mass spectrometry analysis, it was dated to the 19th century. An ethnologist's expert appraisal revealed its use in purification rites by the Ngil society, a secretive group within the Fang ethnic community in Gabon until the 1920s. The auction house subsequently placed the mask for sale with an estimated value of between €300,000 and €400,000, ultimately selling it for a remarkable €4.2 million.

​NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: info@asheford.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.

New York - While tech giants and government officials may currently be debating Artificial Intelligence's (AI) largescale use and application amongst the world's citizenry, for people like Cameron Newley, it's AI's influence on smaller more niche related industries, such as the decorative arts, that has him contemplating some potentially significant marketplace changes that could result from this evolving technology. As a longtime researcher and technical collaborator who's worked within the field of Artificial Intelligence for over ten years, Newley says he has a unique perspective on how this burgeoning technology may end up affecting the antique and vintage community in years to come. While his area of academic credentials upon first glance may appear to lie in more scientific pursuits, Newley acknowledges that his real joy and passion comes from collecting and selling antiques; especially Victorian oils and watercolors along with early Art Nouveau posters. "I'm a collector at heart," he says, "my family was in the business, so dabbling in antiques and selling on-the-side has always come naturally to me." However, Newley also concedes that he's put some considerable time into analyzing the potential relationship between AI and the decorative arts over the past few years, as a natural twinning of his professional and personal interests. "There's no question that Artificial Intelligence is going to revolutionize the antique and vintage industry in various ways," says Newley, "from reshaping the way collectors, sellers, and enthusiasts interact with historical artifacts, to profound effects impacting authenticity assessments, pricing, market accessibility, and even conservation efforts."

New York - ​Mid-century modern décor (MCM), known for its clean lines, simple shapes, and sleek materials, has often been credited with not only reviving the antique and vintage business over the past twenty years, but has also (according to many in the industry), singlehandedly been responsible for driving the direction of today's general decorative arts scene towards a more modern motif. However, recent market shifts suggest that this timeless aesthetic may have begun to lose some of its charm and appeal among those in the market for vintage and antique furnishings. All of which raises the question of why this staple of early 21st century décor suddenly seems to be falling out of favor?

One plausible reason for this shift in consumer preferences is the saturation of the mid-century market, at least according to Trevor Watson, who works for a leading online research firm that studies evolving commercial buying trends amongst consumers. With the increasing prevalence of mid-century-inspired furniture and décor in mainstream commercial outlets, Watson says that the once exclusive and unique items often associated with the mid-century motif have now become more commonplace. "From big-box stores to online retailers, affordable replicas of iconic mid-century pieces have flooded the market, diluting the desirability of the genuine vintage pieces," says Watson, "If it's easily available to everyone, then demand across the board is bound to eventually drop."

New York - It's no secret that over the past decade the antique and vintage industry has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with millennials being a significant factor in driving this trend. While some may argue that younger generations are more interested in digital experiences than actual possessions, numerous studies and sales reports from those in the decorative arts world would seem to contradict this assessment, suggesting instead, that millennials have now become the industry's single biggest purchaser of antique and vintage goods, and are well on their way to becoming the largest attending demographic group at many of today's antique and vintage fairs in both North America and Europe.

With that information in-hand, we decided to reach out to a number of top millennial dealers for some insight on expected antique and vintage trends that might turn hot at sales-booths and display-tables across the nation this summer. 

Jennifer Harper - Dealer, Curator and Online Sales Platforms
"As a millennial, I've always had a deep appreciation for authenticity and a yearning for nostalgia. Growing up in a digital age, where everything was mass-produced and easily accessible, I tended to crave unique and meaningful experiences. Over time, I began to find that antique and vintage items offered a connection to the past, embodying a sense of history and craftsmanship that I found resonated with my generation as we got a little bit older. These past few years, I've noticed that more and more buyers are my age, and they're not just interested in MCM (Mid-Century Modern), but other collectible areas as well"

Harper's choice for this summer's top picks are Art Deco and Costume jewelry.

"The glamour and sophistication of art deco jewelry remains highly sought after," says Harper. "Search out bold geometric designs and the use of precious stones that evoke the opulence of the 1920s and 1930s. Be on the lookout for necklaces, bracelets, and rings featuring stones set in platinum, gold or silver." While Harper acknowledges that not every millennial can afford such pieces, she thinks Costume jewelry can be an attractive alternative for younger buyers. "It's selling hot right now," she says, "especially at shows and fairs."  

Larry Cousins - Etsy, TIAS and Brick & Mortar Dealer
"Even though I grew up in a throwaway culture, concerns about environmental sustainability and ethical production practices were always issues I was interested in, which is probably why I gravitated towards the antiques and vintage business. As someone who is conscious of the impact of my consumption on the planet, opting for a decorative arts business simply aligned with my values of reusing, recycling, and reducing waste. By embracing many of these timeless pieces and putting them back into the marketplace, I think it contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy.​"

Cousin's top picks for summer buys are vintage vinyl records and cameras.

"Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in recent years," says Cousins, "from classic rock to jazz and blues, original pressings and limited editions from iconic artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Miles Davis are commanding high prices among enthusiasts." Cousins says that millennials also seem to appreciate the charm and craftsmanship of vintage cameras. Classic models from brands like Leica, Nikon, and Hasselblad are highly coveted. Cousins recommends seeking out cameras with iconic designs, quality lenses, and working mechanisms, as these types of cameras offer both functional and aesthetic value to collectors.

Donna Perkins - Dealer Cooperative Manager, Online Sales Platforms and Antique Shows
​"Part of what initially motivated me to get into the decorative arts business was the sense of personal expression. I think as a group, millennials value self-expression and individuality, seeking to differentiate themselves from mass consumerism. Antique and vintage items provide a way for us to express our unique style and personality. Whether it's through clothing, furniture, or accessories, these items allow us to curate our spaces and wardrobes with one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from mainstream trends."

Prekin's top picks for summer buys are textiles and Victorian oil paintings 

"Vintage textiles, such as quilts, tapestries, and embroidered fabrics, offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistry of past eras," says Perkins, "and have been a hot seller recently." According to Perkins, buyers should be looking for textiles made from luxurious materials like silk or velvet, featuring intricate patterns or representing some form of historical significance. Additionally, Perkins says that while MCM furniture décor may still be popular among many of her cotemporaries, she notes that tastes in wall-art are beginning to change. "Many of our co-operative dealers are selling out of Victorian oils faster than they can replace them," she says, "even portraits and ornately framed examples are moving well." Perkins says that while you typically don't think of Victorian 'anything' as being in the wheelhouse of her generations interests, she's noticed that things are definitely beginning to move in a different direction, as older millennials like herself are reaching further and further back into the past for more interesting and unique pieces. "I think it's a bit of a desire to mix and match some 'contemporary' antique stylings like Art Deco, with slightly older pieces that are perhaps a bit more formal in nature," she says.

David Halston - Dealer, Picker, Estate Sales Agent and Online Sales Platforms
"I grew up hearing wonderful tales from my Grandfather about his past, and I think it was that great storytelling that probably piqued my interest in the decorative arts world. I've always found that antique and vintage items tend to carry stories and evoke a sense of nostalgia that often sparks conversation and connection. As a millennial, I'm drawn to the narratives behind these objects, it's something I can appreciate - especially the historical context and the human stories they represent. Sharing these stories with friends and family becomes a way to forge connections and foster a sense of community."

​Halston's top pick for summer buys are antique maps and globes.

Halston believes that old maps and globes from bygone eras can not only be a captivating addition to someone's collection, but they also tend to be great conversation starters about the past. "Look for antique maps that showcase historical regions, discoveries, or cartographic advancements," he says. "Globes that reflect the geopolitical landscape of the past can be particularly intriguing. These pieces serve as windows into how the world was once perceived." Halston says that while maps and old globes were at one time relatively easy to find, it's become increasingly harder to source decently priced inventory. "Younger folks are into it now," he says, "which has obviously driven up prices." For the best deals, Halston says he frequents garage sales in predominately senior neighborhoods, and then resells online. "Most of my buyers are probably in their early to mid-thirties," says Halston, "but they seem to be interested in almost all eras and genres related to map collecting and globes." 

Suzanne Olsen - Online Sales Platforms, Antique Shows & Fairs
"Part of my introduction into the antique and vintage world came about as a result of my desire for experiences rather than mere transactions. Antique and vintage stores provide an immersive and nostalgic shopping experience that appeals to many from my generation. For millennials, exploring these unique spaces, browsing through curated collections, and interacting with knowledgeable sellers seems to add an extra layer of enjoyment and engagement to the buying process."

Olsen's top picks for summer buys are old movie posters and textured ceramics.

"Our generation loves streaming - whether it's a new series or old films - we're all about the experience," says Olsen. Which is why she thinks millennial film buffs and collectors often seek out classic movie posters as both nostalgic décor and as a valuable investment. Original posters from iconic movies like Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, or Star Wars are all highly sought after. Olsen says to make sure to look for posters in good condition and with desirable artwork or promotional designs. On the more practical side, Olsen says she's also seen a marked uptick in intertest recently related to textured ceramics. "Look for handmade ceramic vases and sculptures with attractive glazes and colors. The natural material and unique shapes and textures can add a warm and personal accent to tables, cabinets, counters, and shelves."

As millennials continue to drive interest in the antique and vintage industry through their desire for unique, authentic, and sustainable products, there's probably never been a better time (nor reason) for keeping tabs on this socially active generation than now. With their emphasis on individuality, environmentalism, and quality, these younger consumers are not only contributing to the rising popularity within today's antique and vintage marketplace, but will also likely have a say in shaping its direction for years to come.

- AIA Staff Writer's
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New York - For years, either fairly or unfairly, Ikea has been the butt of many a jokes from those in the world of the decorative arts - especially from those in the antique and vintage business. Comments ranging from flat-pack junk to disposable-décor have been common motifs promoted by dealers and collectors alike, often in an attempt to differentiate their own seemingly 'professionally-curated' vintage inventory from that of the Swedish conglomerates catalog of mass produced items. However, in some respects the distaste for the highly profitable Nordic retailer has gone beyond just general dislike, and has instead crossed over into a special kind of disdain that other corporate furniture retailers have often been spared from. While many would argue that giants like Ashely Home Store Furniture, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and even the faltering Pier 1 Imports have all been subject to some form of ridicule over the years, it hasn't gone unnoticed that there appears to be a particularly strong and directed feeling of condescension from decorative arts enthusiasts when it comes to Ikea's standing in the world of home décor. 

Charles Hanley, who works as a decorative arts aggregator for completed auction sales, says that what's funny about the whole 'upturned-nose' towards Ikea pieces from the late twentieth century, is that most people don't realize just how big of an effect the company had on some of the major design trends from that time. While humble in origin, Hanley says products like the Billy & Tema Bookshelves from the 1950s, designed by Ikea company-man Gillis Lundgren, were standout items that had a lasting effect years later on pieces created in the 1970s. In addition to this, Hanley says that Ikea was also responsible for hiring some of the top designers towards the end of the century, including the famous Danish artist and designer Verner Panton, whose iconic Vilbert chairs that sold poorly in the 90's for less than a hundred dollars a piece, but which are now considered collectors items, easily bringing in over $3,000 a pair at auction. Going to sites such as Barnebys.com shows just how much prices have climbed recently says Hanley. "There are 70s-era Amiralen armchairs selling for well over a $1,000 each," he notes, "and some early examples of the Billy & Tema Bookshelves hammering-out for upwards of four-grand - that's starting to rival some Mid-Century prices," he says. Beyond that, Hanley thinks that the junky flat-pack moniker is simply undeserved. "Ikea created well designed furniture at an affordable price," he says, "it's just that you had to put the pieces together yourself."

​While design choices are obviously subjective, it would appear that Hardy isn't alone in her 'like of Ikea,' at least according to the editorial director of 1stDibs marketplace, Anthony Barzilay Freund, who was quoted as saying in an interview with the Financial Times that, "Over the last three years prices for Ikea collectibles had increased by more than fifty-percent." Brazilay went on to add that the average listing price of vintage Ikea seating models is now above $3,000. 

While it's clear that Ikea, and its clearly Scandinavian design may not be fan favorites with absolutely everyone, there can also be no denying its long-term appeal to a broad range of people. Aside from it's purely aesthetic qualities, there's also a certain degree of nostalgia involved when considering it's recent rise in popularity amongst those of a particular age and collecting group. People who grew up in the 1980s have now reached that disposable income stage, and can decorate their homes with items that remind them of their youth. In fact, the growing nostalgia and popularity for all things Ikea has also not gone unnoticed by the company itself. In recent years, they have reintroduced a few classic pieces from the 70s, such as the Gratulera collection (items from the 50s and 60s), as a celebration of the company's heritage. This move has further fueled interest in vintage Ikea pieces, with many looking to add some of the 'reissued' retro flair to their collections.

However, it's not just the designs themselves that make Ikea pieces collectible, but also the stories behind them. The fact that Ikea pioneered a new approach to furniture production makes the company and its furniture designs historically significant and relevant. Marketplace enthusiasts appreciate this kind of context - especially when these pieces can tell a story to not only collectors and dealers, but to their customers as well.

​- AIA Staff Writers 
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New York - Ushering in the new year for many in the antique and vintage business often brings thoughts of “what’s going to be hot,” and “what’s not,” for the upcoming selling season. Contemplating adding newfound pizzazz to your concern with a host of overflowing boho-themed inventory should probably be tempered before stacking one’s store to the rafters with the latest perceived trends. But how exactly does one draw the line between what’s actually hot, and what’s merely pretending to be? How do dealers and collectors suss out what’s truly in demand, versus what’s simply demanding attention. With these thoughts in mind, school staff and writers went back to some of the designers and industry professionals we spoke to last year to see how their prognostications for future trends held up, and where they think the decorative arts are heading for the rest of 2023.
 
While we probably shouldn’t over indulge in boho, there’s no question this style has some serious traction, says Tracy Shea, who we spoke to last year about sourcing out what the younger generation wants when it comes to decorating. Shea who operates a number of vintage themed booths along the west coast, and a storefront operation in San Francisco, says that more than ever, young people are making environmentally based decorating decisions, and that it's changing the nature of her business. "It’s not just that they want something sustainable," says Shea, "but also things that have a sense of history and quality to them which are going to last.” Buying up early stock of boho themed items like 1960s and 70s rattan, carved wood dressers, hanging chairs, and upholstered furniture with flowered motifs have all been big sellers she says. “Younger buyers are continuing the re-use and up-cycle trend, so for the time being, I don’t really see any end in sight to warmer tones, natural wood, and a lot of the colorful floral-print type fabrics,” she says.

For international fine arts dealer and interior designer, Tamara Holt, many of her predictions from last year have also borne fruit. Holt, who credits much of her buying success to keeping a careful eye on what the younger generation is purchasing, says that over the last twelve months she’s seen a reinforcement of trend movements from the same group of buyers. "Young people are definitely where it’s at," she noted, "and are continuing to buy heavily influenced Victorian style upholstered chairs and sofas, French country tables, lamps, and even a few ornate pieces." Holt acknowledges that while most of her first-hand experience is based on attending antique and vintage fairs in Europe, where half of her business is conducted, she still feels that it's translatable to east coast trends in the US. Holt says that while the majority of her design clients frequenting her New York studio were requesting the farm-house gray look just a few years ago, that’s changed. “Even the older generation of buyers I’m getting now seem to be returning to more earth friendly tones, and natural woods as a choice for furniture decoration,” she says. ”It may not be a bona-fida trend everywhere just yet, but I think we’ve just about rounded the modernist corner.”

​While almost all industry insiders are likely to agree that vintage furniture and going-green will continue to be one of the most popular decorative arts trends for the foreseeable future, it’s not just going to be about full-on boho, or floral-prints and the cluttered style, says Tom Rogers, whose Portland based Scandinavian retro-store lies in stark contrast to those proponing the return to a Neo-Victorian (slash) Boho-Revival look. When contacted last year, Rogers recounted how sales of his Mid-century modern (MCM) inventory had plateaued for the first time in almost twenty years. “It was a bit of an eye-opener,” says Rogers, “but we managed to counter with the other half of our inventory, which was based on simple Scandinavian themed pieces from the seventies and eighties.” Rogers feels that some styles and trends are still geographically based. “Winters in Portland can be a bit drab and gray,” he says, “but much of the Nordic design motif is meant to counteract this with light woods, such as spruce and pine, and splashes of bright color.” When the MCM revival first came along, Rogers says they tipped their inventory in favor of the mid-century trend, but that recently they’ve swung back to what’s always worked in the past. “I think there will always be a modernist design element that remains popular with collectors and buyers,” he claims, “but especially so for clean lines that aren’t necessarily overly futuristic, but that are simple and practical enough to convey a slightly modern message, while still emanating a warm and cozy feel. Rogers says items like slatted pine eighties-style futon sofas, three-legged coffee tables, stools, and wood wrapped low-slung beds are all moving extremely well across virtually every age group and demographic. “It’s hard to believe,” says Rogers, “but some of our best selling items of the past year have been vintage Ikea pieces.”

When we last spoke to Tom Wheeler, who specializes in outdoor wrought iron and vintage garden furniture from his shop on a coastal tourist route in Prince Edward County, Ontario, he'd noticed a small drop in interest related to modern-metal themed pieces, and an uptick in requests for rattan, wicker, and old wrought iron items. Eighteen months on, and Wheeler says that there's been a dramatic shift away from the vintage style metal chairs of the fifties and early sixties, to a more traditional look of the heavy wrought iron and wicker again. "People are still buying outside plastic rattan and wicker sofa sets from Home Depot and Lowes," he says, "but the shift away from the MCM feel has been even more palatable." Wheeler says that the faux wicker craze currently in vogue, has also fueled interest again in other retro wicker pieces from the 1970s and 80s. "Last year, I started to pull some of my old wicker out to get a feeling for how it might sell," he says, "and before the end of summer I was cleaned out." Wheeler thinks that it's likely the rage for fifties style metal tulip garden chairs has probably run it's course. "Two years ago I couldn't keep tulips in stock - now they're probably half the value of an authentic wicker example."

Janet Headley, who runs an antique and vintage jewelry store in Los Angeles, says that even she's begun to notice a strong shift away from the purely MCM aesthetic, which she feels has been so dominant over the last decade. "Five years ago, that's pretty much all I was hunting down at estate and garage sales," she notes, "but over the last little while, vintage-ey, and what my younger clients call the Y2K style, have popped." Headley says that late 90s, to the early ought's style of gold Omega and Herringbone chains are all the rage again, as are 80s and 90s Italian influenced Bulgari-like pieces that she simply can't get enough of... "I used to find box-lots of this stuff just a couple years ago, but today, it's being scooped up by kids thrifting garage and estate sales faster than I can attend them." Headley says that 'recent' vintage is definitely the craze right now.

New York - It's probably not that much of a surprise to many of the industry's heavy-hitters, but for those working in the day-to-day milieu of the more pedestrian aspect of the decorative arts world (the rest of us), the news of just how far and high some of last year's auction sales figures have risen, is likely to be nothing short of stunning - especially when one considers the overall state of the antique and decorative arts market just a few short years ago. 

For top auction house players like Sotheby's and Christie's, the numbers were impressive. Christie's tallied up $7.2 billion in auctions, and recorded another $1.2 billion in private sales, easily outperforming its sales figures of $7.1 billion it made in 2021. Of that total, just under a billion was derived from the sale of antiques and collectibles. "In 2022, despite a challenging macro-environment, Christie's has achieved our highest ever global sales," chief executive officer Guillaume Cerutti said, referring to post-pandemic economic challenges brought about by inflation and the global strife in eastern Europe. According to Christie's, buyers from North and South America accounted for the lion's share of total sales, with Asian buyers on the decline. However, what was most startling to some was the fact that the auction house said its banner year was fueled not by its trusted client-based list, but by a "new generation of collectors" - thirty-five percent who were first-time clients, and who also happened to qualify as millennials. 

Pete Benning, an auction-watch analyst, who tracks more mainstream sales results for some of the larger auction houses, says that it's not just the big-players who are witnessing the entry into today's market by millennials. "It's everywhere," says Benning. "Younger collectors are really starting to take over the mantle left by boomers and are driving up prices across the board." According to Benning, aggregated sales results from almost all the major online auction sites (and smaller ones too), have shown steep increases in overall sales figures over the past year. "It's been a banner year for just about everyone," he said. Benning's research also indicated that while major art sales led the way to soaring profits, sales of high-end antiques and collectibles weren't far behind.

Not to be outdone, Sotheby's also posted some chart-topping numbers with an estimated haul of just over $8 billion in combined art, land, and decorative art sales, with a substantial increase in tallies related to the sale of rare antique and vintage collector cars. While some of Sotheby's numbers were down in a few sectors, others rose, especially it's online auction sales of antiques and collectibles, which continued to post double-digit market gains. As with Christie's, the new younger collector has now also become a staple at Sotheby's, with most of its expanding client base over the last year coming from younger buyers in Asia.

Bonham's auction house, though not as large as either Christie's or Sotheby's, took several steps this year towards changing that scenario through its acquisition of both New England-based Skinner and Copenhagen’s Bruun Rasmussen within a two-week period. The auction house buyouts are part of Bonham's broader strategy to expand its online presence and to re-connect to European markets after Brexit. Many who work within the company say the auction house has also seen strong sales results over the past twelve-months, especially in areas related to Chinese antiques, which is helping to propel its international growth strategy forward. 

However, it's not just larger global auction properties that are experiencing the jump in sales numbers, even smaller niche auction houses seem to be getting in on the record setting prices. Richmond Auctions out of Greenville, South Carolina, recently set a new world record this past September for the most expensive antique advertising sign sold at auction - a forty-eight inch double-sided porcelain Musgo Gasoline sign. The selling price of $1.5 million (including buyer's premium) shattered the previous record of $400,000, and proved to be the most profitable sale ever for the fledging auction house that had its first sale in 2020. Heritage Auctions out of Dallas, Texas, also hit new highs with its sale celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 213th birthday. The two-day event drew a large crowd and brought in $4.3 million while setting a new world record for Americana sales at the auction house.

For Pete Benning, results like this are simply further proof of just how far the antique and decorative arts markets have come over the past few years. Benning says that while online auction sales steadily up-ticked throughout Covids heyday, it wasn't until after the pandemic "officially" ended that the numbers for realized auction prices really started to escalate. "People were buying at online auctions during Covid, no question," says Benning, "but once everything dropped and we went back to normal, they exploded - not just at the larger auction houses - but on the smaller selling platforms too." Benning says he doesn't see much changing in the near future despite inflationary pressures and interest rate hikes, and says that if anything can curb the prodigious spending currently occurring at these auctions, he hasn't seen it yet. 

​- AIA Staff Writers  
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New York - As today's digital warriors of the decorative arts update their monikers from being influential, to the more current influencer, it would seem that no descriptor with this amount of clout has undergone a more profound change in context and application over the last few years. Online platforms brim with those claiming to be 'influencers of style,' or having the capacity to effect 'the character, development, or behavior of specific trends.' But do they? Is this new generation of tech-savvy influencers actually transforming the antique and vintage market in a way that hasn't been seen before, or is this just the rehashing of an old familiar story?

For many, the answer may simply lie in the uptick of numbers. As the recent worldwide pandemic revealed, people headed indoors for two years and started looking for something to do - including, creating new online profiles - with some estimating a thousand-fold increase in accounts related to the resale trade alone. For Instagram, this amounted to a whole new development of community based platforms predicated on interests like antiques and vintage goods. Major auction houses began to utilize Instagram 'stories' as a means of promotion through the creation of digital galleries. For other relative new-comers like TIk-Tok, the effects were even more pronounced, as hashtags like #antiques and #antiqustorefinds drew in over a hundred million views with dealers and collectors sharing video expertise of how to buy and sell. The Art Basel survey of "Global Collecting For 2022," also estimated that purchases of antiques and collectibles online accounted for over twenty-percent of total decorative arts sales - an increase of almost double since 2019. As online platforms grew, they also become more targeted in their approach with directed social media content and online viewing rooms becoming common selling tools that not only increased sales, but also brought in a new generation of young collectors to the market.

Former marketing analyst at Meta (Facebook/Instagram), John Chapman, who now runs his own decorative arts consulting and ad-placement firm for online entrepreneurs, says there's been a massive change in how people are conducting business today. Chapman says that during the pandemic he noticed younger profiles and accounts coming online that were specifically geared towards the antique and vintage industry. "It was something to do," he says, "they were locked in, but could buy and sell vintage and second-hand items while sitting behind their desk from home." This became transformational says Chapman, because as time progressed, these accounts became larger and more sophisticated in their appearance and in their approach to selling. Chapman says that before he left Meta for his own start-up, some of the biggest account growth he witnessed came from within the decorative arts community. "Some of these young vintage sellers really started to attract a following," he says, "I was literally stunned at how they had morphed from selling items on the kitchen counter, to complete professional grade photographic set-ups with tens-of-thousands of followers." In his current role, Chapman says he sees antique and vintage Insta-accounts all the time that have massive followings. "It's not just a few big names," says Chapman, "it's across-the-board interest by a huge number of people." 

Bridget Van Wart is a perfect example of what Chapman is talking about. In less than three years, her Halifax based vintage-themed Instagram account has gone from zero to over fifteen-thousand followers. "It's just blossomed into this community," says Van Wart. Using her own apartment as a backdrop, Van Wart has managed to refine the process of selling her vintage housewares by concentrating on presentation, and using her own décor to tastefully accentuate the items she's marketing. While she acknowledges that it's still "selling," Van Wart says that venues like Instagram provide her with the ability to be creative about the process. "The visual aspect of it is huge," says Van Wart. Other popular antique influencers such as the UK's, Jack Laver Brister (@tradchap), have also figured out that creative designs and helping people to envision those items within a home atmosphere are not just good for sales, but for brand exposure too. With over sixty-two thousand followers, Brister has become a prime influencer in one of the most competitive antique and decorative arts markets in the world.

For many who do attain influencer status within the industry, it usually never comes about as a stand-alone effort. At least according to Tina Humphries, who's company specifically promotes growth-and-development strategies for accounts on sites like Instagram, Etsy and Tik-Tok. Humphries believes that popular success comes down to a lot of networking which helps spread the word. In her considerable experience, many of the younger players she's seen come to her with dreams of expanding their reach have already done a lot of the important work - namely - they've managed to get others to promote them by sharing. Humphries remembers one dealer in particular who came to her with a list of interior design influencers that supported her client by sharing the purchases they made with their followers. "Her growth was literally exponential," says Humphries, "in the end, there wasn't much for me to do since she'd already figured out that one of the biggest secrets to sustained online growth and influence was simply to get everyone else to act as an influencer for you." Humphries, who's company straddles the world of online promotion and the decorative arts, believes it's not really a question of whether or not these young upstarts are having any influence in the antique and vintage world, but more so a question of how much influence. "All I can do is look back at my own generation," she says with a smile, "when I was young, Martha Stewart was everywhere."
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- A.I.A. Staff Writers