Valentine's Day

Find a unique Valentine's card for your loved one,  East West Antiques has a fabulous selection of vintage cards...

 

 

Put it in the post. Goebel Hummel 'Postman' figurine, East West Antiques.

Going on a date? Get ready in style! We love this glam 1920s German porcelain figure, original swansdale powder puff, unused. From Carole Collier.

And for the men, 1920s grooming set from Ian Broughton.

Your outfit will make his heart skip a beat! 1950s Velvet heart skirt from The Girl Can't Help It.

Gentlemen, make sure you're looking dapper! 1930s Cartier cufflinks from Kieron Reilly.

 

When the moment is right, surprise her with a ring. 1920s 18ct white gold and platinum, sapphire and diamond ring. From Gareth Brooks.

And finally, celebrate your day in style with these Victorian thumb press cocktail/champagne coupes, from Robinson's Antiques.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Imprint Festival at the Centre for Possible Studies

On Friday 27th January the Serpentine Gallery's Centre for Possible Studies on Edgware Road hosted artists, performers and writers from the art collective Fabelist who have been working with residents of Alfies local neighbourhood, Church Street, NW8. 

Church Street Library Workshop (Image: Francesca Goodwin)

Imprint Exhibition at the Centre of Possible Studies (Image: Francesca Goodwin)

You may have seen members of the collective at the Alfies Christmas shopping party back in December, when they held a workshop here.  Since then they have been busy collecting and documenting stories for the collaborative arts project, Imprint, inspired by the Church Street community and neighborhood.  The resulting festival and exhibition captures the past, celebrates the present and introduces the future through a range of media, from music and art to spoken work and gastronomy.

Poppy's Paper Doll Parlour (Image: Carlos M Burgos)

Story Salon (Image: Edible Art Movement)

You have a chance to visit the exhibition until the 4th February and see individual and collaborative imprints from Fabelist's established artists and writers and discover the results of the collaborative work with the Church Street Neighborhood.

Location: The Serpentine Gallery’s Centre for Possible Studies, 21 Gloucester Place, 
London W1U 8HR

Exhibition runs until: 4th February (opening hours: 1pm-5pm)

For more information, please see: www.thefabelist.com

Alfies Fashion Resolutions for 2012

Start the New Year fresh & organised by cleaning out your closet. Get rid of everything you haven't worn for over a year. Throw away pieces that no longer fit. Hang up your dresses, fold your shirts neatly and put your accessories back where they belong. Once the clutter is gone, you can start creating a style and look that works for you.

1. Wear More Colours.
It's scientifically proven that colours affect our emotions and our behavior. Try to wear a more colourful palette and you will feel happier.

1960s pink & lace evening dress from Persiflage. Vintage yellow evening dress 

with sequins from Velvet Atelier. 1960s red cotton velvet dress from Persiflage.

2. Invest in Classic High-Quality Pieces.

Always choose quality over quantity. Invest in classic high-quality pieces and create a vintage and timeless look. 

1920s Art-Deco kimono,1940s sailor dress and a 1920s pink & lace evening dress. 

All dresses are from Velvet Atelier.

3. Experiment with Accessories.
With the right accessories you can turn an ordinary outfit into something amazing. Create excitement and variety in your outfit by wearing a bold floral hat or a pair of multi-coloured killer heels. 

Selection of hats and accessories from The Girl Can't Help It.

4. Wear More Prints.
Don't be afraid to experiment with prints. Try something new like a psychedelic print or a floral motif.

Selection of vintage dresses with colourful prints from Persiflage. 

 5. Invest in a High-Quality Vintage Handbag.

Every stylish lady should invest in a quality vintage handbag that lasts a lifetime. With a creamy vintage handbag you simply can't go wrong.

Selection of vintage creamy handbags from June Victor & Carole Collier.

Have a look at www.alfiesantiques.com for more gorgeous dresses, colourful hats and other wonderful vintage accessories.

New Dealers

Teria Shapani and Yasmen UK Ltd are the latest dealers to join Alfies.

Faiez of Yasmen UK Ltd specialises in old and antique Persian rugs.

A view of Faiez's stand, F022

Some facts about Faiez:

His interest in antiques developed in his mid twenties when his father was an antiques dealer.

The oldest item he has is a Tabriz rug which is 97 years old.

His favourite item is the Kashmir rug because it is beautiful in design. They are intricate designs that are primarily Oriental floral style and come in a range of colors, designs, sizes and qualities.

Persian rugs

Yasmen UK Ltd  Stand F022.


Teria Shapani sells mid 19th - 20th century furniture and home furnishings such as mirrors and chandeliers. She also has a large selection of silverware and jewellery.

French 10 arm crystal chandelier, circa 1910

I asked Teria a few questions.

How did your interest in antiques develop?

I have always had an appreciation and love for the craftsmanship and skill that went into creating what I can only call works of art. They feed my creativity. I can sit in this french corner chair and marvel at the creators imagination and the talent and physical skill applied to manifest what was once just a vision in his mind. Each scroll, each leaf delicately carved, and with such precision before covering with gesso.  And then the crowning glory of gold leaf. These beauties never fail to inspire me. Or look at these wonderful mirrors with original mercury glass,  how can I not help wondering,  'did the mercury  involved in creating these literally drive someone mad?'  Or I can stare over to the chandelier and delight in the magnificence of the ballroom where it once lived.

Pair of Swedish bergeres, circa 1920's

I am fascinated and intrigued by the history of both the furniture and silver which I sell. I have silverware which are inscribed or monogrammed.  People ask me why I don't have these removed.  I tell them it's for the same reason I sell Victorian lockets with the original photos, 'It is not my place to erase history'.

What is your favourite item?

I do not have a favourite piece. Each has it's own beauty and it's own story to tell.  And all are equally valid.

What is your price range?

My price range is vast. from £3.00 silver vintage charms to the £5,500 19th century Swedish sideboard.

Teria Shapani  Stand S003/S005

Happy New Year!

 

Wishing you all lots of happiness and success for the new year! With all the wet weather we've been having here are a couple of ideas to smarten up your hallways for 2012.

Vintage Umbrella Stands:

Fun 1950s Brass Umbrella Stand. From Thirteen Interiors

Elegant Art Deco Umbrella Stand with Nutwood Veneer. From Lorna Lee Leslie.

Alfies is the perfect market to visit during the wintery weather.  All four floors and over 75 shops are all under one roof so you can avoid the blustery showers.  On the top floor visit our cosy Rooftop Cafe where you can warm up with hot drinks or a glass of wine and a hearty lunch.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Christmas from everyone at Alfies! 

We hope you all have a wonderful break!

Alfies will be opened until 4pm this Christmas Eve for you last minute shoppers and those looking to treat themselves!

We are then taking a well deserved break and will be reopening on the Tuesday 3rd of January 2012.

Vintage Party Dresses

With just a few more days until Christmas we are in the midst of the festive party season. New Year's Eve is just around the corner and there's no better time to dust of the memories of 2011 and look forward to all that 2012 has in store. Finding a fabulous party dress is the perfect way to start  the new year in style. Thankfully Alfies has some expert vintage dealers on hand to help!

1950s Asymmetrical Dress. From The Girl Can't Help It

1930s Lame Dress with Bow Detail & Matching Belt, £175. From Velvet Atelier.

1960s White Linen Dress with Floral Appliques. From The Girl Can't Help It.

Original Flapper Dress with Silver Detailing. From Tin Tin Collectables.

1950s/60s Satin & Lurex Dress with Bolero. From The Girl Can't Help It.

1950s Red Dress, £125. From Velvet Atelier.

Let's not forget the men:

Men's Gabardine Embroidered Cowboy Shirt, £265. From The Girl Can't Help It.

Mother of Pearl Cufflinks. From Naneen Brooks.

Alfies will be open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve this year.  We will then close for Christmas and will resume normal opening hours from Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

Merry Christmas from all at Alfies Antique Market x

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party

On Thursday 8th December, we held our annual Christmas party and celebrated 35 years in business. If you were there, you will know what a great night it was, here are some pictures of the event...

Catriona played delightful 20's and 30's tunes on her gramophone

Guests start to arrive

Delicious food being served

The lovely ladies who kept our drinks flowing

Sarina, Tony Durante and Renato

Our stylish guests..

Security & Alfies dapper dealers!

Fabelist Art Group pop up

The superb work of the Fabelist Art Group

Tarot reading

Drinking & shopping at Modo Italia

Anna of Velvet Atelier & Friend

More delicious food at Daumieres

The dynamic Dulwich Ukulele Band kept us entertained

Trevor of Persiflage serving his famous rum cake, yum!

A fun night was had by all, thank you to everyone who came!