Autumn Colours

Clockwise from top left: 1930s Tobacco brown felt hat, from June Victor, Erik Höglund glass decanter 1960s, from Lorna Lee Leslie, ostrich green leather chair, from Thirteen Upholstery Workshop, yellow Murano handblown cendesse vase, from Peter O'Rourke, 1950s green brocade dress, from Persiflage, gold & citrine brooch c1841, from Pars Jewellers, Victorian silk jacket, from Melinda Colthurst.       Centre: 1930s Carnelian, silver & diamond cufflinks, from Kieron Rielly

Return of the Cloche

Over the last few seasons it's been clear fashion designers have been feeling a little nostalgic with many collections showing a distinct influence from styles and cuts from previous decades.  Louis Vuitton's Autumn Winter 2012 collection includes oversized garments, giant cloche hats, heavily embellished coats and garments in deep shades with pops of colours such as yellow, purple and red.  LV's ad campaign and catwalk show earlier this year featured a custom made steamtrain and models each with their own porters carrying Louis Vuitton luggage.  At Alfies the golden age of travel and the glittering glamour of the 1920s and 30s is always a favourite.  Here are our top picks for recreating this striking Autumnal look:

Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2012 Ad Campaign

 

Louis Vuitton Catwalk Show, Paris 2012.

Image from The Sartorialist

1920s Flapper Dress with Silver Detailing. From Tin Tin Collectables.

1940s Beaded Box Bag. From Tin Tin Collectables.

Vintage Louis Vuitton Suitcase c1920s. From Travers Antiques.

1920s Geometric Print Kimono. From Velvet Atelier.

Lemon Yellow Mohair Coat. From June Victor.

Beaded Evening Bag c1920s. From Tony Durante.

1940s Crocodile Handbag. From Tony Durante.

Let there be light...

There are some great events taking place this month but our favorite is definitely The London Design Festival. Hundreds of events across London will take place showcasing the city's pivotal role in global design. Here at Alfies we're spoilt for choice when it comes to vintage designer pieces. Whether you are into Scandinavian glass, European mid-century design or English ceramics, we've got it all. For this blog post we've decided to focus on vintage lighting. Because the right lighting can make or break a room...

Elegant Italian Stilnovo chandelier, 1950s.

Stunning Brass Pendant Lamp, designed by Kazuo Motozawa for Staff Leuchten.

Pair of two rare 1970s table lamps by Raak, the Netherlands.

 Pair of hanging Italian Poliarte lighting.

Lighting designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland. Hand blown glass produced by Ittala, 1957-1965.

All these lights can be found in Lorna Lee Leslie's shop in the Quad on the ground floor of Alfies. Here you can find more lighting and other stunning pieces of European mid-century art and design.

www.alfiesantiques.com

Astor Place London

In the basement of Alfies you will discover a labyrinth, with each turn presenting a visual delight of carefully sourced pieces and curiosities, a mix of vintage and bespoke. 

Please tell us about yourselves

Astor Place London is an eclectic mix of vintage and new linked by the common theme of understated luxury, style and exceptional craftsmanship.  Our aim is to create that magical feeling that anything is possible and you never know what you may discover.  Be that with our Jewellery, Vintage Furniture or Accessories Collection.

What attracts you to Mid Century design?

It was such an inspirational and creative time in design. A period which gave us so many wonderful classics that somehow always manage to adapt to their surroundings and continue to be timeless.

What is your favourite item in the shop and why?

That has to be a pair of fabulous 1960s swivel tub chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace – they are so striking yet simple in design. 

1960s swivel tub chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace

What is your price range?

We are keen to make sure that we cater for all tastes and budgets – With this in mind you will find anything from a handmade picture frame to a dining table and set of chairs. 

Astor Place London,
Lower Ground Floor,
Alfies Antique Market

www.astorplacelondon.com

We Need Your Vote!

Alfies Antique Market has been shortlisted for the London Lifestyle Awards 2012!

The London Lifestyle Awards were founded in 2010 to honour the lifestyle businesses in the capital whose work has made a real difference and a true contribution to London and the people living in the city.

This year, 4,127 businesses and personalities were in the running to be shortlisted for a London Lifestyle Award and Alfies is very proud and excited to have made this celebrated shortlist drawn up by founder Jason Gale and his team.

Members of the public are now given the opportunity to cast their own vote for their favourites to help decide the winner, and anyone can do so at: http://www.londonlifestyleawards.com/london/voting before voting closes on September 21.

So we need your vote! We are up against some incredible competition in the Best Fashion Retailer category including Wolf & Badger, SHOWstudio shop, Lucy in Disguise and Painted Black to name but a few.

Please cast your vote now by clicking here.

Mirror, Mirror

Inject some glamour into your home with sleek and stylish pieces from Louise Verber Antiques at Alfies.  Louise has been dealing in mirrored furniture, glass and chic decorative antiques for many years.  Based on the first floor Louise has a very distinct style that oozes luxury of the 1930s and 40s and transcends into glamorous pieces from the 1960s and 70s.  Counting Kate Moss as one of her customers, it's easy to see why people covet these beautiful antiques that are just as at home in a modern setting as they were 50 years ago.  Here are a few of our favourite pieces from Louise's current collection.

1940s French Mirrored Table.  This has a wonderful floral design, scalloped edges and wooden legs.

1960s/70s Tinted Glass 3 Piece Table Set.  This comes with a coffee table and two pull out side tables.

1960s/70s French Gilt Wall Light.

1970s Glass & Lucite Drinks Trolley.

To see more fabulous items including pineapple and palm tree lights click here.

Tin Tin Collectables Luggage

Tin Tin Collectables Luggage recently opened a new shop on the first floor at Alfies where you can find a fantastic selection of antique and vintage trunks and travel accessories.

Most of the large trunks were specifically designed for travel by sea or train - where excess weight was not an issue. They were always made to a high specification as they were intended to last 'a lifetime'.  This ideal was cut tragically short with the introduction of air travel, where lightweight luggage became a neccessity. These old dames were consigned to the attics of large houses where they remained until Ralph Lauren decided that they made excellent design pieces and functioned as 'end of bed storage' trunks or coffee tables with great space to store all sorts of things.

The trunks and cases come in a variety of finishes including cream and brown leather, green canvas - some have wooden strapping or leather protective knuckles.  Each has their own identity and story to tell which is what makes them such a great piece in a moden home.

Vintage Hats

Christian Dior once remarked, 'Without hats we would have no civilization'. We couldn't agree more and as hats are the perfect fashion accessory to complement a chic outfit, we like to share our favorite vintage hats.

1940s Brown Felt Hat by Gwenn Pennington

Offered by Velvet Atelier

1960s Pink Hat

Offered by June Victor

1970s Straw Hat with Flowers by Bermonda London

Offered by Persiflage

1960s Orange Feather Hat

Offered by Velvet Atelier

Vintage Green Party Hat by Harvey Nichols

Offered by Carole Collier

1960s Yellow and Green Pleated Jersey Hat by Fenwick

Offered by Persiflage

1980s Pink Felt Hat with Bow, Trikki by Edna Wallace

Offered by Velvet Atelier

1960s Pink Felt Hat with Black Ribbon

Offered by June Victor

1920s Feather Hat with Flowers

Offered by Velvet Atelier

1930s Tobacco Brown Felt Hat

Offered by June Victor

1960s Pink Flower Hat by Lisa

Offered by Persiflage

Velvet Atelier - T: 07903147263

Persiflage - T: 02077247366

June Victor - T: 07740704723

Carole Collier - T: 02077236066

www.alfiesantiques.com

Brass Pineapples

Whilst browsing around the market I kept spotting pineapple shaped home accessories everywhere. The iconic brass pineapple design piece from the 1960s/70s is a stylish addition to any home. Used as storage (for sweets perhaps) they split in half, some are ice buckets. The pineapple has been a universal symbol of hospitality and warm welcome for many centuries making this a perfect housewarming gift for someone who appreciates retro glamour.

Above: Brass pineapples from Vincenzo Caffarella, Stand G033/34.

The Quad

After a complete makeover, the Quad at Alfies Antique Market is looking better than ever. In this 20th Century design emporium you will find the most amazing pieces of European 20th Century furniture, lighting, art and design. The Quad is formed by a 2000-square-foot cluster of leading dealers including Martin Rooney and Lorna Lee Leslie. Both dealers with a passion for European 20th Century design and objects with a distinctive character. Newcomer Peter O'Rourke specialises in Italian 20th century art and design.  

 Lorna Lee Leslie

Martin Rooney

Peter O'Rourke

Find more information on www.alfiesantiques.com