NEW YORK: Now that The Winter Show, the stalwart of antique shows, has eliminated the “A” word from its name, it might appear that the future use of this word might be in jeopardy. And designers are voicing their opinions. According to Thomas Jayne, “It’s cooler to be an antiques show than to be a polyglot,” adding, “The addition of antiques to a room imbues a depth and texture that’s unmatched. It’s the contrast of antiques juxtaposed with the more modern elements that makes the room extraordinary.”


Whether on the hunt for an ancient Aztec serpent god, a killer Carlo Bugatti parchment cabinet or a Navajo chief’s blanket, you’ll find that the AADLA Fine Art & Antiques Show, which has no plans of abandoning the word antiques, is a singular one-stop design source for trendsetting designs. As pros and design lovers alike know all too well, this jewel box of a fair is where handsome antiques and quirky objects mingle with silky Persian carpets, shapely Chinese vases and other beautifully hand-crafted creations — ancient, antique and contemporary. A big part of the draw is the deluxe mix of styles that reflects today’s more eclectic vibe. 


“It's that rare chance to see Old Masters rub shoulders with Bugatti or an 18th-century English inlaid pedestal dining table,” says Brian McCarthy, whose design firm boasts a clientele of international tycoons and tastemakers. 


Decorating today is all about “the mix,” the mix of periods and styles that makes interiors more interesting and exciting, observes Ellie Cullman, principal of the renowned Cullman & Kravis design firm. “The AADLA show is all about these exciting juxtapositions—the alchemy that happens when old meets new. My team and I are delighted to shop this important fair, sure that we will find treasures for both our traditional and contemporary interiors alike.”


Says Harry Heissmann, whose lush floral design collaboration with Park Avenue florist, Anthony Ortiz, graces the entranceways of the show. “AADLA is the place to be when you’d like to experience firsthand why it is so important to use antiques in your interiors — they lend an instant unique personality and style to any project. Besides, they are such fun to collect!” 



Here are some highlights with why the dealers selected to feature them:  




The AADLA Fine Art & Antiques Show opens at Wallace Hall, Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue at 84th Street with an early VIP breakfast preview on October 25th starting at 9:30 a.m. Show hours are Friday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Admission price is $20.00 per person with complimentary return passes for the duration of the show.


About the AADLA  

Founded in 1926, The Art and Antique Dealers League of America, Inc., now with 86 members, is the oldest and principal antiques and fine arts organization in America. The mission of the league is to bring the members of the art and antiques trade closer together and to promote a greater understanding among themselves and with the public, and generally to devote itself to the best interests of dealers and collectors of antiques and works of art.  For more information, visit: www.aadlafair.com  or contact  info@aadlafair.com.