SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW
by Anita Sarko
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| Antique Moroccan BELTS (Approximately $109). |
| One of the great treats about walking NYC is that even the most familiar can suddenly change. After all my decades living downtown, I can’t possibly tell you how many times I’ve strolled the streets below 14th Street, enjoying the windows of the myriad of antiques purveyors. I rarely go further than the windows because I rarely have the funds or the room for what’s inside. So, there I was, traipsing down Broadway at the beginning of summer, glancing into the passing windows, when ... whoa ... Sure enough, the well-known sign had changed from Howard Kaplan Antiques to CALLALILAI (827 Broadway @ 13th St. New York, NY 10003, 212.477.7377). There were still some pricey and luscious antiques in the windows, but thrown around the usual fare were equally luscious pieces of clothing and accessories. This time, I entered.
The supreme beauty of their offerings is that, despite their appearance, they may be luscious, but PRICEY they are not. The highest prices for the clothing and bags are below $300 and the jewelry line ranges from $30 to $60. Of course, the holdovers from Howard Kaplan were WELL above these amounts. “The owner is in love with antiques.” Ms. Shelsky clarified when I asked if the furnishings were for sale or just for display purposes. Not only is everything for sale (I love shops like this), but they are also increasing the inventory to include dishware and home goods. In other words, this is not only a great place to buy for oneself, but a superb spot for finding gifts. Though local designers make the jewelry, co-owner Hogo Natsuwa creates all the clothing and bags. Natsuwa, a former graphic designer, even prints the fabrics. He loves mixing silk, cotton, jersey and knits, as well as “the final touch”: Hand embroideries, hand painting and three-dimensional sequins. “He travels a lot, so he gets his influences from different places.” Explains Barbara. That’s why you’ll find styles or details reminiscent of India, Morocco, Peru and Japan. It’s all very Rich Hippy, very Boho-chic. Though the first shop opened in Brooklyn just last year, the brand, Aoyama Itchome, has been available through wholesale for nine years and is found in other stores, like Anthropologie. However, this large ornate newbie is the flagship. |
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| L. Strapless cotton DRESS with elastic back ($89), Red Leather BELT ($33), Brown Distressed Leather convertible hand/should BAG ($198), Wooden bead and gold chain NECKLACE ($30); R. Velvet, beaded, sequined and leather HOBO BAG ($199). |
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| L. to r.: Cotton V-neck TUNIC with silver beaded and sequined detail and back tie ($49/ Originally $149); Cotton V-neck BLOUSE with silver beaded and sequined detail ($49/ Originally $159). |
| The reason for the antiques, besides the owner’s love of them, is that Howard Kaplan still owns the building. (“We do consignment from him.”) These holdovers are sensational and unique pieces. And, as good a mix as they were over the summer with the clothing, they are an even better pairing now that 80% of the stock is comprised of one-of-a-kind items. This means that there is only one piece each in small, medium and large in any color or that there are changes in embellishments within one style. The winter fabrics tend more towards knits and leather with the colors being, what I call, “Past Peak”: Those over-saturated shades of hunter green, deep purple, rust/reds and brown that one finds in late autumn leaves. |
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| ANGEL TOP with net inserts and beaded detail ($83/ Originally $119). Vintage Woven CHAIR with back cushion ($329). |
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| L. Rusted “Ibiza” knit TUNIC DRESS ($181/ Originally $259). Moroccan Kilim RUG ($1104). R. Silk antiqued gold metallic and black printed DRESS with antiqued gold prism and half spherical sequin detail ($175/ Originally $259). Marble-topped Iron CONSOLE ($8,500). |
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| French Brass Double HOOK ($650), circa 1880. |
| However, the summer pieces will remain in stock, though at greatly reduced prices. That’s fabulous news for dealing with those weird temperature changes we experience here, as well as the tendency for women to wear summery frocks all year, while adding a sweater, jacket, tights or leggings for warmth. This also provides another great place to find perfect warm weather resort clothing out-of-season (besides Calypso). |
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| Antique French VANITY ($6,950). |
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| L. Moroccan Kilim RUGS (Various prices), Irish Mahagony Linen Press ($20,000. Circa 1840); R. Ruff-hewn three piece wooden BED ($1800). Wooden Fireplace MANTEL ($799). Silk PIANO SHAWL (Various prices). |
| Though there are extraordinary pieces available for everyday ... you know, the kind you love because you don’t have to think about whether they’re appropriate or comfortable ... the special occasion dresses are the big sellers. As Ms. Shelsky so artfully notes, “You’re going to find the dress you would not have initially picked. This is not the dress you already have in your closet. This is not The Little Black Dress. This will be your FAVORITE dress. It’s not seasonal; it’s a conversation piece.” Check their website (http://www.callalilai.com/) for store hours and a MERE sampling of these delicious offerings. It should be mentioned that most of the clothing is VERY figure friendly, so you won’t feel TOO wretched about stopping into Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man, which is uncomfortably close-by. |
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| L. Cali 20 Dressis available in navy, maroon, and taupe $119. Belt is available in navy, black, & brown, $104. R. Walla '04 Wool Dress is available in purple, camel, black, navy & green, $139. Belt '05 is available in black & brown, $78. |
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| L. MO21 leather bag available in teal, purple, brown, rusted, navy & black, $260. R. MO11 leather bag available in purple, rusted, teal, navy, brown & black, $249. |
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| L. Daisy 15 top available in berry, grey, taupe, black, navy & blue, $109. Cali '09 skirt available in black & grey, $109. R. Walla '02 coat available in green, purple, camel, black and navy, Sizes XS-L, $279. |
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| L. Cali 19 Knit Dress available in purple, grey, green, cream & navy, S, M, L, $119. R. Cali '08 Dress available in grey, green, purple, navy & black, S, M, L, $129. |
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