Allison Kohler has a loyal cadre of jewelry dealers eager to do her antiques shows, so it was a no-brainer for her to conceive of an all-jewelry show. Finding an eminently suitable venue, the elegant Pratt Mansions, across the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she debuted her new show January 19′0 to kick off the city’s annual Antiques Week, a pilgrimage for Americana and antiques lovers.
Her efforts paid off in spades. The show was a dazzling boutique event and made good use of the space for a leisurely and upscale shopping experience. Even better, buyers came and spent money with just over 700 people in two days.
“It was like gold, the show was always busy. I never had such first-time success. We were in the right neighborhood,” Kohler said. “I had nothing but bliss in me all weekend. It was incredible for me and the exhibitors and the industry as well.”
All her dealers have already signed up for the next show here November 23′4, and the venue has been held for next January as well. Though Kohler wants to keep the small “boutiquey” feel to the show, a few additional dealer spaces are available upstairs and in the downstairs study, which no doubt will be put to good use at the fall show.
Among the dealers on hand was Anita S. Taub, New York City, offering a pair of Lalaounis 18K gold earrings, circa 1950‶0s, while Sue Brown, London, showed a wonderful and old Indian bracelet made of 22K sheet gold inlaid with green glass and detailed with hunting and forest scenes. For male shoppers, Steve Fishman Company, Manhasset, N.Y., offered a fine man’s Vacheron Constantin watch.
For more information, www.jmkshows.com or 973-927-2794.
