Top Designers Share Their Favorite Finds from The Winter Show 2025

1. Unique Fine Art Deco Coffee and Tea Set France, (c. 1930), by Bloch Eschwege Silversmith & Maurice Muller at Maison Gerard

“Sure, we’re supposed to be hunting for decorative objects and furniture for clients, but let’s be real—my list is all about me! Sometimes, it’s not about what fits the space, but what makes my heart skip a beat. Benoist is always my final stop at the show, and for good reason. He’s the most entertaining host, serves the best champagne, and if we started here, John would never leave for another gallery! This tea set by Bloch-Eschwège, renowned for its elegant silver tableware, is a rare gem. Likely handcrafted by designer Maurice Adrien Muller, it bears the distinguished ‘BE’ monogram and the Minerva silver stamp. A similar set was once part of Karl Lagerfeld’s collection, underscoring the timeless appeal of Bloch-Eschwège’s visionary craftsmanship. You had me at Karl!”—Christine Gachot

2. A silver cigar cutter by Carl Fabergé, St. Petersburg, (c. 1908) at Wartski

“There’s something about Russian objects which provides a window onto a lost world. But I love them because they are always exotic—like Russia itself, of many nations and cultures—with a notion of luxury which is always exotic as well. Who can resist Faberge!(And if you know your stuff, Wigström was one of their finest craftsmen.)”—David Netto

“Silver is timeless, but it’s at its best when it embraces whimsy. This cigar cutter, molded after a carp, perfectly blends elegance with playfulness. When the gold-mounted chalcedony eyes are pressed, the mouth opens, and the blade unfurls, making the fish appear as though it’s breathing. Pro tip: It’s not just for cigars! John will absolutely love this gift. Here’s to rolling in style—and cutting with precision!”—Christine Gachot

3. Suzanne Desprès, (c. 1908), by Edouard Vuillard at Jill Newhouse

“One of my favorite pieces is this Eduard Vuillard drawing, which is enchanting with its intimate portrayal and delicate technique, reflecting the nuanced emotion of the Nabis movement. I can see my team using it to introduce a sense of quiet sophistication to enhance a personal space or to create a gallery-like ambiance in a living area.”—Elizabeth Graziolo

“Lovely thing, this sketch. Very modern because of its being so impressionistic and unfinished—but also psychological, with a touch of wistfulness that makes you want to ask her things. And maybe tell her things.”—David Netto

4. Hilabeteak IX, by Kepa Akixo (known as Zigor) at Maison Gerard

“A world-traveling journalist and photographer turned artist—a true Renaissance man! His work reflects a deep connection to the Basque region, beautifully capturing its natural landscape and cultural identity. With a focus on simplicity and sensitivity, his sculptures and drawings achieve a harmonious balance between material and space. Remarkably, even his largest bronze pieces convey a sense of lightness.”—Christine Gachot

5. America Brussels tapestry from the series of The Continents at Keshishian

“Another obsession of mine lately is the use of tapestry in projects as artwork, lending historical depth and luxurious texture to any grand space. This delicate and rare Brussels tapestry from the mid-18th century would do just that with its intricate craftsmanship, rich colors, and storytelling elements!”—Elizabeth Graziolo

6. Three Elements by Guy Bareff at Maison Gerard

“Full disclosure: I tried to buy this for my own living room. Good taste? Yes! But client budget? Not quite. I’m hoping to find it a wonderful new home because it truly is sublime! His pieces evoke the iconic, sultry style of the ’70s while radiating an abundance of tactile warmth. He celebrates the pure material, illuminating its inherent beauty without the added steps of glazing, allowing the architectural references to shine through effortlessly.”—Christine Gachot

7. Emerald Ring at James Robinson

“An emerald like no other (except, perhaps, mine), this enchanting antique ring blends timeless elegance with a hint of mystery. It’s as if the Green Lantern’s powers are secretly embedded within. Set in a beautifully detailed band, the emerald’s deep green radiates, as though it holds the secrets of a bygone era. With stories from generations past woven into its design, this ring is the perfect fusion of luxury and legacy.”—Christine Gachot

8. Jules Leleu at Milord Antiques

“I love this bold red lacquered sideboard; it is sophisticated with a striking color and sleek finish. It embodies a blend of artistry and functionality that we would love to incorporate as a statement piece in any contemporary/clean space to add a touch of vibrant color for contrast.”—Elizabeth Graziolo

9. Brooch by Lucio Fontana at Didier Ltd.

“Didier Ltd, based in London, is always our first stop at the show. Their collection of rare and exceptional jewelry pieces never fails to captivate. Each design is a testament to creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing unique and imaginative works that stand out as true masterpieces. This little “gem” says it all. This 18ct gold brooch is a little work of art with a textured surface and unique, irregular holes (or buchi). The holes are arranged in five rows of varying sizes, creating a beautiful pattern. Only four of these brooches are known to exist, and it’s one of just four designs Fontana created for Sebastiani—though the other three remain unidentified!”—Christine Gachot

10. Alexander Calder tiara at Didier Ltd.

“Who doesn’t love a tiara?! This Alexander Calder piece embodies art as jewelry, showcasing whimsical elegance with its bold, sculptural design and signature modernist flair. I see this as a captivating art object, displayed prominently to add a touch of playful elegance to a curated space.”—Elizabeth Graziolo

11. Pair of German Neoclassical Biedermeier cabinets, (c. 1820) at Cove Landing

“I love anything monumental as a pair—it’s a way of giving real impact to a room—and Biedermeier is one of my great pleasures to use. Plus, Angus Wilkie is the one to buy it from, because he literally wrote the book!”—David Netto

“I am obsessed with this pair of German neoclassical Biedermeier cabinets. They exude timeless elegance in their clean line design and rich veneer finishes while remaining extremely functional. The pair would work well as statement pieces anywhere, whether in a modern setting or a traditional space, blending history with contemporary aesthetics.”—Elizabeth Graziolo

12. Cuff bracelet by René Robert at Véronique Bamps

“This René Robert cuff bracelet is beautiful, bold, and modern. I envision using this piece not only as jewelry but as a piece to draw inspiration for architecture or interior design elements. It’s strikingly sculptural with a bold shape and metallic accents, possibly inspiring the design of a light fixture, furniture, or decorative accessories. Very inspirational!”—Elizabeth Graziolo

13. Original artwork by Ernest H. Shepard for The House at Pooh Corner “‘Good Morning, Christopher Robin,’ he said… ‘Are we alone?’” at Peter Harrington

“How delightful and extraordinary is the artifact of a moment in time? How many children yet to be born will meet and love these characters? Yet here they are, being born themselves on the sheet. This drawing is a very intimate thing, but it expresses a whole world.”—David Netto

14. Tête de Jeune Fille (1946), by Henri Matisse, at Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts

“One piece that immediately caught my eye was Matisse’s Tête de Femme. I have always admired how Matisse captures expression and emotion with seemingly effortless lines. This piece, in particular, feels both timeless and deeply personal. She reminds me of a very good friend!”—Elizabeth Graziolo

15. A pair of mahogany settees from the St. Giles’s House suite, attributed to William Vile, at Ronald Phillips

“Ronald Phillips stands for the top picture in English antiques, and he always has something extraordinary to show. This extraordinary pair of sofas has great desirability in my opinion because the frames are natural wood, which keeps them from being too palatial. I’d buy ‘em! And maybe I will.”—David Netto