CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Look from JBM Vintage; Lori Margolis and Jennifer Bandier; François-Xavier’s Bar YSL; 1920 Mondrian painting Composition I.
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
There appeared to be no economic crisis in Paris this past February as the private collection of Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé became the most expensive ever to be sold at auction. Artists, celebrities and dignitaries, many dressed in vintage YSL, had come to the Grand Palais to pay respects to Saint Laurent and peek at the articles of his private life and at his personal residence. Among the more than 1,200 collectors was Moises Esquenazi, an interior designer working primarily in Los Angeles and the Hamptons. He was attending the auction on his own behalf, as well as to bid on pieces for a client. His principal targets were furniture created by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne and Jean-Michel Frank. François-Xavier’s Bar YSLwas of particular interest, as it had been commissioned by Saint Laurent specifically for his townhouse and was a prominent conversation piece when he entertained.
When asked what he found most interesting about Saint Laurent’s personal collection (which included the 1920 Mondrian painting Composition I), Esquenazi replied that he loved the eclectic decorating sensibility of the designer, who put ancient statues next to carved African pieces, and very modern armchairs by antique settees. He took risks. Most important, it was obvious that he purchased items that he loved and found beautiful rather than trying to stick with a theme. For Esquenazi, Yves Saint Laurent reaffirmed that good design need not be formulaic. —BRYAN GRAYBILL
VINTAGE VIXENS
You know the feeling: You’re looking at an old photo of yourself in which you’re dressed fashionably for that era and you wonder, What was I thinking? Some vintage dresses and baubles, however, stay of the moment and gorgeous no matter what current trends may dictate. It’s these perpetual beauties that JBM Vintage owners Jennifer Bandier and Lori Margolis seek out for their shop, to ensure that you have the good kind of sartorial flashback when you flip through those Polaroids years later. —S.Y. AND LAUREN TERRILL
GOTHAM: What are the advantages of wearing vintage?
LORI MARGOLIS: Wearing a vintage piece means wearing something special, one-of-a-kind. Our clients tell us it’s not uncommon for them to be approached by other women wanting to know where their dress or jewelry is from. To their dismay, it can’t be duplicated.
G: How do you choose what to carry in the store?
LM: We both have our passions. Mine is the ’60s and ’70s, and Jenn loves the ’80s and is very into gowns. We both love a piece that captures your attention.
G: Tell us about your rental program.
JENNIFER BANDIER: Our general manager, Samantha Stein Wells, presented the idea this winter. Naturally, Lori and I loved the concept—many of our big clients like to be seen in a dress only once. With this program, our unique pieces can be enjoyed time and again, and they are accessible to all. Select items are available to rent. You have it for three days; the dry cleaning, which we take care of on our end, is included in the pricing, which ranges from $200 to $500.
G: What is your most popular look right now?
LM: The ’80s have made a comeback—short, avant-garde, sexy dresses are back with a vengeance! JBM Vintage, 11 East 75th Street, 212-585-3555.
