Profile

While many gallerists make myriad international buying trips to stock their shops, Evan Lobel of Chelsea's Lobel Modern does no such thing. Instead, American mid-century Modern furnishings simply arrive at his well-established and highly regarded door—often in pristine condition and from private owners. A former Wall Streeter with a passion for Modern furniture, Lobel specializes in pieces from the 1940s to the 1960s, with a bit of spillover into the seventies and eighties. Neither one-offs nor mass-produced, most of the items were originally made-to-order customizations of pieces created by top designers. Overall, the aesthetic is clean and graceful—a luxurious minimalism in which opulence derives from a perfection of craftsmanship and materials. Lobel trades in stunning hardwood and upholstered pieces by names like Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Harvey Probber, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Paul Frankl and Tommy Parsinger; the Karl Springer collection—beautiful and rare pieces finished in dyed python skin, lacquered goat hide and ivory—is particularly impressive. Lobel also works with clients to refinish and reupholster pieces to match a given décor. — Andrew Sessa