The Best Bet
Why? Now that icons of mid-century modern design like Eames and Knoll are practically as pervasive as Ikea, it’s time to turn to more underappreciated names. The industrial, reductivist furniture of Denmark’s Poul Kjaerholm (1929–1980) put him in the Museum of Modern Art, but he’s never had an American retrospective—until now. From December 10 to January 22, R Twentieth Century displays more than 50 pieces, including this sculptural candelabra ($7,500; 212-343-7979 or R20thCentury.com). Measuring almost four feet high, the helixlike shape holds 33 tapers, and is suspended from the ceiling using monofilament (also known as fishing line). Kjaerholm was best known for his elegant chairs, but the clean, metallic lines of the candelabra epitomize an aesthetic that’s closer to Bauhaus than the work of most of his Scandanavian contemporaries.
(1) With figurines by everyone from Prada to McQueen, Visionaire’s winter edition (produced by Kid Robot) is something we can play with, as well as look at (two sets of five, each in a limited edition of 2,000, for $175 apiece; visionaireworld.com and Rizzoli).
(2) City Bakery’s notoriously addictive cookies have a new flavor: delicious chocolate with white-chocolate chips. You can make your own with the dough, too (about $5 per tube at Whole Foods; wholefoods.com).
(3) A multipurpose stool/side table like this one by Marco Maran for Parri is invaluable for small New York apartments (multiple colors, $140 at Property; 917-237-0123 or propertyfurniture.com).
(4) Unlike so many opera gloves, the leather hands and knit arms of Georges Morand’s pair glide easily over your forearms—and they’re finished with gold paint for a touch of glamour ($230 at Destination NY; 212-727-2031).
(5) Jane August’s “King’s Road” bag is big, stylish, slender, and doesn’t have a comma in the price tag (multiple colors, $625 at Linda Dresner; 212-308-3177).
(6) At just $40 apiece, Annika Inez’s lariat necklaces, with vintage enamel teardrops, can be layered to dramatic effect (212-717-9644).