Wednesday, July 3, 2013

los angeles downtown modernism

I stumbled into something cool again in Los Angeles last weekend. Honestly, it seems as if all the cool stuff is in L.A. (rather than near me in Orange County).

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop
From GrainLA@me.com 

Sad but true. The O.C. is just not hipster friendly. No matter how much we beg to disagree.

I have been running back and forth to L.A. nearly every weekend for a few months now. I thought it had come to an end after last weekend's DwellonDesign show. Then they sprung it on me. A couple of organizations were hosting an event called Downtown Modernism. Heck yeah, I'm in.

A new online resource for "curated" (man, I love that word) collections of vintage, modern and etc, FleaPop, was the main sponsor of this physical pop-up shop of vintage modern artifacts. FleaPop is kind of like Craigslist and eBay with an Etsy flare, strictly for design objects ... with the dealers centered in the Los Angeles area. Awesome...

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

FleaPop had a couple of vignettes at the show promoting their new site. According to their press release "Think: the community of Etsy but more curated, and the diversity of Craigslist without the creepiness."


Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


The entire event was held at the Modernica factory, on perhaps the hottest day of the year. Honestly, my sweat was sweating. But a cool looking factory building, yes?

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Modernica had a "that's incredible" Bubble Lamp display.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


And, Modernica showed the Eichler fiberglass chair press in action. It was pretty interesting.


Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


And finally, the stuff. Oh the stuff. As far as the eye could see, cool collections of vintage mid-century modern objects d'art and furniture. First off, the apology. I did a poor job of collecting the names of the shops I was photographing. Most were small, niche shops and didn't have signage. It really was kind of a flea market. And it was super hot. And we were moving fast. This post from Modernica mentions many of the dealers. And I will drop a name when I am positive. If you see your stuff in this post, please identify your shop and I will go back and properly credit the pictures. 

On with the eye candy. Honestly, everything was represented.

There was a ton of collections of old patio furniture, powder coated fresh and restrung. I absolutely loved all of it. Next time I buy new patio furniture, I am getting some of these pieces. So clever and really fresh.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

www.foundatspaces.com



Perfect sofa.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Cool desk with a mosaic top.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Many pieces had been meticulously restored. If I had a spot, I would have bought this restored orange desk. Prices were not crazy at all for the quality represented.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


This picture was really tempting.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


These look like old pool benches or dock seating. Awesome on a patio.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


The famous bench.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


I have one of those chair identification posters from Jennifer Renninger. But this pair isn't on it.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Easy... an Eames plywood chair. For a really good price.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


This fixture was sure tempting. All my favorite colors.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


A rare Bitossi planter. Be still my beating heart.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop
lisa@lisacliff.com

I think this cool end table was with #Modernica.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


As were these chairs.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


A Knoll wire table.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


Quintessential mid-century modern acrylic grapes.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop

I loved this patio set. All re-done and ready to go. The chairs were nice and solid and the circle design on the sides is a great element.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop
www.californiafurniturerestoration.com

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop
www.californiafurniturerestoration.com

And, I'll leave you with this darling beverage cart.

Downtown Modernism Modernica FleaPop


You are probably wondering what I bought, as by now, you know me too well. Hint, it is in the pictures above. I'll post in a few days. You know, after the fireworks are over. Happy 4th and stay thirsty my friends.

-------------------------------------------------
OH... and if you missed my post a few days ago, I am giving away this awesome Halsea tote and clutch.

Halsea Tote and Clutch

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9 comments:

  1. Lots of cool things! I think the desk is by Vista of California, and the chairs you couldn't find on your chart are Cherner chairs. I love the Platner dining table and the bar cart. Can't wait to find out what you bought.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dana!!! You are like an encyclopedia. Thank you!!!!

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  2. Hi Rebecca!
    Great post - thanks so much for sharing!
    Where are you finding out about these cool events?
    I'm also here behind the Orange curtain ..
    (in historic Anaheim which is amazing; but definitely not LA ; (
    P.S. ..
    SO wish that Bitossi planter lived @ my house!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lauren... L.A. is getting quite the modern vintage scene going on. I have been signing up on mailing lists for architecture preservation groups and such... I will start posting the events in advance from now on. Public service for the O.C.

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  3. Hi Rebecca--thanks for sharing. I was stunned to see my foyer light fixture!! It's the blue green one. Do you know anything about it? Here is a link to mine (scroll to bottom picture). I'm dying to know more about it.

    http://modchester.blogspot.com/p/house-tour-before.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DANG! I just scrolled to the bottom of your post. It is the exact same one. I am not even sure what dealer I was at sorry to say. You can tell it caught my eye because of the shot I took. If I see it again in my travels I will ask some questions on your behalf. It is really close. Your only hope for early identification is Dana at Mid2Mod who is a wealth of info. Her SIL and daughter are in the biz and they are really very kind as far as helping ID.

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  4. I'm guessing the bench made it to your house?? And two of those bubble lights used to live at my house. I'm wondering now why they still don't live there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know Mom. You had the eye when they were first came out. The old ones are famous for the yellowish cast that yours eventually got. I think that is why they went.

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  5. The perfect sofa and the orange desk / chair...I'm impressed! Looking forward to more use of "curate" in your posts...I think I posted one on my g+ page from last weekend - they laid it on thick. If you ask people here, your O.C. is the height of hip, but maybe too many In-N-Out burgers for them?

    ReplyDelete

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