Page 11 - joa-3-24

WORLD MARKETPLACE NEWS with Managing Editor Judy Gonyeau

MATTEL – Now that the “Big Game” is over for 2024, HOLLYWOOD – “Vintage”
Mattel has introduced a group of Kansas City Chiefs was the keyword buzzing
collectibles for everyone in the family. There’s the Chiefs around the internet after the
version of the UNO card game, a group of Mattel’s “Little fashion show that is the Oscar
People” with Mahomes, Kelce, Sneed, and a Chiefs’ super Nominee’s luncheon, making
fan. Last, but not least, is the first NFL Fan Barbie waving curators of vintage and
the “#1” foam finger and a Chiefs’ jersey. Each item is made antique clothing rejoice. From
to order and pre-orders are taking place at creations.mattel.com Stephen Spielberg wearing an
.Turning from football to the Barbie movie, Mattel also just olive wool 3-piece suit to
released a 60th Anniversary Allan doll. Margot Robbie’s vintage
Chanel in Barbie pink. 1980s
Retro, ‘40s double-breasted
NEW YORK – Seven items taken suits, ‘50s A-line swing skirts,
from the Asante Kingdom in West and midi-hemlines galore had vintage lovers everywhere playing
Africa by British forces during a 19th- “what’s that decade” as the nominees filed past and into Hollywood’s
century conflict were returned to the most prestigious luncheon. It is only a matter of time before Spring
Asante king in what is now Ghana on Antique and Vintage shows open and buyers looking to imitate the stars
February 5 by officials of the Fowler find their goods here on the ground.
Museum at UCLA. The museum,
which focuses on the cultures of Africa,
Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous SPEAKING OF VINTAGE CLOTHING – If you love vintage fash-
Americas, had received the items in ion, two new series will catch your attention: One follows Cristóbal
1965 as part of the largest gift in its history, a collection of some Balenciaga the sombre Spanish couturier, christened “the master” on
30,000 objects from a trust in the name of the benefactor, Sir Henry Disney+, and Christian Dior, who
Wellcome, a British pharmaceutical entrepreneur and artifact collector. launched the famous New Look in
The Fowler’s director, Silvia Forni, said that the transfer was part of a 1947, on Apple+. Both were gifted
shift from viewing museums as “collecting institutions entitled to designers but adhered to design styles that
own and interpret art based primarily on scholarly expertise, to the idea were diametrically opposed. Balenciaga’s
of museums as custodians, with ethical responsibility” to art objects style was spare and streamlined while
and to the communities where they originated. Dior’s was opulent and hyper-femi-
nine. Coco Chanel (who features in
both dramas) never praised other
ARTDAILY – HELP WANTED: New Owner for Vroman’s designers, but she made an exception for
Bookstore. Founded in 1894, Vroman’s has been a mainstay, a Balenciaga, stating, “Balenciaga is the last true designer – the rest of
meeting place, and a reliable sanctuary us are just dressmakers.” This comment coming from her was high
in a world of rapid change. When its praise indeed, as she dissed Dior constantly.
founder, Adam Clark Vroman, died in
1916, he left the bookstore to his
godson, Alan Sheldon, a Vroman’s LONDON – Determined to curate a stellar exhibit? Don’t turn to
employee. The current chair and the stars, focus on responses from visitors, docents, people walking
majority shareholder, Joel Sheldon by who don’t come in, and bonafide
III, 79, is the third generation of his geeks. This is what the British Museum
family to guide the company and has is doing in order to help flesh out ideas
been at the helm for more than 45 years. and displays for upcoming exhibits. The
Now, as Vroman’s prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary, museum recently opened Legion: Life in
Sheldon has decided it’s time to hand over the reins. He doesn’t just the Roman Army with added touches to
want to sell to the highest bidder, however. Sheldon wants to leave the make it a bit more family-friendly after
bookstore in good hands to serve the generations of families that members of a focus group spoke up,
cherish this haven of literature and special treasures. saying the exhibit “comes across as a bit
dry” and “It would be quite boring for a
kid.” Stuart Frost, who oversees this work
THE LEADER – A vintage bicycle taken for the museum, said, “I remember sit-
from Blue Line Bicycle Laboratory more ting opposite the curator and seeing his eyebrows raise in surprise.”
than a year ago has been returned to its Other museums using focus groups include the San Francisco Museum
rightful owner. Fred Zapalac, co-owner, said of Modern Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The costs for
it was his brother Dave’s prized possession, the focus research can be out of reach for smaller, regional muse-
a 1950s Columbia. “A guy came in and ums, but Focus Group Facilitator Andrew McIntyre offered this
wanted to borrow a bike for a photo shoot advice: “Invite 10 people in, give them some cake and coffee, and
with Jalen Green from the Houston ask them what they think.”
Rockets,” Fred recalled. “All we got was
the photographer’s phone number. But
then the phone number ended up not work- MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION – Antique fans rejoice as one of
ing, and the bike never came back.” Over a year later Fred saw the MPT’s most successful flagship series, Chesapeake Collectibles,
bike listed on Facebook by James Montanez, a vintage store owner. returns following a break due to Covid. The series showcases items
He had bought the Columbia on Feb. 5 and posted it on social brought to the show by individuals from across the Chesapeake region.
media. Fred messaged him and after talking, James brought it to them Collectors have their unique, antique, and collectible possessions evaluat-
the next day. “James appeared ready to eat the loss just to do the right ed by expert appraisers, who reveal fascinating facts about each item’s his-
thing. We gave him some cash anyway, and now all is right in the world.” tory, provenance, and value. View the series by clicking HERE.

March 2024 9