When construction and ship sailing schedules conspired to complicated show dates for Stella Mgmt Co’s fall Triple Pier Antiques Show — a mammoth event that requires two weekends and 150,000 square feet to accommodate more than 1,000 exhibitors — Pier 94 threw out a lifeline.
The Pier Antiques Show, which got underway November 18 and 19 and reprises this coming weekend, November 25 and 26, puts nearly as many antiques and collectibles under one roof and maintains all the fun of the traditional Triple Pier show.
A spacious, well-lighted facility, Pier 94 accommodates many trade shows. Fortunately, it was available for the two consecutive weekends and is able to hold up to 500 dealers each weekend. So Triple Pier — that is, Piers 88, 90 and 92 — became Pier “1” for this past and the upcoming weekend, although sectarian groupings under the single roof remain. “It’s based on what I call ‘loosely grouped’ categories,” said Irene Stella, explaining the concept she created during the show’s earlier days at the Meadowlands when about 230 or so dealers displayed their merchandise under one roof.
When the show came to the Passenger Ship Terminal, Stella was able to dedicate American and decorative arts to Pier 90, classic and formal antiques to Pier 92 and the growing phenomenon of Twentieth Century Modern to Pier 88. The Pier 94 layout creates in miniature what the traditional Triple Pier show offers.
But differences there are. Instead of the three waves of antiques enthusiasts that flow through Triple Pier’s staggered openings, there was a single human tsunami that engulfed Pier 94 this past weekend at the 9 am start time. A few dealers grumbled about the changes, but most got their “sea legs” after a while — and sold tags sprouted at many a booth early on Saturday. Dealers were most enthusiastic about the luxury of having a two-day setup, and many were warming to the fact that putting everyone in one big space gives shoppers more alternatives and the dealers themselves access to a bigger base of customers.
More important, none of the fun of Triple Pier has been lost. Those who plan to venture out to the show this Thanksgiving weekend can quickly orient themselves. Stella has printed out a floor plan that parses out where to find things. As you enter the show space, Americana stretches out before you in a long avenue, loosely bounded by formal and classical categories on the left and Modern on the right. Fashion Alley, the place to find vintage dresses, handbags and accessories, is at the end of the Americana section. As usual, the show’s quality is high and the variety seemingly limitless.
The photos on this page provide a small sample of what was on display during this past weekend. A fresh selection of merchandise will fill the Pier for this coming weekend’s event, November 25–26. For information, 212-255-0020 or www.stellashows.com.
