John Derian~studio visit
During our most recent buying trip in New York, we were fortunate enough to have a late-night private tour of John Derian’s workshop. The workshop is a treasure trove of inspiration for the pretty and painstakingly detailed decoupaged plates that John Derian now sells internationally, including esteemed shops as Liberty of London and Astier de Villate in Paris.
Julie (right hand gal) lead us through the aisles of work desks, each piled high with glass plates, antique papers, cutouts, inspirational ideas and quirky chatchkas, all the while explaining how each individual works in the close quartered environment. We were in awe of the creative and humble space where we could only imagine each employee hunched over their desk layering beautiful images under the close watch of John’s discerning eye. We truly left with a much deeper appreciation of each lovely plate that now proudly hangs in our shop, they are all a labour of love.
Be sure to look for the latest additions to the John Derian collection when you are at The Cross. The line has broadened to include, gift wrap, postcards, tissue paper, and compact mirrors. Another exciting addition is that artist, Hugo Guiness, who until this time has been sold exclusively at John’s NY store , will now be selling his charming framed linoleum cut prints. We expect our delivery to arrive in store in November! Check out our latest collection here
After our informative tour Julie, Darci and I dined among the young and noisy hipsters at Freeman’s Restaurant in the Bowery district, conveniently located just a hop, skip and a jump from JD’s studio. Dinner was delicious, and the dessert rivaled the eye candy in the room. With our fill of comforting peach pie, gooey chocolate brownie, and many Marc Jacobs lookalikes we left…smiling and satiated.
photo courtesty of Freemans Restaurant
~posted by Stephanie Vogler
