Nestled in an historic former handbag factory in a pre-WW1 brick building on Pacific Street is the fabulous show room of Irwin Feld Design. Situated in the heart of Stamford's rising antique and design nexus, Feld for the second time has augmented his brilliant spot since taking possession of it sixteen months ago, bringing the space to a sizable five thousand square feet.
Here Feld creates an unusual, stimulating show room unlike any other. This magical (and fortunately profitable!) space houses a fascinating mix of mid-century modern furniture, vintage haberdashery, very special artworks and one-of-a-kind creations.
A remarkable transformation is achieved daily as the space shimmers with natural light through dramatic oversized windows during the day but then truly sparkles at night. It is a far cry from the autumn afternoon when in conversation with friend and industry peer John Hiden (owner of Hiden Galleries), Feld commented that he would like a little Fairfield County office which to work on downtime between appointments. "Can you hop in the car with me now?" asked Hiden that day. Open to opportunity, Feld went along. Soon thereafter Hiden became his landlord. Bob Wilson, Feld's intrepid mover, remembers wondering on that first day of tenancy how the neglected space could be transformed. He sees it now as having exceeded Feld's original expectations, as it has grown quickly and developed a strong following thanks to Irwin's acute eye. It is a seasoned eye, well defined yet nonjudgmental. A 1960s Formula One white lacquer and red strip coffee table/ bench from Yugoslavia seems quite at home with Feld's own proprietary designs.
His wife Marcy is the company's Marketing Director. Together they formerly ran a Manhattan - based accessories business for fourteen years. Jointly they came to realize that "…whatever it is you are accessorizing, you can make it your own."
With wisdom and panache, the show room strikingly integrates all facets of the Feld's family life: family, friends, fashion, and fun. Grounded in tradition and cultivated by their interests, the show room space simultaneously is modern and classic. Feld's style seems to draw from everything he has accomplished, pulling it all together with finesse. His intuitive sensibility is reflected in the show room's current offerings.
His IFD Power Singles Chair #1 and IFD PSC #2 are perfect examples: using hardwoods and mahogany legs, Feld updates the mid-century modern inspired chair design along with a lumbar panel for comfortable support. While developed as a pair, each model evokes distinct personality, as the feminine covered button detail of PSC #2 complements the masculine solid striped welt of PSC #1.
The pieces could be right at home with signed Dunbar 1950s Edward Wormley sideboard sporting grass cloth inserts. Respectful of history an tradition, Feld values a fine objects presence and strives to amplify its deserved worth.
"I take what I find and make something out of it!"
This might mean presenting an object in an innovative way, as with a circa 1960 Stiffel sinuous glass and brass lamp base that becomes a sexy sculptural art work when topped with a shapely custom silk shade using vintage lace and antique beads.
Often Feld sees the extraordinary lines in a very fine estate piece that might otherwise be overlooked due to perceived shabby condition. Once revitalized through upholstery, Feld shows how to a make a piece fresh and custom while glamorous and appropriate for today's use.
With proper attention and devotion, beauty can be reclaimed. Feld's discerning treatment of a pair of Regency ottoman exemplifies this, as he covered them in stunning turquoise velvet with contrasting chocolate welting and buttons, the added textural distinction by outlining the legs with golden brass sabots. Clearly items such as these are elevated to new heights.
The whole IFD package wraps up reflections of his experience. Feld's background in menswear is apparent in the nuance of a clever lampshade, suggesting the buttons on a man's cuff. The fashion trade provides strong basis for inspiration and improvisation.
Joanna Kenneth joined the IFD team just over a year ago when there was little more than a copier, a desk, and a few great pieces of furniture in the Stamford show room. Now with a global clientele complementing those from Fairfield and Westchester counties and streams from Manhattan, Irwin Feld Design is being recognized as a force within the design world.
The growing demand for mid-century modern furnishings and how to establish them within more traditional surroundings makes Feld all the more in demand. Interior designers rely on his eye for just the right pieces. Corporate clients depend on him, too. His constant attention and analytical navigation informs the show room floor plan. Working with the current inventory while sourcing new furnishings, Feld showcases exquisite wares in eye-catching ensembles.
Imbued with Feld's warm personality, the show room is refreshing and comfortable, which sets people at ease. It is part gallery, part lounge. It seems ever-evolving and always welcoming.
As visitors relax and take it all in, Feld can encourage collectors while educating them. Feld charms and entertains his clientele, all the while informing them and enlightening their own taste. Truly an exceptional resource with his breadth of experience and extraordinary eye, Feld is able to pinpoint how to finish off a room and how to set the right tone.
His juxtaposition of objects has a timeless feel, as antique pieces are given new life with a clever use of fabric or a keen ironic sense. He reminds us to enjoy style rather than take it too seriously.
One client may walk in and want him to outfit an entire house, while another may simply stop in to browse. Sometimes events unfold serendipitously, as when a gentleman recently walked in for the first time not knowing what to expect, who stepped in front of an original art work Feld had found and was glued to the spot.
"I would like to own this," said the visitor. "I just love it. If I don't get it, I'll be sad." Such visceral reactions are not uncommon. Thus begins a client-Feld relationship that most likely will result in recurring acquisitions over time, as Feld loves to source special items specifically for prized clients.
Obviously smitten with the showroom space, Feld seems completely at home there. The commute from his Manhattan residence is agreeable, and his family is enthusiastic. Often one or more of his three teenage sons joins him there on weekends, occasionally with the family dog Charlie in tow. Regularly, seventeen year old son Alec arranges rhythmic audio tracks that skillfully underscore the engaging show room vibe. "That's the color, Carlos!" explains Feld as he strides back into the newest show room area added which is being christened an ethereal blue. He walks back out carefully while reviewing the particular painting technique, suggesting slight modification. His friendly demeanor engenders good feeling as demonstrated by exchanges with tradesmen and neighbors alike.
A recent event drew a great new audience as well as celebrated current clients. Coordinating such cultivation activities with neighbors Samuel Owen Gallery (formerly Pacific Street Framing) upstairs and Hiden Galleries Annex enhances synergies amongst the artistic entities. Feld deftly marries the space with the business. "What I've learned is we can do anything we want here – it's a creative space!" announces Feld with pride. The space generates energy and seems to inspire new ways of looking at objects.
As Irwin Feld Design grows with the show room, new projects seem to present themselves as outgrowths of converging elements. On the spur of the moment Feld might start a collection, soon finding that a trend follows, as when he recently uncovered a stash of remarkable antique Australian wool and cashmere handbags, many never used. All now may have a new life, and may prompt innovative avenues.
"They're really beautiful – so let's treat them nicely!" He often follows the direction in which he is lead intuitively by a particular art work or a cunning light fixture. Instinctively he recognizes fortuitous inspiration. He knows when something is right. "If it's fantastic, I'll find a spot for it," he promises.
Just recently Feld signed a Columbia County artist, an extraordinary sculptor who creates grand metal sculpture. This will augment the emerging artists and photographers he carries as well as works he has acquired from corporate collections and artists' estates. On the IFD horizon: an extraordinary line of remarkable chandeliers. Amazing components form elaborate conceptions intricately pieced as sassy innovative prototypes. They deliver maximum impact as a combination of function and flamboyance. "Look at those curves! Just calling out for treatment…" Feld remarks, eyeing an antique Murano glass piece, as one almost can see the wheels inside his head spinning.Another exciting IFD development available soon: a line of inspired custom wall coverings based on original artworks. Irwin Feld Design is becoming a lifestyle brand. It is a reflection of Irwin Feld's life, growth, and integration, along with his ever-forward inspiration.
Whether seeking a particular mid-century piece or simply updating a room with exceptional modern aesthetic, one should take advantage of Feld's exacting eye. It quite possibly is his greatest attribute. IFD clients auspiciously benefit. States Feld, "That's what it should be about: if you surround yourself with beauty, it makes you feel beautiful!"