Homes
Designer Madeline Weinrib Showcases Her Worldly Treasures at Barneys New York
By Brooke Bobb
September 9, 2015
Aptly titled “A World of Influence,” Madeline Weinrib’s pop-up shop at Barneys New York is chock-full of treasures from around the globe. Opening tomorrow through November 27, this store-in-a-store is Weinrib’s pop-up on the Barneys floor, though her career has been nothing short of prolific. She began as a painter, but being the granddaughter of the founder of ABC Carpet & Home, it seemed to be fated that she design beautifully handcrafted, eclectic rugs and fabrics. Her business eventually expanded to travel-inspired textiles and decor.
Barneys is showcasing her creations, as well as other pieces sourced from around the world, many made by independent artisans. The collection includes pillows with her signature ikat prints; bowls from the Gem Palace in Jaipur, India; Moroccan tables; and Uzbeck servingware. Apart from her artful eye for design, Weinrib has a knack for discovering expert craftspeople, and for finding true diamonds in the rough. Below, she divulges where to look for these buried decor treasures near and far.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Mirror from Alfies Antique Market in London
I found these vintage chinoiserie mirrors at Alfies, one of my favorite markets, in London two years ago. Alfies is a wonderful place to rummage around, and you can find all sorts of things, from ’50s chandeliers to vintage costume jewelry and handbags.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Zsa Zsa chair from Palm Beach Vintage
I have a real affinity for pairing my fabrics with mid-century furniture originally upholstered in solid fabric. I found these vintage swivel chairs in Florida and covered them in my hand-cut velvet.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Bowls from Munnu The Gem Palace in Jaipur, India
Until he passed, every time I visited Jaipur I would spend time with Munnu at The Gem Palace. In the evenings he hosted the most wonderful dinners, I always met fascinating people from around the world. These exquisite little bowls by Munnu The Gem Palace are called vide poche—quite simply a small container kept in a convenient location to empty your pockets. Munnu’s are hand-carved and made from semiprecious stones, such as malachite, lapis, and rose quartz. They are jewelry for the home.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Marble votive from a private dealer in Rajasthan, India
Made from carved marble and silver leaf, these votives are handmade in India and, when lit, glow in the dark, like the city of Jaipur after sunset. They can be used inside, but are perfect for outdoor entertaining as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Vintage Suzani from a private dealer in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The antique Suzani throw is made in Uzbekistan and is completely hand-embroidered. This one is particularly unusual with its beautiful, rich earth tones—I bought it from a private dealer in Tashkent. They make exceptionally gorgeous bed covers, but I also love them as wall hangings.
Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
Moroccan tray from Marrakech, Morocco
Every time I go to Marrakech, I am always on the search for these fabulous vintage trays. I use them all the time in my own home, and they make a beautiful occasion of serving coffee, tea, or cocktails. They also pair wonderfully with any type of glassware.
