Friday, June 11, 2010

Martini anyone?



Roberta is a very smart Milanese lady, owner of “Roberta e basta” several stores, who many years ago started a business searching for furniture and accessories mainly from the 1920’s and 1930’s , at the time undervalued by architects and decorators. The day I took the pictures there was a “happening” at one of the showrooms in Brera district in Milan with the theme “Bar furniture from the Fifties”.
Needless to say Roberta (above) arrived dressed as a lady of that time and so did her beautiful daughter in law (below).

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and a few guests…

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I was told they had a great time just finding the dresses and accessories, I had a great time taking the pictures!

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Bar furniture was a piece that in Italy became popular in the Fifties in wealthy families homes. It was a status symbol also because at the time Italy was enchanted by the American lifestyle, coming to us after a terrible war time mostly through Hollywood movies, so we all wanted to act like Grace, Audrey or a more simple Doris…or Cary and Rock preparing a drink for guests behind a stylish counter and pouring it in the appropriate glass. How to prepare a perfect Martini was then a must!

Below are a few beautiful pieces you can find at “Roberta e basta” main store.

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Roberta has now six stores in Milan and with the help of her son she researches also more modern pieces of furniture, particularly from the 1950’s and 1970’s but with an eye to any beautiful modern or contemporary piece of furniture or accessories.

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A fun time taking pictures, chatting and sipping Prosecco accompanied by delicious tartine.

Photography by Albarosa Simonetti

5 comments:

Theresa Cheek said...

I got so caught up in the clothing, I had to go back to focus on the furniture!!It looks like a wonderful shop...not only great pieces, but that chinoiserie wall is not too bad either!

qerat said...

That black and red chair with curved arm rests is just a piece of art.
Must have been a fun gathering

Karena said...

Agree with Tareq, Fabulous design! Love red! Fun party!

Karen
Art by Karena

MEADE DESIGN GROUP said...

I love all the pieces. I just want to have a party and I want all the ladies to wear a hat.

Claudia Juestel / Adeeni said...

How fun! Your blog is like a guide book to what is hip and cool in Milan.

Now I feel like needing to squeeze in a visit when going to Austria in August. You have inspired me. Thanks.

Cheers,

Claudia

 
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