Tucked in The Avant/Garde Diaries Project Space in Soho is Le Cabinet de Curiosites of Thomas Erber—a compilation of limited-edition goods curated by Mr.Tucked in The Avant/Garde Diaries Project Space in Soho is Le Cabinet de Curiosites of Thomas Erber—a compilation of limited-edition goods curated by Mr. Erber, a journalist and consultant. Le Cabinet de Curiosites (or CDC) is an annual collaborative affair whereby Erber brings together approximately fifty independent artists, brands, and designers, and gives them carte blanche to create (and, of course, sell) items that are alluring and exclusive.

New York is his fourth installment (Colette in Paris, Browns in London, and Andreas Murkudis in Berlin were CDC's previous venues), with Bangkok as its next. And last night's launch was hosted by one of the CDC's very first permanent guests, Parisian label Maison Kitsune, who produced a special black flight jacket with shearling. "It's a very American style that's perfect for New York," Maison Kitsune creative director and co-founder Masaya Kuroki (co-founder Gildas Loaec was also in attendance), who's been friends with Erber for fifteen years, said of the topper. "Thomas has style, and he's sharp," added Kuroki. "He has his modern eye but still appreciates all the old traditional things, which is so Maison Kitsune."

The designer's sentiments were echoed by second-time participant, House of Waris founder Waris Ahluwalia: "Mr. Erber is great. He really pulls it all together," Ahluwalia said. "It's nice to be in the company with other artists, and CDC is always a great show of mixed media, of everything from jewelry to caviar."

Notable items on offer include a French caviar-leather rolling case by Want Les Essentiels de la Vie, a rare copper-encased Marquis de Montesquiou Armagnac, twelve unique Vulcain timepieces, and a Moulinette x Højmark bicycle with graphic details etched into its steel frame.

"I have seen many young entrepreneurs and brand founders who put a lot of heart and soul into their [products], and on the opposite, I have seen many artists who are dealing with their own career as entrepreneurs," Erber said. "My role is to define the limit between both and to curate them with authentic enthusiasm and sincerity."

Le Cabinet de Curiosites of Thomas Erber is open through December 23 at 372 Broome Street, in New York.
POST: 2024-05-19