Brownstoner Swings Both Ways
Given our clear preference for the classic when it comes to brownstone architecture, a lot of readers don’t seem to believe that we also have an appreciation for modern design, but this just ain’t the case. Back when we were in business school (collective gasp!), we were a partner in a furniture store some of…
Given our clear preference for the classic when it comes to brownstone architecture, a lot of readers don’t seem to believe that we also have an appreciation for modern design, but this just ain’t the case. Back when we were in business school (collective gasp!), we were a partner in a furniture store some of you may remember called Totem. Located on Franklin Street in Tribeca, Totem was at the forefront of the movement that made modern design fun, fresh and hip again. Unfortunately, Totem was a better artistic concept than business and, alas, it is no more. But the man behind Totem, David Shearer, is still very much involved in the modern design world as the Director of a group called Exhibitions International. Coinciding with next week’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair, David will be co-hosting the Swedish Design & Architecture Symposium on May 13 from 6-8 pm at the Center for Architecture at 536 LaGuardia Place. There will be a panel discussio with the four featured designers–MÃ¥rten Claesson, Eero Koivisto, Ola Rune, and Monica Förster. Space is limited so make sure to RSVP below if interested.
RSVP page [AIA NYC]
As a member of the Totem “tribe” in the late nineties, I can attest to the vibe of the place. Shearer used the store as an instrument to promote a design movement, and blurred the line between art gallery and furniture store, by hosting “openings” to celebrating design talent from around the globe. The parties were a funkier spin on the typical soho/chelsea gallery opening, with stronger drinks and better music. After a couple of bright orange totem cocktails (Tropical V8 Splash and vodka)and some beats laid down by (gasp)Karim Rashid or Billy Shane you started to feel the globular power of wacky, brightly colored late nineties style.
Did you ever attend one of the “openings” there circa 1998-1999? Lots of energy and excitement about what they were doing. Did it have as big an impact as Moss? Of course not, but it certainly was one of a handful of places downtown during a time when modern design was just creeping onto the broader public’s radar screen.
“Totem was at the forefront of the movement that made modern design fun, fresh and hip again.”
o.m.g.