MEET THE MAKER

THE MASTERMIND BEHIND 1STDIBS.COM
CALLS THE HAMPTONS HOME

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Describe your Hamptons home: The bat cave—nobody knows where it is or has been invited to come. It's my sanctuary. Is it very different than how you live in Paris? I am always working wherever I live. The big difference is the language. All kidding aside, I spent the first three years of the 21st century going back and forth between Paris and the Hamptons because I craved both cultures. I spent most of the last five years in the Hamptons, and it's now the place I call home. What do you enjoy most about the Hamptons? When August hits, I swim in the sea every morning and I play tennis every evening. What's special about the Hamptons antiques scene? The dealers are ahead of the curve. We launched 1stdibs.com here first. We have exciting things in the works and they will be the first to know, but we can't spill the beans just yet …
Name an interesting trend in the antiques market right now: There is tremendous interest in anything YSL, probably because of the sale of his Paris estate earlier this year. Tell us a unique story about a 1stdibs sale: A customer told me a story of how she acquired a pair of lamps she spotted on 1stdibs.com. When she contacted the dealer, they had already been sold, but the dealer referred her to another 1stdibs dealer who had one of the lamps. Then, that dealer contacted yet another 1stdibs dealer who had the other lamp. Three dealers later, she finally had her pair.
Where do you visit regularly? We see you just added estate jewelry and fashion to the site. What's in store for the future? We love all things antique and vintage. Look for new categories by year's end. 1stdibs has added so many new markets—which city was a pleasant surprise? I love New Orleans! The first time I was there, I felt like I had landed on Mars. It was also my first trip to the South. If you have to ask why someone likes New Orleans, then you know they have never been … Just go see for yourself and stay at the Soniat House. What categories of antiques always catch your eye? Right now, 18th-century furniture. It's the best value on the market.
What was your most memorable purchase and where did you find it? My 1963 Mercedes Benz convertible. I purchased it on eBay. Where will we find you in September? At the U.S. Open. Any travels coming up? Where to? Next stop: Maine. I go every August. It's like being in Hamptons in June—beautiful and way less crowded. What's essential to have in your life? Friends, family and liquidity! In one sentence, describe how you ended up doing what you're doing today: When I was 18, I read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and it put me on a course that I am sure I would not have been on otherwise.