Finds and Fancies Vol. 3
When ABASK met Mahnaz
As has often happened to me lately, I have found myself getting delightfully lost browsing the interwebs, lurking resale and secondhand marketplaces, Etsy, and the like... this time, though, my delightful detour led me to the world of ABASK. And you know me – I'm always on the hunt for unique, well-crafted pieces that really say something, definitely not the cookie-cutter variety, whether it's clothing, furniture, or art (jewelry, of course, goes without saying!). And the site has so many items embodying all of these qualities. So, as always, here I am, sharing with you lovely people!
For those unfamiliar, ABASK, in their own words, shines a light on exceptional craftsmanship and design, connecting individuals with the world's finest objects and makers. I found myself exploring The Closet, mostly, which showcases a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and fine jewelry. And they do this very, very well, highlighting the artisanal process, local stories, and top-tier materials and construction. The cultural and historical background of design is central to their ethos as they uncover unique and functional items you won't find just anywhere. So, while browsing the site, I was thrilled to find that one of my favorite collectors, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, is the featured jewelry curator on the platform. And it feels like a perfect match – my jewelry nirvana!
Mahnaz is a greatly admired New York curator and collector, the visionary behind Mahnaz Collection, a gallery that celebrates global beauty. Her eclectic taste brings together renowned and lesser-known artists from various eras, all united by exceptional originality, artistry, and craftsmanship.
Let’s dig into what’s on my wishlist and my mind!
For the best viewing experience and to make sure you don't miss anything, I recommend opening this email in your browser or (better yet!) viewing it in the Substack app.
And I'll leave you with this thought: yes, I know that these pieces, and fine jewelry in general, are often considered an 'investment.' However, even if owning something isn't possible right now, I encourage you to see the artistry as a source of inspiration. Just like anything that catches your eye, these examples can help you identify the materials, styles, and eras you're drawn to, as I've discussed in previous posts here and here.
As always, I hope you enjoyed these little glimpses. If you did, please like this post – it helps people with similar interests discover my newsletter. Thank you so much for your support!
xx Veronica
Recent posts in case you missed them:
More gems in recent features with my favorite fashion Substack writers:
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I love this series so much. That triangle brooch is to die for! xxx