This is the 42nd edition of the San Francisco Fall Show, which is quite an achievement. Can you tell us about the origins of the show and how it has evolved over the years?

It all started in the late 1970s with two ladies who were both relatively new to San Francisco: Toby Rose and Nancee Erickson. They embarked on a mission to bring a world class, international art and antiques fair to San Francisco (no small feat) and Toby Rose ran it for an impressive 25 years, building its reputation. Over the last 42 years, the show has grown into THE leading international art, antiques, and design fair on the West Coast. It’s always an exciting annual event and the Show has certainly evolved with the times and with trends in collecting and decorating. The 80’s were all about glitz and glam and now we’re into a less showy world where the old “rules” are broken and we mix it all up in a far more collected and sophisticated way.  A few years back, “Art” was added to the name of the show which was by popular demand from many of the dealers who specialized in fine art, sculpture and photography. It opened the show up to a broad range of art galleries, appealed to attendees and emphasized that our world is not cookie-cutter but rather more individual and collected. 

We have also invited our dealers to think beyond the classic world of antiques which was required to be 100 years old or more, and bring a cross-section of pieces – vintage as well as contemporary pieces.  This has brought a more current and quite frankly, a more interesting vibe to the show which has been very well received. The San Francisco Fall Show remains one of the oldest and most revered shows in the country, if not the world, with both national and international dealers exhibiting. 

What do you believe sets the San Francisco Fall Show apart from other art and design fairs, both nationally and internationally?

Our show is unique because we attract the finest dealers who bring the best quality and exquisite pieces, uniquely curated for the show. I try to shop all of the major US and European shows and the San Francisco Show is truly one of the best, being one of the oldest and most revered shows in the country. Plus, we are known for our now legendary, quite fabulous Opening Night Gala set amongst the art and antiques along with the glam and glitterati. 

The theme this year, “Black & White,” is timeless yet bold. What inspired you to select this theme, and how do you see it tying together the various art forms—decorative arts, fashion, photography, and more?

Unlike other art fairs, we are a show that always has a theme, from Animalia to Egyptomania, Nautical to Wanderlust, Jewelry & Gems and so forth. A theme is a great way to focus a show, inspire your dealers and excite an audience. Celebrating the timeless appeal and elegant contrast of Black & White in the worlds of decorative arts, fashion, photography, fine art, and beyond seemed overdue. From Piranesi’s prints to De Kooning’s brush strokes, from Escher’s mazes to Matisse’s charcoals, from lacquer and japanning to ebony and mother of pearl, Black & White is the monochromatic thread that ties it all together. Inspired by the timeless tuxedo, the cinematic glamour of Hollywood, and of course Truman Capote’s legendary Black & White ball, the show will explore the artistic and emotional dimensions of this enduring color duo – at once chic and bold, dramatic but simple, polar opposites yet perfect partners. 

Truman Capote’s iconic Black & White Ball is mentioned as a source of inspiration. Are there any specific nods to this historic event that attendees can expect to see during the gala or show?

There are, in the sense that we were thinking “chic and elegant, yet bold and graphic” when it came to the design and the visual aspects of the show. There may not be ball gowns and masks but there is a lot of chatter about what to wear so I know that our gala attendees will not disappoint in terms of the fashions we will see!

With over 40 dealers from around the world, how do you go about selecting which exhibitors to feature? What criteria do you use to ensure the show represents such a diverse range of periods and styles?

We have a wonderfully loyal group of returning dealers each year and a discerning internal committee vetting prospective dealers. Many aspects are considered, including references from other dealers and/or professional organizations, the need for a specific category to be represented at the show, etc. New dealers are often referred to us by existing dealers, though in a few cases we hear of a distant dealer and invite them to exhibit.

Are there any particularly rare or historically significant pieces on display this year that visitors should keep an eye out for?

I am thrilled to welcome Barry Lawrence Ruderman, a new dealer this year, who specializes in antique and rare maps and will showcase the first manuscript map of San Francisco Bay from 1772, by Juan Crespi as part of the first official expedition by the Spanish. Talk about a piece of Bay Area history!

The Designer Vignettes are always a highlight of the show. Can you share a bit about the process behind selecting the designers and their collaborations with exhibitors? What makes this year’s vignettes especially exciting?

When I became the Chair of the San Francisco Fall Show in 2015 (2024 will be my tenth year as Chair!), I brought back the Designer Vignettes in the Grand Entry Hall. In year’s past, they had always been a marvelous introduction to the Show and there’s no better way to set the stage, drum up excitement for what’s to come, and illustrate the Show’s theme. We are beyond fortunate that de Gournay has been our wonderful “partner in crime” since the very beginning, creating truly stunning wallpapers and embroideries – often custom creations – with the most creative designers and thereby making the vignettes absolutely unforgettable. Noted vignette designers over the years have included: Veere Grenney, Emma Burns and Philip Hooper of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, Alex Papachristidis, Nina Campbell, Charlotte Moss, Hutton Wilkinson, Paul Wiseman, Alessandra Branca, Ken Fulk, and many more…

2024 will raise the bar even higher. I have been working behind the scenes with each of our vignette designers (Mark D. Sikes, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Chloe Redmond Warner and Ann Pyne and Elizabeth Pyne Singer of McMillen Inc.) and they have come up with some truly visionary concepts to interpret our Black & White theme (see above), showcasing treasures from our wonderful dealers, all against a spectacular backdrop of de Gournay wall coverings and embroideries. 

How do you see contemporary design interacting with antiques and historical pieces in this year’s show? Is there a piece or exhibit that you feel exemplifies this dialogue between past and present?

I’m not a purist, and I definitely believe in marrying contemporary pieces with antiques, modern elements with antiquities, and mixing the high with the low. I love how our Show juxtaposes the contemporary art offered by Berggruen Gallery or Modernism with the patina of Maison & Co’s Gustavian furniture or the ancient antiquities from Phoenix Ancient Art. It is that “design dialogue” between past, present and future that makes our show so relevant.

With such an impressive lineup of speakers, from Charlotte Moss to Bunny Williams and Mark D. Sikes, which talks or book signings are you most looking forward to, and why?

Our Lecture Series Chair Chesie Breen of NivenBreen in New York has applied her expert guidance and strategic planning experience to put together an outstanding series of lectures and book signings featuring some of the most prominent – and promising – men and women in the worlds of art, antiques, design, architecture, and history. The lectures will explore a wide variety of topics, from collecting to entertaining, from design history to design future, from soulful minimalism to exuberant maximalism, and much more… I will attend them all (really can’t pick a favorite…) and I guarantee you will be entertained, educated and inspired!

This year’s Opening Gala will benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF). Can you tell us more about the importance of this partnership and how the show has supported the arts community over the years?

I am delighted that a portion of the Show’s Opening Night Gala supports our beloved museums and I am honored to be working with the extraordinary FAMSF team. This relationship is written in the stars – a natural synergy between the pre-eminent antiques and art fair on the West Coast and the FAMSF world class museums. This collaboration elevates and enhances the outreach of both organizations, resulting in an unparalleled celebration of art, antiques and design.
Both Aerin and Wes have deep connections to fashion—Aerin through her lifestyle brand and Wes through Carolina Herrera. How do you see their influence impacting the intersection of fashion with the other art forms at this year’s show?

I am a strong believer in the “cross-pollination” of all design disciplines – it is a powerful catalyst for innovation and creativity. Fashion especially can offer new perspectives and frameworks for considering other art forms by providing a unique lens through which to explore aesthetics, functionality, and narrative. Both Aerin and Wes, besides being good friends, have a shared passion for design and are avid collectors of antiques and art. I am already so curious to know what both of them will be taking home! 

As the Show Chair, you must have a unique perspective on the exhibits. Do you have a personal favorite item or a specific period or style that captivates you more than others?

I have a soft spot for anything with good lines, beautiful finishes, deep patina, and intriguing provenance. I’m not a purist, though and I definitely believe in marrying contemporary pieces with antiques, modern elements with antiquities, and mixing the high with the low. Being a designer, I shop these antiques shows and art fairs year-round, and it all depends on what speaks to me for my various projects or perhaps something that I personally might want to take home. I’m always being asked what one should buy in the way of vintage or antique pieces so my mantra is one should always have something with age in any room – preferably not yourself :)

What keeps you passionate about chairing this event year after year? What continues to excite you about bringing such a diverse array of art and design to the Bay Area?

San Francisco’s design community is relatively small yet has a massive base of collaborative creativity and talent.  Exceedingly supportive of one another on both a personal and professional level, the design community has always actively engaged to give back, share knowledge, achievements and resources with peers. And there is a great need to support the somewhat dying arts of craftsmanship and artisans, education and apprenticeships. In other words: San Francisco is the perfect host to welcome the world’s top art and antiques dealers. And on a personal level: I have worked with many of the Show’s dealers for decades…. they are an enthusiastic and passionate bunch, wholly committed to their trade and exceptionally knowledgeable. They are in many ways the caretakers of the “human experience” in all its glory, and I love them for it.

As we celebrate the 42nd year of the San Francisco Fall Show, what do you envision for the future of the event? How do you see it evolving in the next decade?

Naturally or perhaps obsessively, I am already internally brainstorming our 2025 theme (and the years beyond).  Throughout the year, people always reach out to me and I to them about supporting the show, sponsoring events, and our patrons are extraordinarily loyal and generous. I feel I have an obligation to them to keep the show going, to keep it exciting, and to keep it very San Francisco. I have a remarkable team with our show Director, Susan Engel, and my own marketing Director, Vera Vandenbosch, so together we are always planning on how to make the next show even better! 

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone attending the show for the first time, especially if they are new to collecting or appreciating art and antiques?

I would say: cast aside any preconceived notions you may have about “antiques” and your grandmother’s house. Come see for yourselves, explore the booths, meet the dealers, learn a lot (ask lots of questions: they are more than welcome and very much encouraged!) and whether large or small, take home a fabulous find. If you’re in the under 40 crowd, join the Young Collectors and come and have a blast surrounded by gobs of eye-candy!  Don’t miss the Opening Night Gala on October 16 and take a tip from what every top designer knows – the San Francisco Fall Show makes for an extraordinary experience – it’s the never ending treasure hunt!

PHOTOGRAPHER: DREW ALTIZER