WHAT: When Palm Beach Modern Auctions sold 550 lots of modern design, art and decor recently, the $1 million-plus result was a first for the Florida auction house. Buyers from 16 countries battled in house, by phone and online for original mid-20th century design. The genre is certainly having a moment these days, worldwide.
MORE: Along with Picasso ceramics and art by Botello and Dubuffet, furniture was popular. A βContourβ model loveseat (with oil rubbed walnut frame) by designer Vladimir Kagan brought $7,500.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Kagan designed furniture that appealed to young homeowners in the booming suburbs. Built low like most mid-century furniture, his work aimed for fluid lines and comfort. The curved spread legs on this seat are another Kagan signature.
HOT TIP: Originally sold with a white woven fabric cover, this version has apparently been re-covered at some point. Clean, original upholstery minus stains could have boosted the result. In mid-century, all-original is best. And, of course, purists want only original vintage pieces.
BOTTOM LINE: Kagan died earlier this year, but many of his designs, including the Contour loveseat with a footrest, are still in production and can be seen on vladimirkagan.com
