Though the news isn't uncommon, it is always unexpected and heartbreaking: another one of my beloved vendors is going-out-of-business. This time, it's my favorite frame-maker. As a merchant, it's thrilling enough to find a high-quality product—made to exacting, old-time standards—but when that item happens to be manufactured in New York City, well, that's wonderful, indeed!
After 40 years, Ruth and Constantine Elias are closing-up their manufacturing workshop in Queens, New York. For the last 25 of those years, they were nearly always my highest-volume vendor source (and always in the top three). Their frames were in my store on Day One, on my first day of trading in August of 1995 (on Bleecker Street). As LEO Design got bigger and more successful, I committed increasing space and investment dollars to stock a complete range of sizes in all of my favorite styles—which meant calling-in orders every week during the busiest periods. Over 25 years, I've sold hundreds (maybe thousands) of their frames to my customers—customers delighted to be honoring (and preserving) their treasured photographs in such a classy and sophisticated way.
Over the next several days, I will be sharing some of my favorite pewter frames. I have a nice assortment on-hand (at the moment), but once I've sold a piece, I can no longer re-order it.
Thank you, Ruth and Constantine, for 25 years of partnership and thank you for committing yourselves to quality, detail and style (even though it's expensive to do so).
The "Double Beaded" frame, shown above, adds a "pop" of sparkle to any photo—without distracting from the subject. Click on the photo above to learn more about this frame.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248