Mantiques Modern
146 w. 22nd St.
212-206-1494
When I asked the guy at the register if Mantiques is a man's antiques shop, and then stood cursing myself inside for asking such a dumb question, he seemed genuinely surprised that I would suggest such a thing. "It's somewhat geared," he said, "towards the masculine edge."
Uh, somewhat. I'd say that if I were shopping for an ultra-sophisticated, antiques-loving male relative, this shop would be my first choice. It's one of those eclectic, satisfying stores that inside its doors has created its own world.
The first thing you see when you walk in is a the giant leather elephant. Stepping around to its other side, it's revealed as a bar. It was probably made for Abercrombie; Mantiques has been able to source other custom Abercrombie animals, including the leather hippo bench ($8,200.) below.
Unfortunately, nothing is priced and you have to ask. I waited for an embarrassing interval while the shopkeeper tracked down one of the owners by phone to ask about a lacquer box I wasn't that serious about in the first place. Their website gives you an idea of their price range . . . sorry, Dad, I can't afford anything here for you for Father's Day, but next time you're in New York, we can stop by and enjoy.
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